I spend a lot of time on social media because I create content for different jobs. Lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend of women sharing about being supportive and submissive Christian wives. Maybe it’s just the algorithm feeding me more of that content but either way, I’m thankful for it. For so long, the message women received was that our value came from our outward appearance, not from our inward service to our husbands, families, and ultimately, to the Lord.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love doing my hair, putting on makeup, and finding the perfect outfit. But over time, I’ve learned that true beauty shines brightest in how I love and serve my family, my husband, and others.
I have two little girls, and I’ll never forget the day we found out our second child was a girl. I was so nervous! I often say that being a girl is hard, and I still stand by that. Growing up, I remember I desperately wanted highlights in my hair. My mom eventually gave in but understandably didn’t want to spend money on a full head of highlights (now as an adult, I get it, highlights are expensive!). So, she let me get two chunky highlights. I thought they looked amazing… until I got to school and some girls told me how terrible they were.
I laugh about it now especially because just last year I got the same chunky highlights again, and this time they were completely in style! But when I was younger, it didn’t feel funny at all. I remember how embarrassed and insecure I felt when the other girls at school told me how bad my highlights looked. At that age, so much of my worth felt tied to what others thought of me, and something as simple as a hairstyle could make or break my confidence.
Looking back, I realize how exhausting that cycle was chasing after trends, trying to fit in, always wanting to be “enough” in someone else’s eyes. Now, as I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve found such freedom in knowing that my worth isn’t defined by a hairstyle, a size, or anyone else’s opinion. It’s defined by God alone. Resting in His definition of beauty has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Instead of striving, I can simply walk in the identity He’s already given me.
As a mom now, I’m so grateful to know what God’s Word says about beauty. I love that more women are speaking up and reminding others that true beauty isn’t found in trends, but in how we live, love, and serve.
1 Peter 3:1–6 says:
1Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
That paints such a beautiful picture of the power and influence a wife has, not through outward beauty, but through Godly conduct. Her actions reflect not only on her husband, but on God Himself.
As a mother of two girls, I take seriously the call in Titus 2:3–5 (ESV):
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
For the past two years, God has given me the opportunity to live this out more fully by being at home with my family. We started homeschooling, and I’ve found myself cooking more meals and spending more time in the daily rhythms of home life. I’ll be honest, it hasn’t always been easy. I still work from home, so I’ve had to find creative ways to balance work, homeschooling, and family responsibilities. But in the middle of that juggling act, God keeps reminding me that each day is an opportunity to model service for my children.
We are slowly increasing their chores, beginning each morning with prayer, and taking time to talk through how to handle tough situations with grace and patience. These aren’t big, flashy things—they’re small, consistent choices that I pray will show all my children what it looks like to love and serve others. To me, that is true beauty lived out day by day.
And here’s the thing: even if you aren’t a wife or a mother, there are still younger girls and women in your life who are watching you. God calls each of us to teach, guide, and encourage the next generation. We all have the opportunity and responsibility to model true beauty, the kind that flows from a heart devoted to Him.
We want to thank Chelsea Criswell for sharing this post.
Women's Ministry 