BeYOUtiful: The Real Beauty Within

Bible Verse: “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” ~ Psalm 34:5 New International Version (NIV)

To be confident, content, successful and valued are what any woman would want in her season of singlehood. However, these seem to be removed from most single women who live in the peak of social media era. Single women are often self-critical, restless, discontent, and they feel under-valued—they have a very low view of themselves primarily because of the kind of self-image mainstream media feeds their minds.

BeYOUtiful is an event organized by B1G South Single Ladies of CCF Alabang to help single women enrich themselves in their season and transform the way they view and carry themselves in life. This was held last May 19, 2018 at the 3rd floor, Multipurpose Hall of CCF Alabang. There were about 60 youthful and lovely single ladies who attended this event. I was invited by my friend Yeng Ardiente to impart wisdom to the single women from B1G South Alabang about Basic Image Essentials, Basic Etiquette & Manner, and Communication Skills. These were very timely topics since there is really a challenge with acceptance, low self-confidence, and communicating the right message among single women in our time today.

Having been well-acquainted to the struggles and challenges of being a young woman, I am very passionate about inspiring them, so I was very excited about it. My 3-hour talk included matters about self-acceptance, purpose, etiquette, and practical tips on how to dress according to your body type. We also had some fun activities and Q&A.

I also was able to share my life testimony about my dark past and how my relationship with Jesus has renewed me and granted a new radiance within me. Because of this, I was able to connect with them in a more intimate level. I was humbled to witness them have self-realizations, some shedding a few tears, and it encouraged me to reach out to more women who needs this kind of empowering. Hugs and warm fellowship were shared towards the end of our session.I am definitely looking forward to more single women’s gatherings like this. In my talks, I always focus and emphasize that real beauty comes from within. I am very passionate about this truth because I myself have experienced real beauty that is founded in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has changed my heart and purified me once again. The love overflowing from within enables me to open my life story to others, hoping I can inspire others more.

Ms. TM says

“If I can change __________ (fill in the blank) about my body, others will finally accept me and I will be able to accept myself. If you could change one thing about your physical appearance, what would it be?”

I know my answer without even thinking about it. The thing I used to struggle with the most in my body are my hair, my skin, those goosebump-looking rashes on both my arms, having short arms and short legs with big thighs. Body image issues are so common in our culture today. A majority of teen girls and women I talk to struggle with body image. Even men feel the pressured to look a certain way. One day, God led me to a school for image consulting and after some resistance… tadahhhh! now I am already a professional image consultant. What I learned from this profession is that most people do not notice my imperfections nearly as much as I do. I am so much harder on myself than anyone else could ever be.

The truth is that my value comes from God, my Creator, and not from my appearance and what others think of me. Once God began to heal my heart in this area of body image, an inner beauty began to shine out through my eyes, my smile, and my personality. Now, most people tell me that my beauty radiates. I still see all my imperfections.

We are our own worst critics. Others often see us much differently than we see ourselves. However, if we will allow Him, God will take our imperfections—our broken selves—and create something beautiful, a masterpiece.

Prayer

Lord God, I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Even though the world shouts that I am not enough and that I never measure up, I choose to find my value in you. Thank you for your patience with me and walking with me step-by-step through this journey, as I inspire and encourage men and women to believe the same. Amen. This is the true value of beauty, wellness and style!

Toni Miranda is a world-certified Image Consultant, and Executive Coach and Motivational Speaker.  She is known as the #ImageStrategist.

If you need a inspirational speaker on empowering women or image management, kindly send a message here or visit the Radiance Image Consultancy Facebook page.