We are vulnerable and bombarded by the media's standard of beauty; we want to be at our best, so unconsciously, we become the biggest contributor to the flourishing beauty industry. We forget what is essential and lasting.
Last October the Jakarta church hosted their Women's Day. God blessed us with many women who came and were moved by the message and life sharing.
The program began with "The Stage of Women", a musical play in which the set was a bathroom. It was a private place where a woman takes off her social mask, puts on some make up, struggles over her appearance, cries from loneliness, or even covers her bruises after an episode of domestic violence. The audience were able to see their own reflection in the women of the play.
A life testimonial was given by Linda Lesmana who was once consumed by outward appearance. Being successful in business gave her a lot of exposure to many things women would dream of: branded clothes, designer handbags, jewelry. As she pursued her misconception of happiness she remained hollow, a shallow person who had strained relationships with her three teenagers. Her first encounter with the Word of God helped her to discover a new definition of beauty; Linda allowed herself to grow deeper spiritually. Two of her teenagers have been baptized. Linda and her husband are now leading one of the fastest growing Bible talks in Jakarta.
Manami Yamazaki flew all the way from Japan to deliver a powerful message that convicted thewomen with the Word of God. Opening her lesson in I Peter 3, she reminded us not to be overly consumed by looks, braided hair, and the constant struggle for physical beauty. From her personal experience she shared that there was a point in her life when she let her heart become ugly as she went after beauty and appearance.
1,000 women attended. Many were moved and are now studying the Bible. We pray that God will continue to work in their lives and will help them discover many things Beyond Beauty, so that they can live with the single purpose to glorify HIM.
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