Reflections of Chapters 2 and 3

When I was reading chapters 2 and 3, I almost felt that chapter 3 led into chapter 2...where Chapter three addressed that a major fear of woman was not having a "beauty to unveil" and chapter two talked about the beauty we DO have to give.  I feel like I definitely gained some insight to myself and understanding why sometimes I react or do the things I do.

It's so crazy how Satan has a way with distorting things.  I feel so uncomfortable being delighted in.  If I wanted to share something, I was "being too proud" or would question myself and think, "it's not good enough."  If I felt good about myself on a certain day it was, "you are conceited "  or "fooling yourself."  No matter what, I really could not win.  On top of that there is the whole perception of beauty the world has so I was pretty much set up for failure.  I really enjoyed how these two chapters showed that there is no shame in wanting and desiring beauty, in fact, we are designed for it.  It extends beyond the physical as well, showing in your character, talents, and relationships that you have.  It has been about a little over a week so my thoughts aren't as fresh as they were back when I initially read these chapters, but I have definitely felt encouraged and there is a sudden and drastic change in the way I see myself and the way I feel when I interact with others.  Not to say that I don't ever second guess myself or feel insecure, but I definitely feel like I can recognize lies when they are being told and am stronger and more aware to not believe them.  My desire for myself and for all of us reading this together is to discover what we really look like in the eyes of Christ.  We all look at ourselves in the mirror and often times only see where we fall short.  Whether we think we are too much of something, or not enough of another, nothing is good enough.  But that is simply not the case.  I want to know what God knows about me and be able to look in the mirror and see things the way he does.  I am tired of seeing what I think I am and feeling like it is all I will ever be.  I want to know my true identity and I feel like we are on our way!