Are you going to see “Beauty and the Beast”?* Some of the themes in the movie provide a natural springboard to talk to our daughters about admirable character qualities like: beauty, courage, and kindness. Last week, we talked body image at 40 and today we’re talking about some beauty secrets for the younger crowd (but really for all of us).
A Daughter’s True Beauty
More than a pretty face, I want you to have an attractive heart. One that extends the beauty of grace to others, one that makes up quickly when it wrongs, one that is clothed in love—knowing that she’s accepted in Christ and therefore approved by God.
There is nothing wrong with looking beautiful but don’t let it turn into something ugly and distorted—becoming too important and all-consuming. Remember that vain stepmother from Snow White? Yeah, don’t be like her.
You are beautiful daughter, inside and out. Your eyes sparkle with a zest for life, your smile lights up the room, and your generosity is impacting those around you and those abroad.
May your heart be the thing you spend the most time on in your beauty regiment.
The world will tell you that you should look and act a certain way, according to their ever-shifting ideal. As I look back, I regret the countless hours I’ve spent scrutinizing what God gave me. I want you to focus more on reflecting Him than what you see reflected in the mirror.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. -1 Corinthians 13:12
This quest for beauty has been placed in your heart by your Creator. Follow His lead and don’t get sidetracked by the artificial found along the way.
Keep searching for the inner beauty that is found down deep, rooted in His Truth and grounded in His Love. This kind of loveliness will not spoil or fade but will grow more valuable and more treasured with each passing day.
That’s the best beauty secret I can give you my daughter.
Look into God’s face and see what He sees: a one-of-a-kind, lovely young woman who is blossoming at just the right time, His time.**
Beauty and the Beast Movie
If you choose to see the live action movie* or the animated classic, here are some questions to ask your daughter(s) after you watch the movie together.
Questions for Mothers and Daughters to discuss after the movie:
1. What was one of your favorite parts of the movie? Why?
2. If you could be any character (from the movie) for a day, who would you choose, and why?
3. Belle demonstrated courage many times throughout the movie. Tell me about a time when you showed courage in a scary situation.
4. Belle sure likes to read. What do you look for when you’re picking out a book to read? What is one of your favorite books? Why do you like it?
5. The townspeople thought Belle was odd because she acted differently than they did. Has there been a time when you felt misunderstood by others because you acted differently? If so, can you tell me more about that and how you felt?
6. Belle was beautiful inside and out. What is a physical trait you have that makes you feel beautiful? What is a character trait you have that is beautiful? (Mothers and daughters you can answer this question for each other as well).
I’ve also created a Pinterest Board to inspire some “Beauty and the Beast” movie-themed fun. Invite some other moms and daughters to be your guests and watch the movie together.
*Please be sure to read a thorough review of the live action version of “Beauty and the Beast” before you decide to go see it. This post is not an endorsement of the movie as a whole.
**This is an excerpt from a guest post I wrote for Jennifer Kostick as part of her Beautiful Blog Series. Read the full post, A Letter to My Tween Daughter, over at her place.
You might also like:
Mirror, Mirror: Self-esteem in the Tween Years (Guest Post: Niki Homan)
Who Am I Really? (By: Christy Mobley)
Grounded: A Series of Faith and Fun for Mothers and Tweens
Body Image at 40 (and the beauty secret that changes everything)!
What a wonderful idea to offer your readers discussion questions to get them talking with their daughters. I try hard to focus on having quality conversation now, so it’s hopefully a habit by the time we hit the teen years.
Great idea to make it a habit, Traci. 🙂 Hope you’re having a nice weekend!