Virtuous Reality Blog

Katy Perry: I kissed a girl and I liked it

2008-07-01T22:02:48Z

By now, you’ve most likely heard of Katy Perry or for some, already have her in your iPod (yikes!). Her recently released single, “I kissed a girl” continues to be one of the top downloaded songs on iTunes. While the song does offer a great beat and a catchy tune, the lyrics – on the other hand – are simply messed up! Here’s a sample of the chorus: I kissed a girl and I liked it The taste of her cherry chapstick I kissed a girl just to try it I hope my boyfriend don't mind it It felt so wrong It felt so right Don't mean I'm in love tonight I kissed a girl and I liked it I liked it Perry is being touted as “The next big thing” by Blender Magazine and “One to watch” by Teen People. But it’s interesting to note that she grew up as a pastor’s daughter, and even released a self titled gospel album just seven years ago. What are your thoughts regarding her newly released single, “I kissed a girl?” Or even about Perry’s overall “eye candy” image she is currently promoting?

What’s your mission this summer?

2008-06-03T00:06:45Z

Over the past few weeks, Virtuous Reality has received several prayer requests from those of you heading out on mission trips this summer. Whether you’re traveling to Mexico, the Honduras, China, India, Africa or to another city, mission trips help us not only spread the Word and Hope of Christ (as commanded in The Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20 ), but can also build and strengthen our own faith in God and expand our worldview. I have had the opportunity to travel to Ireland, Romania and Paris on short term missions during my college years. From VBS to street evangelism and dramas, the trips offered such eye opening experiences on what God was doing in the life and times of people in those countries. It also produced great friendships with those I would have never thought possible. If you are heading aboard, you‘ve most likely begun to prepare – as finances, passports and visas take time to complete. Begin to prepare your heart and head as well! Here are a few suggestions to help before boarding the plane……

Pray daily for your team and for the people you will reach
Research the country or city you are headed to – learn about their history and culture
Start a prayer blog so that your friends and family can share in your experience
Know your testimony and be able to share it with others
Anticipate and expect great things from God

Not heading on a missions trip? Make your home or neighborhood your mission this summer! Be prayerful about your service, you never know how the Lord will use you in all things big and small. Here are a few suggestions to get you started…..

Help your mom with dinner
Clean the dishes or your room without being told
Help a neighbor with their yard work
Babysit for free
Pray for China & the Olympic games
Pray for a specific country or people group
Ask a neighbor or friend how you can best serve them

Just remember, no matter where you’re summer takes you, we will be praying for you and waiting to hear all about your adventures and experiences. So, please share! Additional Resources "Mission Preparation Training - How to prepare for your short-term mission trip" by Mathew Backholer

Where in the world is Teen Virtue this summer?

2008-05-05T22:01:13Z

Summer. The season of endless sun, trips to the beach and spending fun times with friends. Without care of homework, gym class or the faint worry of a pop quiz, summer happens to be our most favorite time of the year. And is just around the corner! So as you begin to pack up for your adventures in the car or on a plane, in another country or another state, in summer school, youth camp or around town, take Teen Virtue along for the ride! Snap a shot and email us your best photo of you reading Teen Virtue where ever you are this summer! Don't forget to include the city and state, or country! Check back to see where in the world Teen Virtue has gone this summer! Click here to email your photo!

