The LOVE Everyone Craves

Two times this week I heard from the mouths of stunningly beautiful celebrities that they have struggled with overwhelming insecurities, a lack of peace and contentment, and are very troubled about their lifelong battles to meet the unrealistic expectations of others. Whew! Sound familiar to you ladies out there?

I heard these sad stories on one of the TVs in our neighborhood gym that was tuned in to Oprah. Hahaha, she's so famous worldwide that I'm confident I don't have to tell you her last name! While I was trying to take care of my own temple of the Holy Spirit (and just about to break a sweat) I watched and listened to famous actresses and models be interviewed by Oprah. These ladies --who have reached middle age and beyond -- were all still very attractive and continued to share very similiar testimonies of: never feeling pretty enough, thin enough, young enough, tall enough, short enough...you get the picture. Yes, they became financially wealthy because of their countless appearances in and on: runways, movies, magazine covers, billboards, and innumerable advertisements inside the thousands of magazines. Lots of coverage, lots of fame. Well, that's what it looks like to the world, doesn't it?

However they gave credence to the fact that money can't buy contentment and joy. These ladies had sparkling smiles, glowing faces, skinny bodies and broken hearts.

I was so intrigued by what they were saying because I've seen this several times on Oprah's show. Yes, I try to keep up with what she's promoting....my heart is women's ministry and encouraging women in the LORD. I try to be aware...you know, pay attention to what the world is selling women. But Oprah had two sets of gorgeous stars two days this week. Yes, I watched both shows and kept hearing the same thing from several women. Just like I heard a couple of other groups of Hollywood celebs say very similiar things on her previous shows over several months. Hmmmmmm. Yes, I'm paying attention and seeing the lies of the world continue to torment women.

These women on Oprah -- all of them -- wanted love and acceptance as we all do BUT they wanted and still hunger for something that ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN GIVE: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. I think that's what every person craves because that's how God made us: to crave/love/want Him. We all want to be loved in spite of our shortcomings, weaknesses, flaws, frailities...

These stunning beauties -- and as I said earlier I've seen so many tell the same story on Oprah. They're in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 6os...and yes, still very pretty. They talk about the fear of aging, trying to grow old gracefully, and being accepted. One blonde --who was the cover girl of 100s of magazines -- admitted when she was in her 20s she'd go home and cry because she knew when she looked in her own bathroom mirror she did not look like the air-brushed girl on the cover of the magazines that they painted her out to be! These women are looking for true peace that is only found in the unconditional love of God.
I did notice that most of these lovely ladies have retreated from Hollywood lifestyles and the unrealistic expectations of being a star. They're moving to ranches and open spaces to be with family and to raise and train horses and grow gardens. They are getting away from the cameras and lights that have stolen their privacy and fed their self-centeredness.

Some of these stars expressed that middle age has helped them to change their priorities. They have also turned to caring for animals and family pets who will love them unconditionally. I heard the ladies say that their horses and their dogs and cats are their friends. These women (there are many who I have seen in different shows)are still breathtakingly beautiful on the outside but worn out on the inside from looking in all the wrong places to be satisfied and content.

The U.S. entertainment industry & media - not all of it but mostly - has successfully sold the lie to women and now to the upcoming teens and 20-somethings that you'll only be happy if you achieve the outward perfection. "Come and buy this product and it will make you happy." "Weigh this much and you'll be popular." "Buy this label and you'll find your Prince Charming." Ugh. I can't find any of these things in my Bible. That means women are being lied to and we're believing this stuff.

I think all these women on all of these shows are crying out. Just think how many of us who are not starlets, but women with friends and families and neighbors who struggle with this stuff.

Jesus really is the answer. When we belong to Jesus He loves us when we have a muffin top. He loves us when we need a touch-up on our dark roots. And when we say we want to "sleep in, let the kids get their own cereal." And when we age and get wrinkles and our hair gets thinner.

Yep. I know this is true. For one thing I know Jesus saved me and made me His child when I was at my worst! He did not wait until I got cleaned up inside and out. Nope. One night when my heart was deeply broken and I was on a beach on my knees and I cried out and asked God to become my Father and to make me His. To forgive me for my sins. He did. He does and He will continue to be my Father in heaven. He is my Everlasting Father. That means there is no beginning or end to His love, provision, and protection of His children. Are you one?
Let Him set you free, too. He'll give you life rich with His unconditional love -- like you've never known. And then He'll tell you to share that unconditional love with everyone in your life!

Love & blessings,

Polly