April 20, 2006

• But what if I’m not beautiful…?

  I don’t know about you, but I know I’ve asked this question before – quite often and quite desperately, in fact.  The insecurity was exacerbated by the descriptions I found of the notable women of the Bible:  Abraham said to his wife Sarah, “I know what a beautiful woman you are.” (Gen 12:11)  Of Rebekah, it was written, “The girl was very beautiful…”  (Gen 24:16)  “Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful.  Jacob was in love with Rachel.”  (Gen 29:17-18)  These women got these men simply because they were beautiful, it seemed.
  

  But is that God’s way? 

  The other night, I made a striking discovery.  Of Ruth, Boaz declared, “You are a woman of noble character.”  (Ruth 3:11)

  Interesting.  Among the prominent females of the Bible, Ruth is the only woman in the Bible who was described as a woman of noble character.  Nothing is mentioned about her beauty.  But she is a woman to be emulated and admired — and she was admired by Boaz.  He took notice of her right away, welcomed her (“Come over here.  Have some bread.”), went through a lot of trouble to protect her from harm and give her what she needed, and then ultimately to marry her (although within the framework of that time and culture, it was sacrifice on his part to do so) — and yet, it was never written about her that she was beautiful. 

  What is prominent and notable about Ruth is her character.  She is attractive and she is honored for her faith, her courage, her steadfast love, and her boldness.  This story gives hope — for those of us who feel far less than beautiful.  Those who are not drop-dead gorgeous can be recognized, honored, have amazing influence… and, just as icing on an already good cake, can captivate the heart of a man of “good standing” and repute – a quality guy!!  

  It seems to me that Ruth’s story highlights and enlightens that it is far better to be known to have character than beauty.  For the other women who were known for their beauty are also remembered for their godless actions (Sarah had a hand in Abraham’s doubting of God’s promises with regard to Hagar, Rebekah encouraged Jacob to deceive, Rachel was spiteful and ungracious toward her unloved sister).  We are all able to recognize that we can admire certain aspects of these women, but it’s also true that we must be discerning about what we emulate in them. 

  In the end, it seems that it’s not about how beautiful you may appear to be but how beautiful you truly are.  We are never clued in to the beauty of the surface of Ruth’s face, but we will always remember her as beautiful by her life full of grace. 

  • 4:09 pm
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