Becoming a You Tube Star: Video Blogging with Hannah Montana

2008-04-01T06:05:00Z

With over 1 million viewers and over 64,000 subscribers, the ‘Miley and Mandy Show’ - staring Miley Cyrus and best-friend Mandy – has become the hottest thing on You Tube in the past few weeks. If you haven’t seen it, the show simply includes episodes of Miley and Mandy being girls. From pillow fights and dance videos to special guests, back stage peaks, q and a from viewers and even a tour of Miley’s room, the video blog gives you and me a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of these BFF’s and their silliness. Here’s what Miley had to say about the show in an open letter on her You Tube page: The Miley and Mandy show began when Mandy who is a professional dancer began to teach me (Miley) a routine to Janet Jackson's, Feedback. Now Mandy has gone through a lot of dancing and performing training and well me... not so much! While Mandy taught me the dance steps we recorded ourselves so we could watch it back and remember the moves. As expected I was not so good and I began to fool around and goof off. Mandy joined me shortly after and as we were joking and having fun the camera never stopped rolling. Once we watched back the video we had made we realized that when we were just being ourselves it was much more entertaining than the dance we had put together! So, we decided to make a youtube account and load the video and see what the reaction. Not expecting the success that it has brought, the next morning we had thousands of views and over one million messages requesting more of The Miley and Mandy Show! We began to load more and more videos and now the show has become something more than ever expected. Mandy and I have been best friends for 2 years and we are closer than ever and the show is a HUGE part of that! We get to spend lots of time together and share a lot of laughs. Now, the song writer in me is seeing this as a perfect opportunity to use a little metaphor. For me and Mandy laughter is like sunshine to a flower.... It helps it grow and be brighter and even more beautiful than it was ever expected to be. Ok... I had my cheesy moment, Moving on! If we've learned anything through this experience it is that with every great thing in life comes something bad. We have received millions of messages and comments and 99% of them are wonderful and extremely encouraging! There has been a few derogatory comments that are definitely rude and unnecessary but they are not effecting us personally because the over powering support of our wonderful fans!!! PLEASE remember that we have young girls and boys tuning in and it would be greatly appreciated if the cussing and vulgarity was kept to a minimum! It would not only be respectful to us but to the children and their families if not used at all! THANK YOU GUYS SOO MUCH & BE SURE TO KEEP TUNING IN!!! =] love always, Miley and Mandy Welcome to the videoblogging, or vlog, era people. Exemplifying the self-publishing phenomena that first began with blogging, videoblogging may not be completely new to the blogging landscape, but is gaining more and more popularity as it is discovered. Because YouTube is a user-friendly application that can be shared instantly with the online community, friends and family, it has never been easier to simply “Broadcast Yourself” and have your 15 minutes of fame. As in the case of the ‘Miley and Mandy Show’, reality television is no longer a prime-time headliner. Rather, you can create it yourself. Now, without sounding all parental, here are a few tips to keep you safe when producing your very own videoblogs.

Never reveal your identity (name, age, contact info)
Be mindful that once you upload something to YouTube, the entire world has access. And even though you might later delete it, someone might already have a copy (there are currently over 25 million viewers every month).
Never post anything you wouldn’t show your parents, grandparents or youth pastor (btw – it’s a good idea to first get your parent’s permission).

Book Review: Teen People of the Bible

2008-03-10T06:17:11Z

Profiling 30 teens and their lives in Scripture, Teen People of the Bible: Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure (2007), is a project that author Daniel Darling refers to as an opportunity to “encourage Christian teens to do more than what the church and society expects from them.” “The truth is that God calls young people right now, today, where they are, to do great things for Him. That is the message of the teens in the Bible. Don’t wait until you’re older. Don’t wait until someone taps you on the shoulder and says, here’s your life. Seize the moment.” Narrating the lives of characters like Cain and Abel, Rachel and Leah, Josiah, Jeremiah and Joash, Darling has composed a 100 day devotional recounting the issues teens face each and every day. With questions like “can I afford to ignore small sins?” to “how do I handle a diva” and “who am I when no one is looking?,” the devo offers readers an easy to read (and meditate) format that highlights real issues of faith as seen from a teen. Darling first thought of the project sprouted from the desire to offer teens a resource that would encourage them to read the Bible. “I think that if teens knew that their own stories were in the Bible – as played out in the lives of characters like Daniel, Rebekah, Joseph, David – they would be more apt to read the Bible and let God use His Word to change their lives.” On a final note, Darling wants “teens to know that God loves them and His way is not just the best way, it’s the only way. I know there are many with tough family situations, doubts about their faith, wondering why they hear about God but don't see faith lived out in the Christians they know. I want to challenge them to dig deep and get to know God on their own. They'll find He'll never let them down.” You tell us - Who's your favorite BIble character? Sources bloom! magazine, February 2008 Daniel Darling Online

