A Lesson From Louisa

''If you dear little girls would only learn what real beauty is, and not pinch and bleach and starve yourselves out so, you'd save a great deal of time and money and pain. A happy soul in a healthy 

body makes the best sort of beauty for man or woman."

~Uncle Alec from Louisa May Alcott's Eight Cousins.

I recently met with an old, dear friend of mine,Louisa May Alcott through her book Eight Cousins. Why don't they write books like that anymore? Books that are human and real, but also very beautiful and idyllic. Books that make you want to be a better sister, friend and human being. While the characters are admirable, with good character, they still have their trials and tribulations just like the rest of us.  

I truly believe that quote at the beginning of this post. I wonder what Uncle Alec would think of todays pinching,bleaching and starving? I don't think he ( or the mind behind him, Louisa May Alcott) would be very popular in todays image-obsessed world.

Now I'm not saying we can't be beautiful, or want to look nice. Our God is a God of Beauty, look at nature! What I'm saying is, that before we start worrying about our outside we need to give our inside a good, hard look. Self examination of what is inside our hearts and minds may often be painful, but is the most beneficial beauty treatment there is.

I often forget that, and begin to think I'm of more worth if I am gorgeous. To the worlds way of thinking, that may be true. But thankfully, our Father in Heaven loves us and cherishes His children no matter what we look like. It makes no difference if we look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame or a runway model, He loves us unconditionally. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

And thank you,dear Louisa, for reminding us.

Joyfully in Him,

 Emily

P.S If you have never read Eight Cousins, you should ( if you have the time ).