Barbie does NOT define Beauty!

This past Saturday, Abigail and I were gifted with tickets to attend Dannah Gresh’s Secret Keeper Girl event.  To say it was wonderful is an understatement.  It’s geared toward Moms and Daughters between the ages of 9 and 12, and if you have a daughter close to that range, I highly recommend this event!  We went with several other moms and daughters, and I think the moms had just as much fun as the daughters!

From their website:  “What is a Secret Keeper Girl? Well, she is lots of things! A Secret Keeper Girl values modesty, she surrounds herself with wise friends and she embraces Godly beauty. But, the most important thing for you to know is that a Secret Keeper Girl is a masterpiece created by God. “

The things about beauty, modesty, and personal value I’ve been trying to pour into Abigail’s heart and mind were taught in a fun, lighthearted, and entertaining way.  All of us (the girls and moms) were challenged to value and embrace the way God made each of us.  It went beautifully along with what God’s been teaching me through Beth Moore’s book, “So Long Insecurity”. 

If Barbie were a real woman:

• She would be 6 feet tall.
• She would have size 5 feet! (think about the balance issue there!)
• Her neck would be 9 inches long!
• Her waist would be the same as the circumfrence of a 4 month old baby’s HEAD!
• And because of the size and weight of her chest, along with her tiny waist and small feet, she would have to WALK ON ALL FOURS to balance herself!

Knowing this information takes the mystique away from this unattainable beauty.  I think I’ll keep my shape and walk upright, thank you! (Abigail’s been walking around the house on all fours saying she’s “playing Barbie”.  They encouraged the girls to do this – which makes trying to be like Barbie even more riduculous to them!)

Then after some powerful Scripture teaching on how we all are wonderfully made, we were asked to place our hands on a part of our body we’d rather change.  Then we dedicated that body part to the Lord.  I gave my “Problem Area(s)” to the Lord for His use and glory – and have to tell you… it was/is freeing!

We were reminded that the “beautiful and perfect” women we see in the media are not “real”.  They are real women and girls who have had lots of help and photo-shopping.  We saw this video made by Dove.  It, too, is a freeing de-bunker of the myth that we are supposed to naturally look like the girls on TV and in magazines.

One more thing.  We learned some “Truth or Bare” Fashion tests – Modesty tests that every outfit should pass (these are for us moms, too!)  Find the tests and the solutions (in case of a fail) here.

* I just read over this – it sounds like I’m blogging a “review” of the event – but in a way, I guess I am.  In a short amount of time, a lot of wisdom and healing and encouragement was shared with girls and their moms.  If a Secret Keeper Girl event comes to a location near you, it will be well worth your time to get yourself and your daughter there!

On another note: Probably like you, there is so much on my mind that needs prayer today~ people I know, people I don’t (like the tornado victims in MS), people I connect with in the blogosphere, and in our own personal lives (our house to sell!).  I’m reminding myself, and wanted to remind you that these things are not heavy to our Lord.  He knows every detail of every need.  We join Him in prayer so we can have a part in His work in the lives of others.  When we feel that overwhelming burden that is about to burry us, we can place it in Jesus’ lap, look into His face, say His sweet Name, and let Him love us to rest.  He is more than capable to carry and take care of all that is on our minds and hearts… He is All Powerful, All Knowing, and All Present!  He will carry us and those heavy weights we try to bear!!!

My the Lord Jesus Christ bless you today, my friends…
Jennifer