Awesomeness, Purity Rings and the Jonas Brothers

2008-02-25T19:12:30Z

If you haven’t heard, the latest buzz surrounding the Jonas Brothers’ trio headlines their commitment to sexual purity. As stated in Details Magazines (March 2008):

“On a quiet Friday morning in a dressing room at Madison Square Garden, the Jonas Brothers hold out their hands to show off their purity rings. Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas - the teen-pop trio who stand, at this very moment, on the brink of hugeness - wear the metal bands on their fingers to symbolize, as Joe puts it, "promises to ourselves and to God that we'll stay pure till marriage."

While the brothers have received much criticism from the media, the rings are “just one of our ways of kind of like being different than everybody else out there,” according to Nick. Bravo boys! Thanks for standing up for what you believe even when the media and the industry may not agree. Even though you are constantly adored by screaming girls - you’ve managed keep your promise to purity in spite of the overwhelming pressures around you! I am reminded of I Corinthians 2:11-16. In a nutshell, the world does not understand the things of God because they do not have the Spirit of God in their lives. According to verse 14, "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." For those of us who believe and are followers of Christ, "we have the mind of Christ" and therefore understand His commands and ways. Yes, this means we are to live according to a higher calling, even when the world thinks it foolish and foreign. So, we applaud you for not following suit with the countless teen superstars that have preceded you. Keep it up! Background: Mostly touting “True Love Waits,” purity rings first made their debut in the 90’s. A movement targeting teens, purity rings are a pubic display of one’s choice to remain sexually abstinent until marriage. Source: Gordinier, Jeff (20008). The Total Awesomeness of Being the Jonas Brothers. Details Magazine, Feb. 19.

You Tube for Valentine's?

2008-02-11T17:02:00Z

As the official holiday of love, Valentine's has become a day known for chocolate heart boxes, flying cherubs with arrows and of course, flowers (all of which are covered in layers of pink, white and red). But before running out and buying those little conversation hearts or cards that sport a red lollipop, check out what You Tube can offer instead! We challenge you to 'spread the love' and share it with everyone in your address book and/or your friends on MySpace or Facebook. What would you say is the greatest expression of love that we can ever experience? Sanctus Real: The Face of Love "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." [Zephaniah 3:17] "Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 8:39] "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" [1 John 3:1] "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." [1 John 4:8] "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." [1 John 4:9-10] "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." [1 John 4:12] Check out Sanctus Reality, a video blog from Sanctus Real.

Say What?

