Redefining Beauty In A Filtered World

We live in a very “filtered” culture. Real beauty has a different meaning for everyone.

If you have access to a smartphone or a computer, you can take photos of yourself and practically edit them to your liking. I find this fascinating and sometimes unsettling. Especially when I see a photo of someone that’s been edited and filtered to the point where they no longer look like their real self anymore.

I see a lot of women doing this to the point where it’s become a bit excessive. And different women I’ve seen using filters, who I personally think look great without using them, keep hiding behind these tools and different features. And while using filters is an individual choice, I believe it’s a great time to redefine beauty in this filtered world we’re living in.

You don’t ever have to feel or believe you are not enough as you are. You were born with beauty, inside and out, and no filter should hide that.

I’m no stranger to filters but I don’t use or rely on them often. And when I have used them, my facial features have not been drastically enhanced beyond the point of recognition. I still look like my real self in my photos. I don’t believe filters are a bad thing, but I believe it’s important, especially for women, to allow their real beauty to shine.

I’ve found that taking advantage of natural lighting (especially during this beautiful summer season) makes for wonderful photos too. 😊

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Embrace that. Consider stepping away from some of those filters you filter all your photos with and allow who you really are to shine.

I’m Glad I’m Not Married

When I was about five years old, I was sitting in the backseat of my dad’s car when me, him, my older cousin (my aunt’s son), and my aunt (my dad’s sister) caught my aunt’s fiancé with another woman. My dad had been driving my aunt out to run some errands since she didn’t have a driver’s license or a car. When she spotted her man with another woman, she told my dad to pull the car over, got out of the car, and immediately addressed him. She wanted the keys back to her apartment and was done with him. The other woman she caught her fiancé with slapped him when she realized what was happening, and that was that. When my aunt returned to the car, she was clearly and understandably upset, and the ride back to her place was quiet. Although I was too young to fully grasp what was happening at the time, I knew it wasn’t good. And now, at 34 years old, I can’t imagine how much pain she was in. Her wedding had been planned and paid for – and she never made it down the aisle. My aunt was a beaut

The Best Relationship Advice I’ve Ever Received

I dislike almost everything about what’s now considered “modern dating.” Dating apps. DM sliding. Exchanging thirst traps. Hookup culture. The talking stage. Lingering indecisiveness in the “what are we doing and where are things going?” conversations. And the mindset that anyone and everyone is technically “fair game” if they’re not married (even if they’re “technically” already spoken for…) I’ve moved through some of the things listed above and have found the modern dating world draining. And while I’ve approached dating the “Christian way,” cried out to God, tried being more open, and out of frustration, jokingly considered having a ho phase for fun ( no worries – I’m way too much of a God-fearing church girl to follow through with that life, but I also don’t judge those who do partake ), one evening as I was nursing some hurt feelings after a guy I’d spent some time with suddenly bailed, I remembered some sound relationship advice my dad gave me when I was 18-years-old. And

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

Making Waves