Jesuslovesu
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Yes awesome post Hadirfuss! Thank you!
Beauty Pageants
- Thread starter morethandiamonds
- Start date
Pagan kings are not the only ones who crave the beauty of the outside appearance. I mentioned Esther only because I thought it was interesting that the Word of God has all things recorded. She saved her people and I feel that God used her beauty to put her in the place He had ordained for her to be in. I've known too many preachers also that love outside beauty and have even remarked that God made us to be attracted to people who were nice to look at. Sadly, (and as God's Word tells us) it's all a matter of the fallen state of human nature. The enemy twists this to be used for his evil purposes, and so many get hurt because of it. I should have told the rest of my story (opinion) the first time, so no one would be confused by my post, much like they were confused about another statement I had once made, about Peter. But then, that has mostly been my experience when posting.
I just wanted to set the record straight that I in no way, shape, form, or fashion, agree with "the need to be beautiful," that our society has pushed down our throats. It is the enemy's playground.
I just wanted to set the record straight that I in no way, shape, form, or fashion, agree with "the need to be beautiful," that our society has pushed down our throats. It is the enemy's playground.
Dreamer
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My father once remarked that "God made women for men to look at.", when I was about 12 years old. "That's about all they're good for," he added.
This devastated me, a plain, undeveloped 7th grader with acne and a skinny body. What would I ever be good for then?
An emphasis on outward beauty, I believe, hurts young girls especially. It hurts grown women too, we just have learned to hide our hurt.
This devastated me, a plain, undeveloped 7th grader with acne and a skinny body. What would I ever be good for then?
An emphasis on outward beauty, I believe, hurts young girls especially. It hurts grown women too, we just have learned to hide our hurt.
andrewnicholas
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I entirely agree with you.These pageants are exploiting the vanity of those who compete and the scholarships are only a fraction of the millions made by the organisers.Look at Miss Universe - Donald Trump is behind this and he personally picks out five of the final 20 candidates.I believe this type of "contest" is contrary to the teachings of Christ - where He asks of us to be humble and pure of soul and spirit.It is sickening to see little girls dressed as you describe them - even here in Ireland we have competitions for Irish dancers - the type you see in Riverdance - the kids are made to wear wigs and have hair extensions - their white knee length stockings are glued to their skin in case they slip down the leg while they are dancing and its all about winning- such a change to thirty years ago when it was all about competing and promoting the Irish tradition.Now its a money making racket that deprives children of their innocence and childhood.I believe all of this is contrary to the Christian way.
Nicholas.
Nicholas.
Dreamer
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That Is So Sad
That is sad to hear about, Andrew Nicholas. I was kind of hoping that our pushing little girls into physical adulthood was only a United States obcession and that other little girls in other countries didn't have to go through that. I guess I was putting my head in the ground like an ostrich.
Jesus grieves to see children treated as mere physical objects. (As if we own them????)
They belong to God. Children are God's creatures more than they are ours. We need to lead them to Jesus, not to fame and good looks and shallow achievments.
Thanks for postingAndrew Nicholas.
Any more input from people in other countries besides U.S. , about beauty contests, children, etc.?
That is sad to hear about, Andrew Nicholas. I was kind of hoping that our pushing little girls into physical adulthood was only a United States obcession and that other little girls in other countries didn't have to go through that. I guess I was putting my head in the ground like an ostrich.
Jesus grieves to see children treated as mere physical objects. (As if we own them????)
They belong to God. Children are God's creatures more than they are ours. We need to lead them to Jesus, not to fame and good looks and shallow achievments.
Thanks for postingAndrew Nicholas.
Any more input from people in other countries besides U.S. , about beauty contests, children, etc.?
andrewnicholas
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The exploitation of children in one form or another is worldwide. I blame the parents for pushing kids into what they think is a glorious, proud position.Its not for the children at all - its the parents and the unscrupulous promoters who value money over innocence - whether its sport, music or other competitive situations it goes on under our noses and we must learn to speak out.Fair enough if God gives a talent to a child it can be developed. A friend of mine had a gifted son who played soccer.All the top clubs in England were chasing him from the age of 12.My friend did not allow the temptation of easy money to motivate him.He insisted the lad should complete our equivelant of high school until he had enough qualifications to go on to college before allowing him to sign for Manchester United and you know what - he made it - he is a top professional soccer player - John O Shea a key player for Manchester United and Ireland but such a nice, grounded boy who is generous to his parents, charities and who never forgot the basic decency instilled into him by loving parents.I wish more parents could be like Mr. and Mrs.O Shea- thats the right way to bring kids along.