2008-01-28T12:00:00Z

Celebrities have always held a platform for being famed or idolized simply because of their status. Not only do we pay attention to the roles they play on-screen, but we (as a society) have become obsessed with following their private lives as well. Whether it be a hairstyle, the latest fashion trend, a catch phrase, or the latest fad diet, we find ourselves intrigued and mesmerized by the lifestyle celebrities attain. Here at Virtuous Reality, we often discuss the behaviors of such individuals. From shaving their head, to single motherhood at 16 or even substance abuse or a jail sentence, we provide feedback on these situations not to judge the individual, but rather to discuss their actions and behaviors in light of living out our faith according to God’s Word; to simply counter the lies our culture generates with that of His Truth. And then, there are a few instances where we have nothing to say at all. Given the pressures of achieving and remaining in the lime light are high, it makes me question why we openly and willingly cast fame upon such individuals. Take a look at these celebrity quotes as noted by VH1 – mind you, they have all been published or broadcasted. "Is this chicken what I have, or is this fish? I know it's tuna but it says Chicken of the Sea.” [Jessica Simpson] "What's Wal-Mart, do they sell like wall stuff?" [Paris Hilton] "I think that the film "Clueless" was very deep. I think it was deep in the way that it was very light. I think lightness has to come from a very deep place if it's true lightness." [Alicia Silverstone] "I think that gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman." [Arnold Schwarzenegger] "I get to go to lots of overseas places, like Canada." [Britney Spears] "So, where's the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?" [Christina Aguilera] "I love California. I grew up in Phoenix." [Dan Quayle - former presidential hopeful in the 90’s] "Smoking kills, and if you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life." [Brooke Shields] “Chemistry is a class you take in high school or college. Where you figure out that 2+2=10 or something.” [Dennis Rodman, controversial NBA Star] I’m not anorexic. I’m from Texas.” [Jessica Simpson] “Fiction writing is great. You can make up almost anything.” [Ivana Trump, former wife of Donald Trump] “We’re gonna turn this team around, 360 degrees.” [Jason Kidd, NBA Star] “What is the Wall Street Journal? Is that good?” [Paris Hilton] “I've never really wanted to go to Japan, simply because I don't really like eating fish, and I know that's very popular out there in Africa.” [Britney Spears] Say what?

Teen pregnancy on the rise

2008-01-10T17:51:08Z

If you haven’t noticed lately, the media has once again rallied the torch on teen pregnancy. While this phenomenon is not new and the buzz does generate front page news, a few stats recently published by Seventeen magazine make for great conversation. With nearly 750,000 teen pregnancies in the U.S. each year (a number that equates to one in every three women under the age of 20), the magazine questions, “what can you do to avoid becoming just another statistic?” 500 girls between the ages of 13 and 18 were recently surveyed by The Candie's Foundation, a partner of the magazine. Here are some highlights:

50% of teen girls think it might be possible they’ll become pregnant in the next five years.
70% of teen girls say if guys played more of a role in using birth control, it would help unplanned pregnancies.
67% of teen girls have friends who are or will become pregnant as teens.
Two out of every three teen girls worry more about STD’s than unplanned pregnancy.
70% of teen girls say having a plan for the future would help prevent unplanned pregnancy.

With these kind of stats, one would think that getting pregnant as a teen makes the list for an ideal high school experience – along with prom, football games and a fabulous spring break. Not to mention the glamorization of single motherhood by Hollywood’s leading young ladies. While choosing life is ALWAYS the right choice, I wonder if movies, sitcoms and the lives of teen celebrities are all sending the message than teen pregnancy is not only of the norm – but is to be glamorized and celebrated? Did you know:

Teen mothers are less likely to complete high school with only one third receiving a diploma; 1.5% actually go onto college.
Almost half of all teen mothers end up on welfare.
Teen pregnancies account for 30% of abortions performed in the U.S.
One in every four sexually active teens become infected with an STD every year (the most common include: chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts (HPV) and herpes).

The Seventeen magazine article does push for girls to “have a plan for the future;” their reasoning: “girls who have a big plan for their future are significantly less likely to get pregnant.” And, in an effort to help girls define their one to ten year goals, the magazine is hosting a video contest for girls to share their life dreams and potentially win a trip to New York and some cash. Having a plan is actually great advice. But where’s the commitment? What do you do in the heat of the moment when some guy is whispering sweet nothings in your ear? Just because I dream of one day becoming a lawyer, a doctor or even a writer doesn’t automatically make me less prone to pregnancy. My challenge for you: plan ahead and make a commitment to save sex until marriage. Have a chat with your mom or even a few friends and plan out how to react when some guy says he’s ‘in love’ and wants to have sex. Have a plan on what to say, who to call and how to leave. Better yet, set boundaries in your relationship. Declaring a "no zone" can keep you both accountable and alert if a situation arises. Not only does this help build your self control, but it ensures that you are both on the same page when it comes to your boundaries. After all, abstinence is the only 100% effective way to avoid becoming preggers. Which BTW, the article in Seventeen never mentions as part of the “plan” (or even an option) in protecting yourself. Tell us – what’s your plan when it comes to keeping yourself pure until marriage? *Statistics taken from the Allan Guttmacher Institute.

