I read an article recently that said, “French women are beautiful because they think they are beautiful and act accordingly.”
There is something to this. Scripture tells us, “As a man thinks, so is He.”
Sometimes when I have to go to reunions or family gatherings (like my mom’s memorial), or to speak in a new place, I will think, “I wonder if I can lose 10 pounds in the next 3 days.” Or” maybe I can get a new haircut or something else and look 30 years younger and 20 pounds lighter.
Just a girl-thing, I guess.
Sometimes I try to spiritualize it away.
But in the end, I have to just accept who I am.
So, I think I will try to adopt this philosophy,
My kids have said in the past year, “Mom, at your age, it is normal to be squishy. We don’t want you to be a hard body like a 20 year old.” And they mean it in the kindest way.
At any rate, I think today, I will put on my French self and act as though I am as beautiful as my sweet, children see me, and live in the grace of the moment with a smile on my heart.
Sally, I LOVE this!
Yes, you ARE beautiful. and French.
So true! What we are on the inside emanates to the outer that everyone sees & feels about us. We can do our best to look nice. Our well being depends on taking care of our health the very best we can. French women take care of themselves. As Christians we can know the spiritual side is most important, though. Thank you for the reminder, Sally.
I love this! My children call me “fluffy”! I know that they say it in love too and the tell me that fluffy feels so good
….okay so I want to be young and beautiful and to wow my husband…but our beauty is in being their wives, their mothers and for most importantly shining the love of God on them! Merci for making me feel french today!
Moi, aussi, ma soeur! (Me, too, my sister.)
Yes, you are beautiful!! I have a postcard of this painting on my dining room table awaiting a frame. It is part of the permanent collection at the Kimbell in Ft. Worth. The admission is free so if you have time while you are in TX it might be a nice reprieve for you!! Many prayers and much love to you!!
At thirty I have to do the same thing Sally. You are and every one of us are beautiful because our God created us beautiful. I think it’s a daily choice to walk in the beauty He has created us! How radiant you are Dear One!
This is a treasure I wish all women would read and follow this French secret.
I grew up being told repeatedly how pretty I was, what perfect toes I had, what beautiful eyes and smile and endless other adoring comments from my mom. It never occurred to me I was anything else, even during the awkward stages of early teen years and the later years of adult acne in my late 20′s.
I am of a “certain” age where this just makes me feel so much better Sally.
What a wonderful reminder. :O)
Did you just read my mind?!
I’m sitting here with dye on my hair texting with my mother about two big events happening next month. The first of which is sure to make me feel less secure about my looks… I’m shaving my head to help raise money and awareness for childhood cancer! Then as soon as I deplane from that adventure, I’m heading BALD to my cousin’s wedding where I’ll see tons of family I haven’t been able to see in the last 3 years while we fought my daughters cancer. Bald. Did I mention bald? 10lbs… I’d love to lose 10lbs… lol! I’ll have to start chanting in my head… “Be French like Sally!”
I love that. Thank you.
You have hit on something, Sally, that just struck me too a few days ago. I have been very concerned about my weight and looks since I’ve had my babies and I still have the few extra pounds. But, I walked by a young man in the grocery store and he looked at me like “we want young men to look at us” (which I’m positive I misconstrued – I could have been his mother!) and you know what? It was gross! Right then I realized that I am stuck in that young girl mentality that I need to catch the eye of young men! EEWWW!! I never realized that I still thought that way and THAT is what was motivating my stress over my weight! My husband is enough for me and staying healthy and attractive for him is one thing – and I don’t want the other thing! Thanks for confirming this for me!
Dear Sally,
I had the pleasure of meeting you last year at “Relevant” and I must say that you are truly beautiful inside and out. The Lord shines through you with every smile and your eyes twinkle with the joy of Jesus. Thank you for inspiring so many of us women to live more and more for Him every day.
May you have peace and comfort as you walk the days ahead.
Oh YES! The how many pounds can I lose in two days panic.
It’s insane and destructive.
I vote instead for the find the most comfortable, flattering outfit you have, put on your beautiful smile, and face your day with courage and resolve while thanking the Lord God for the beauty and joy He always provides, even in the midst of pain.
Susan
I love these thoughts. I always try to have at least one outfit I call “my French outfit” in my closet at all times–something that makes me feel pretty, feminine and stylish, without being immodest. For me, dressing “French” helps me BE French.
And I agree with others–you definitely are French.