Virtuous Reality Blog

In high school, our campus was always expanding on account of overcrowding; thus, a portion of the classrooms were actually held in portables. These portables had tinted windows, which of course had a reflective quality on the outside. And yes, we would watch (and laugh) during class the countless girls (and guys) checking themselves out as they were passing by. It was quite the scene.

Have you ever noticed that by nature we tend to “look” whenever a mirror or reflective surface comes our way? Whether it be a bathroom mirror, a toaster, a car window or even a utensil, we are constantly looking. And for what exactly? Obviously our noses haven’t fallen off and the sun didn’t turn our hair blue. So I ask, are we simply vain?

I ran across a music video featuring ‘Mirror Mirror’ by Barlow Girl on You Tube. And it begs the question, how do we define beauty? While it can’t be measured in terms of gallons, feet, yards or miles, there does seem to be an unwritten set of criteria to justify and explain how beauty is defined. But is it real?

God doesn’t look at our outward appearances; rather, He looks at our heart (I Samuel 16:7). I will admit that it’s hard looking at ourselves (and others) from God’s perspective. But why do we always settle for how the world chooses to define who we are based on our appearance? Are we wearing Coach? Hollister? Lucky? Jack Purcell’s? What color or hairstyle is in this season? Why are we constantly falling for the lie that we are never good enough, never thin enough, never pretty enough? I’m not saying that it’s bad to be trendy or to care about personal hygiene; I’m simply saying that placing worth in our outward appearance is very much a trap.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the phrase, “don’t judge a book by its cover”; simply implying that appearance isn’t everything. But when it comes to the world’s definition of beauty (as illustrated in media), how can anyone measure up when the image is fake or has been Photoshopped?

The video below needs no introduction. Watch and listen. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!

Additional reading:

Proverbs 31:30
I Peter 3:3-4
Philippians 2:1-3
Colossians 3:12
I Peter 5:5-6
Psalm 45:11

Can you believe Thanksgiving is already here? It only seems like just a few weeks ago that I was enjoying some vaca at the lake and soaking up some last minute sun before the end of summer.

I don't know about you, but for some reason Thanksgiving Day always seems to resonate the idea of spending quality time with the family. Whether we are watching the Macy's parade, cooking in the kitchen or playing some tag-football in the backyard, it’s the one day where family and friends enjoy each others’ company.

Now, with all that quality time, something funny, embarrassing or down right cheesy is bound to happen. Whether it be family traditions or just funny stuff that happens during the holidays, it sure keeps things interesting!

These are the stories that will most likely make the family scrapbook, your blog or even just remembered for years to come. Here’s an example: One year, my dad forgot to put sugar in the pumpkin pies. If you’ve ever made a homemade pumpkin pie or have ever eaten one, you’ll know that it’s the sugar that makes it sweet. Take that away and it’s bland-city. Needless to say, my dad has since been forbidden from pie-making and we always seem to find a way to remind him of his sugar-less creations!

So, from football games, family trips to grandma’s house, or even scenarios involving pets, I know you’ve got a famous Thanksgiving story to tell! So please, share! Tell us an embarrassing or funny thing that has happened in your gene-pool. Any family traditions? Bring ‘em on!