Saying Goodbye

2008-01-01T18:49:36Z

I flew home to San Diego this past holiday season to visit friends and family for Christmas. I was definitely looking forward to sunny days at the beach, grabbing a bite to eat at In & Out, and of course spending time with my parents and sister. When I arrived, however, I was surprised to find out that my mom's dad had been hospitalized and wasn't doing well. At first, the doctor gave my grandfather two months, but his condition worsened within the week. We drove back and forth between LA and San Diego everyday (a two hour drive each way). Some days we were able to assist the physical therapist generating movement in his legs and arms - as he was now bed-ridden. Other days we were only able to hold his hands as he gave us a squeeze every few minutes. But seeing him lying in that hospital bed as a frail man of 84 years, was extremely hard. I was very thankful, however, that I was able to spend some time with him - even if he didn't know who I was. We found out Thursday night, just after we had gotten home, that he had gone to be with the Lord; he was no longer in any pain. My favorite memory of my grandfather had to be our visits during the summer. My family and I would pile in the car and drive up the coast early in the morning. My gradfather always waited on his front porch with a smile and hug for each of us. He would always give me a jar from the kitchen - as my sister and I would hunt and capture ladybugs in his graden. It seemed to only grab our attention for about 20 minutes or so, but my grandfather would always wave to us from the kitchen window and ask how many we caught this time. Every time he said it was a record (he knew we had forgotten how many we caught during the last visit). His house is now being sold, and I'm sure the memory of catching ladybugs awaits someone new. His hugs and smiles will be great missed, but only until we meet again. Do you have a favorite memory of a loved one you would like to share? Comment below!

Jamie Lynn Spears, pregnant at 16!

2007-12-19T18:37:03Z

I returned home from a dinner date with my hubby last night to the breaking news that Britney Spear's little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears (16) is preggers. My kids bombarded me with the news the moment I walked in the door. I share this detail to give you a glimpse of how quickly word spreads among our youth when it comes to the misdeeds of Hollywood. When I sat down to my computer to see if the rumor was fact or fiction, I had quite a few emails in my inbox from concerned mothers whose little girls watch Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101" and admire the lead character, Jamie Lynn. They wanted to know what to say to their little girls over the breakfast table this morning regarding this latest news. After confirming the rumor (she admitted it to OK! Magazine in an interview and the cover story will hit newstands today) and visiting Spear's official website to find out more about her (I didn't even know she had a show), here is what I discovered on her website: Winner of Hollywood Life's "One To Watch" Award, Jamie Lynn Spears was also nominated for a Teen Choice Award, in the category of "Breakout Female Performer," for her role on Zoey 101 and recently won the award for Favorite TV Actress at the 2006 Kids Choice Awards for her role on Zoey 101. Zoey 101 entered its second season September and was up for an Emmy in the category of "Best Children's Program". No wonder these mama's are concerned, especially given that she won a Kids Choice Award in 2006 and was nominated for another one in 2007. Interestingly, I also discovered on another site that her mother has written a book called "Pop Culture Mom" that was supposed to release this spring (Thomas Nelson Publishers), but has now been "delayed indefinitely." Good move. Now, I share this background in order that you might understand how I responded to my own children ages, 19, 17, and 14. I expect that my response will be considered by some in the Christian community (and otherwise) to be controversial on many levels, but here goes: "Guys, we shouldn't be the least bit surprised that she is pregnant at 16. Nearly 40% of teen girls will become pregnant at least once by the age of 20. It's certainly disappointing given the fact that she was a role model to young girls, but let this serve as a reminder that even role models, as well as god-fearing Christian kids, have hormones and will face temptations. She (and her boyfriend) gave into the temptation and will now have to face the consequences of that choice. However, I do have to commend her for choosing to have her baby in spite of being raised in a culture that peddles abortion as a quick-fix solution. Given her awards and her "up-and-coming" celebrity status, she had everything to lose (in the world's eyes), and has chosen to fore go her career (translation: it's OVER!) and do the right thing after the fact. How many girls, Christian girls included, given her current status and success, would have raced off to the nearest abortion clinic to "fix the problem" in an effort to continue their ascent up the Hollywood ladder?" So, there you have it. I am certainly not saying that we turn this girl into a saint for choosing life, but there is clearly more than one teachable moment to this particular teenage pregnancy story. And for the record, this is a particularly touchy subject for me given the following factors: A) I have had Christian girls who were raised in the church, confide to me through tears that their parents made them get an abortion to save face in the church -- one was even a deacon's daughter and another was a Baptist minister's daughter; B) I have had Christian girls share with me that upon discovering they were pregnant, many of their Christian girlfriends recommended they get an abortion, reminding them they would be "forgiven"; C) I have counseled multitudes of Christian women (teen, college, adult) who discovered the hard way that abortion is anything but a quick fix and would give anything to turn back the hands of time; and finally, D) I can relate firsthand to the regret the women who have sought my counsel feel having myself, opted for abortion at the age of 17. As someone who bought many of the lies peddled by the culture, my past abortion serves as one of many motivating factors to get a better message out to our girls. Praise God for His mercy and forgiveness. Written by: Vicki Courtney, Virtuous Reality Founder and best-selling author of the Teen Virtue series.

