Charles William Eliot (1834-1926), former president of Harvard University, had a birthmark on his face that bothered him greatly. As a young man, he was told that surgeons could do nothing to remove it. Someone described that moment as “the dark hour of his soul.”
Eliot’s mother gave him this helpful advice: “My son, it is not possible for you to get rid of that hardship …. But it is possible for you, with God’s help, to grow a mind and soul so big that people will forget to look at your face.”
I’m encouraged by those words. I have Parkinson’s Disease, and one of its symptoms is a “facial mask” in which the face takes on a stiff, plastic appearance with little expression. It’s embarrassing to look like an “old sourpuss.” But I take heart in knowing that it is possible, with God’s help, to develop character qualities that will overshadow any physical imperfections.
Peter wrote about the beauty of “the hidden person of the heart” (1 Peter 3:4). Although he was speaking to women, the attractiveness of inner spiritual traits is equally becoming to men. Christlike character is more desirable than the finest external physical features.
May our lives reflect the love of Christ, the peace of God, and the joy of the Lord. Those are the qualities that make us look our best! – Richard W. De Haan
Beautiful lives are those who bear
For other lives their burden of care;
Beautiful souls are those who show
The spirit of Christ wherever they go. – Anon.
Nothing can dim the beauty that shines from within.
- June 15, 1992, Our Daily Bread
For You 