Years ago it was craft time at a women’s retreat with the wonderful women from Central, worship@central.org.  I love opportunities to create. Our project: Paint and decorate a wooden scarecrow.  As silly as it sounds, I took my time painting his eyes, nose and smile, choosing fabric and buttons, finding just the right hat, placing the straw exactly where it should go.  To me, a mom of young children, this was therapy!  He was perfect, just as I planned.  I was proud of what I created.  We displayed our masterpieces in the back of the room.  They were all so adorable!  Each scarecrow had its own unique style and, in a way, personality.  Every year this little 12 inch scarecrow is a part of my fall décor.  He reminds me of a priceless lesson I learned that I want my daughters, and all the women in my life, including you, to know as well.

As a teenager I often focused on my imperfections, comparing myself to other girls, flipping through the pages of teen magazines seeing what I wish I could be.  I was never quite content with how God made me.  However, shortly after my stay in the hospital I was put on a high dose of steroids which made my face swell and caused me to gain weight.  At the same time, I started monthly chemotherapy which resulted in my hair falling out. Continue reading “Genuine Beauty” →