Letters to Santa. . . .

2007-12-14T03:34:38Z

It has been a while since I’ve mailed a letter to Santa with my Christmas wish list. And whether or not you subscribe to this holiday tradition, the idea isn’t too far fetched. Meaning, everyone has a Christmas wish list. While the true reason for the season couples a baby Jesus and a manger in a stable (as well as our need for a Savior), it’s not necessarily a bad thing to ask for what you want. I don't know about you, but I've already been asked several times by my parents, friends and family, "so, what do you want for Christmas?" While the pressure of the moment can sometime be overwhelming to think of a response without warning, it doesn't take long to think of something. So, we want to know. What’s on your Christmas wish list this year? I’ll post mine in the comments along with yours! Also, for some fun, find out if you are on the naughty or nice list! Click here and answer a few simple questions (truthfully) to find out. Let us know what you scored by posting a comment!

Beauty redefined

2007-12-04T00:46:18Z

From the Associated Press: NEW YORK (AP) - An angry Jennifer Love Hewitt is defending her curves after photos of her in a bikini were ridiculed on the Internet. "I've sat by in silence for a long time now about the way women's bodies are constantly scrutinized," the 28-year-old actress writes on her Web site. "To set the record straight, I'm not upset for me, but for all the girls out there that are struggling with their body image." The photos show Hewitt, with a bit of cellulite, on a Hawaii beach with her new fiance, Scottish actor Ross McCall. Several sites posted the shots, along with some less-than-complimentary comments. TMZ.com, for example, said, "We know what you ate this summer, Love — everything!" "A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be," Hewitt responded in a post Thursday. "And being a size 0 doesn't make you beautiful." Finally, someone has the guts to speak up about the culture's narrow definition of beauty. TMZ.com recently posted a picture of the Hero's starlet, Hayden Panettiere, 21, with cellulite visible on her backside. If you don't know her from Heroes, you might remember her from "Remember the Titans" where she played the part of the Coach's adorable daughter. I hate for these girls that they have to contend with paparazzi aiming a camera lens at them at all times, but maybe it will begin to break down the culture's lie regarding beauty. I hope young women (and the guys) are paying attention: Women come in all shapes and sizes and cellulite is normal. You tell us - what's your reaction?

Thanksgiving Traditions

2007-11-15T19:04:57Z

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!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

2007-11-04T04:53:30Z

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: