While society may try to set certain beauty standards, the author and evangelist who leads Going Beyond Ministries insists that beauty comes from God’s unique design.

“Your uniqueness is what makes you beautiful.
Each of us – you and me and everyone else – is designed intentionally individual,” Shirer wrote on her Going Beyond blog. “We are each designed with intricacies in our physicality and personality that are divinely crafted to become a prism through which the brilliant glory of God is displayed, splashing His glory across every corner of the globe.”

Shirer explained how flaws should even be considered a part of God’s beautiful design.

“Our individual lives and every aspect of it are fingerprints, so distinct and diverse that they cannot be duplicated and should not be despised. .. For we have been ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ inside and out,” she wrote. “The unique bents, interests, ideas, experiences and expressions of each gender and of every culture reflect and display a kaleidoscope of His beauty to those with whom we cross paths. Even our weaknesses and frailties, brokenness and imperfections become part of the testimony.”

Instead of trying to fit in so much, Shirer encouraged women to celebrate the things that make them unique.

“Stop dulling your uniqueness, sister friend… Comparing and competing as if you do not bear the image of God. Resist the urge to quiet your individuality and blend in,” she wrote. “You weren’t made for that. Even the sharpest curves and roughest edges of your past and present can reflect Him in a breathtaking way to those around you.”

Shirer reminded people about how scripture calls for them to be a light in this world.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors to the world. I’m putting you on a light stand – shine! – Matthew 5:14 –16 (The Message),” she shared.

 

(Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images)