Majesty & Beauty

Greystone girls are stunningly beautiful.

I am struck by that fact every day. They are drop dead beautiful, and not because of the way they look… they are just beautiful girls. No makeup, hair a mess, wearing mismatched outfits: they are not beautiful because of their looks they are beautiful because of their demeanor: bright smiles reflecting beautiful hearts. They are not self conscious in the least. By simply being themselves they are majestic and beautiful… Fearfully and wonderfully made indeed!

But I also know that they only have moments of such self awareness. They quickly fall back into the quagmire of the world. Worries about clothes, hair, skin tone, weight, body, and all the other TINY fads that are pushed on them once again take control. Some are struggling with big issues like anorexia, some are just emotionally bruised and hurting by how they “fall short” of a goal that is beyond their control.

I have three beautiful daughters… I have a wonderful wife… I see how powerful these forces are first hand and know how devestating they can be. I feel powerless to help. Don’t know the words to say, for the pain goes beyond words and I can see it in their eyes: “You don’t understand”. Some subjects are more poignant than others, today’s breakfast club talk was the most emotionally charged lesson of the summer for it required me to put words to a subject that hurts.

We all know that our culture has an obsession with beauty. Perhaps it has always been that way but it seems to be getting worse. Physical beauty quickly becomes an “idol” that consumes our lives. This is a temptation for women of all ages and the power of this message is very hard to ignore. Instagram, Snapchat, facebook, and the other social media options share a common thread: an encouragement on self obsession that tends to narcissism. We want to be liked and it appears that to be liked is mostly a result of the way we look. Our daughters are taught that the more provocative the outfit, the more cool (do they even use that word anymore?).

Woman fashion is often intentionally shocking, one of the reasons we instituted a one piece bathing suit rule a long time ago. Why do we not agree that “Modest is Hottest”? Because that message fights against the entire culture… we find ourselves outgunned. We, as parents, often silently stand by without saying anything for we are a product of our cultrue as well.

At camp we step away from these cultural pressures. We don’t put on makeup, don’t spend a lot of time choosing outfits, don’t have access to social media, and don’t worry about boys. Here we simply are ourselves and after so many weeks with such good influences we are beginning to “get it”. Being ourselves is OK… in fact, it is AWESOME!!!

Here we love each other, warts and all. We find ourselves becoming friends with the most unlikely of people… discovering that there is magnificence in every person once we get to know them.

So today I talked about beauty, the kind of beauty that Jesus (God Himself) chose for his own form on earth. “He had no form or majesty that we should look at him,and no beauty that we should desire him.” (Is 53:2) Physical beauty doesn’t matter to God. He did not choose a physically beautiful body when He took on flesh… there is a lesson in that fact. He does not want us to worship beauty (our natural inclination). He chooses to give us physical imperfections for a reason, we should accept our bodies and our looks with great joy for these details were chosen by the Living God for a reason. He does not make mistakes, we should trust him in even this difficult thing. We should not reject what God Himself has chosen for us but should delight in His gift of life and love.

I do get emotional when I speak on this subject for I see the pain in so many eyes. Campers and counselors alike struggle… and the struggle can be devastating. I am glad to have had the chance to say what is in my heart and on my mind.

Tonight the girls will enjoy a GIANT Counselor “Talent” show… the campers show was super nice and marked by brilliance that really astounded us all; that is not what will happen tonight. A long line of skits and gags that will occasionally feature amazing song and dance. It is a fun night, one of the camper’s favorite EP’s of the summer.

The Seniorpaloza last night was super fun. Food Trucks, games, face painting, and dance contests all enjoyed under a glorious summer sunset. The Senior campers were amazing as always and the whole camp loved the “laid back carnival” feel of the night. Everyone is hoping we will do a similar program next summer!

We are having a blast. Thank you for making it possible.