“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
Have you ever noticed that the most coveted, precious, and beautiful things in this world are the hardest to find? Like diamonds and pearls, they come out of an environment of high pressure, heat, irritation, and sometimes pain. Gold and silver are hidden from the naked eye and must be searched for, dug out, or panned.
Before Jesus redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit came into our hearts, we were like that uncut diamond, the pearl still in the oyster or the gold and silver still in the earth, our beauty was hidden not only from the world, but also from us. The more we surrender and yield our hearts and minds to the Lord, the more He is able to cut away the things that are blocking His light shining through us, open the shell that has kept us hidden, and wash away the dirt and mud that has kept us under condemnation.
I am still drawn back to that old nature of seeing that which is on the outside, not within. Genesis 3:6 says, “Eve saw the tree was good and pleasing to the eye.” Have you ever wondered why Eve was not afraid of the snake or repulsed by how it looked? In Ezekiel 28:12-19 it describes Satan as the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and beauty, every precious stone were his covering. It must’ve been a beautiful sight to see, and it drew Eve right into his trap. Satan sets the same trap for us today when we set our eyes and heart on the beautiful things of this world instead of using our spiritual eyes for discernment and wisdom.
Proverbs 27:19 emphasizes that true beauty is a reflection of the heart, God’s nature within us. The genuine qualities of a person’s character: love, kindness, wisdom, morality, faithfulness, being dependable.
We have seen people with true beauty in action, in the floods, fires, and tornadoes. People risking their lives to save others, comforting those who have been affected by or have lost loved ones, taking food, helping in whatever way they can.
Our family has been blessed to witness firsthand how God uses one of his own beautiful children to bring about His love and miracles. Our granddaughter, Kenzie, was diagnosed with lupus in her late teens. She had her first kidney transplant right after she graduated from college. After going through cancer and many emergency trips to the hospital, surgeries, and almost dying several times, she again was faced with kidney failure and two years of waiting to find a kidney donor. Through all this Kenzie never gave up her faith and hope. She lives her life with joy and purpose. Marrying the boy next door that she grew up with and is her brother’s best friend. She worked every day that she could and traveled all over the world. She never complained or felt sorry for herself, always had a smile, put others first, and truly has a servant’s heart. Kenzie knows who she is, and who she belongs to.
Our Heavenly Father heard our prayers and saw Kenzie’s tears and pain and sent her best friend Andrea from sixth grade to be tested for a donor. (This was not just a decision, but a sacrifice. It’s major surgery, which leaves you with only one kidney, pain, and time away from your life to heal.) Andrea did not consider it a sacrifice, because of her love for the Lord and Kenzie. She knew the testing would reveal she was a perfect match, and this would be the last kidney that Kenzie would ever need. This was also our declaration and prayer!
On July 7, 2025, Kenzie received not only her new kidney, but a new life where she and Brett can dream and make plans for the future!
THIS IS TRUE BEAUTY! It’s not just about the outward appearance, but about the reflection of God’s nature in us. “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5
Looking to God with love, faith and trust, we become radiant, reflecting His glory and goodness. 1 John 4:11 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as He is, so, are we in this world.”
JESUS IN US
Author unknown (rewritten by Elaine Norrell)
I saw Jesus last week,
He was wearing blue jeans, digging through the mud and debris.
He was standing in a once raging and flooding river, praying, and crying as he worked.
For just a minute, he looked a little like one of the many other volunteer rescue workers
But it was Jesus! I could tell by his compassion, courage, and determination.
I saw Jesus last Sunday
He was teaching a Bible class.
He didn’t talk loudly or use long words, but you could tell he believed what he said.
For just a minute, he looked like a leader in the church
But it was Jesus! I could tell by the truth in his loving voice.
I saw Jesus yesterday,
He was at the hospital, being a kidney donor to my granddaughter.
They talked, laughed, and prayed together quietly.
For just a minute, he looked like our granddaughter’s friend Andrea
But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in his eyes, and the smile on his face.
I saw Jesus today.
He was praying on his knees all alone.
He then began to cry for those he prayed for.
For just a minute, he looked like a lady from our church.
But it was Jesus! I could see the love and compassion poured out in his prayer.
I see Jesus everywhere,
Taking food to the sick, welcoming others into his home, being friendly to a newcomer, and for just a minute, I think he’s someone I know.
But it’s always Jesus! I can tell by the way he serves.
May someone see Jesus in you today.
We want to thank Elaine Norrell for sharing this post.
Women's Ministry 