Guatemala Reflection #3: Beauty

It wasn’t until I spent a week free from TV, internet, radio and billboards that I realized just how barraged we are with messages about beauty. Everywhere we turn, we are told that we can be more beautiful by using anti-ageing creams, drinking protein shakes, following extreme diet programs, injecting chemicals into our skin and stuffing ourselves into Spanx. We need to whiten, tighten, lift, nip, tuck, lather rinse and repeat. Our hair should be softer, eyelashes should be thicker and longer, waists should be thinner, breasts perkier. We should buy the best to be the best and if we don’t, we’re less than.

For the love of God and all that’s holy---enough!

The women of Guatemala were beautiful and I’m pretty sure they didn’t know it. Their hair was natural, shiny and smooth. They wore no make-up yet their skin glowed. The wrinkles in the faces of the elderly women added to their character, every deep line a testament to their lives. Some of the women’s bodies were muscular from the physical demands of their surroundings while others were soft and curvaceous. Their teeth, while not perfect, were framed in smiles that went all the way to their hearts.

I didn’t give my appearance much thought during the trip (some of you who travelled with me are probably like, ah yeah, we noticed) and it was absolutely refreshing! Admittedly at home, I’m a wrinkle cream toting, hair color wearing, mani-pedi sporting, fashion loving kind of gal. But let me tell you it was soooo nice to be free from societal pressures and just be me.

In Sara Haze’s song Lovely she sings “…just want to be little old me. Shouldn't have to think who am I supposed to be today? And what gives you the right to tell me who I should be? Who gave you that right? Cause I, I feel lovely just the way that I am. Yes I feel lovely, the way that I am”.

I was reminded during this trip that being beautiful is simply being me. I have struggled with body image my whole life. Yet in Guatemala, I felt lovely, just the way that I was.

I felt beautiful as I shoveled stone, wielded a hammer and carried wood, thanking God for the strength of my body. I felt beautiful as I connected with others, being able to share life with them. I felt beautiful as I tried new skills, thanking God for the ability to learn and grow. I felt beautiful being out of my comfort zone, thankful for the opportunity to do so. I felt beautiful as I served, as people encouraged me that I could do more, be more. I felt beautiful when I laughed, truly appreciating the joy that comes from fellowship with others.

As it turns out, I didn’t need my hair dryer or mousse. I could do without my Clinique makeup and face creams. I didn’t need a gym or workout equipment. I left behind my jewelry and nice clothing.

My beauty came from serving, connecting, learning, growing, jumping, risking, laughing, encouraging, praising, praying, appreciating and loving.

Loving God, loving others and loving me.

Ask for help. Make the choice. Commit to the choice. Continue with courage.

Hugs and friendship,

Tara