Nicholas.
Nicholas.
SpiritLedEd
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This post has nothing to do with beauty pageants, but Dreamer's story about her father's remark reminded me of a similar incident in my life. When I was, say, six years old, I was bored on one Saturday morning and took to pestering my mother. My father was in the back yard working on a repair of some sort.
To get me out of her hair, Mom shipped me out the back door with instructions to "go help your father." I told dad that mom had sent me out to help him and I asked him what he wanted me to do. His response was, "If I have to show you, I rather do it myself!"
That remark cut the heart out of me. It put up a barrier between us that lasted until he died seventeen years ago. I lost my father that morning. Relationship was restored after I came to Christ as a fourty-five year old man and he and I became friends. But there was never any father and son intimacy.
My father was not an evil man, he was a good man. It is most unfortunate that one harsh remark, made (perhaps) in a moment of frustration, wreaked sp much damage.
Parents, please practice the art of holding your tongue when you are upset with your children!
SLE
To get me out of her hair, Mom shipped me out the back door with instructions to "go help your father." I told dad that mom had sent me out to help him and I asked him what he wanted me to do. His response was, "If I have to show you, I rather do it myself!"
That remark cut the heart out of me. It put up a barrier between us that lasted until he died seventeen years ago. I lost my father that morning. Relationship was restored after I came to Christ as a fourty-five year old man and he and I became friends. But there was never any father and son intimacy.
My father was not an evil man, he was a good man. It is most unfortunate that one harsh remark, made (perhaps) in a moment of frustration, wreaked sp much damage.
Parents, please practice the art of holding your tongue when you are upset with your children!
SLE
Dreamer
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Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Parents, be careful. Sensitive little ears are listening, soft hearts are waiting, scared eyes are watching to see whom they can trust.
My parents are both passed away and I am certain that I will see them in heaven. They were under a lot of stress and said many things to me that I'm sure that they didn't mean, but nevertheless, I can only be healed by Christ's love.
I was told, I would never amount to anything. And my dad insisted that I would "land in the loony bin just like him". (He was a State Institution patient in and out of our home as they released him from the institution repeatedly after shock treatments.
When I was very young, he was a Methodist pastor. We were a happy family and my mom played the piano at church and taught bible school with great flair. My dad was the preacher. After he had a nervous breakdown, life was never the same.
Words hurt. Words last. Words help mold our children into who they will be.
My parents are both passed away and I am certain that I will see them in heaven. They were under a lot of stress and said many things to me that I'm sure that they didn't mean, but nevertheless, I can only be healed by Christ's love.
I was told, I would never amount to anything. And my dad insisted that I would "land in the loony bin just like him". (He was a State Institution patient in and out of our home as they released him from the institution repeatedly after shock treatments.
When I was very young, he was a Methodist pastor. We were a happy family and my mom played the piano at church and taught bible school with great flair. My dad was the preacher. After he had a nervous breakdown, life was never the same.
Words hurt. Words last. Words help mold our children into who they will be.
I have said many hurtful things I know to my children, and to others whom I was given as gifts from God. I don't even have the excuse of not being in fellowship with Christ; because although walking with Him makes us so much better (His righteousness only), I have still had my times of anger. Lashing out at others is such a fallen, human trait. The enemy sets out to destroy our families any way that he can.
I too have mental illness in my family; also my Dad. For so long I have used it as a excuse and believe me it is a major battle that rages on. But.... my Dad was the best Dad in all the world. I truly believe that the Father puts us right where He ordained for us to be. I truly believe that He will finish this undone state in all of us. Maybe it is about learning to forgive. Since, Jesus came to me, I have ask for forgiveness from everyone over the years (especially when I was a young Mom). Yet, it is so hard to let go of all the failures and most of the time, for me anyway, it's so much harder to forgive myself.
Back to this beauty thing: How can we expect our youth to set heavenly goals for themselves, when every time they turn on the tv, there's a message of sex and worldly gain being broadcast to them and everyone else. I am amazed how it is such a playground for the enemy. He seems to have the upper hand with it now. Even on so called family shows, when they are previewing what is coming on next. I have noticed that they will take a phrase and put a little "dirty joke" twist on it. That ain't right. I think it's always been this way in the world, but as the end times are upon us, it is pressing down to all areas on the earth. There is a lot to be said about not having everything you want. We have become very spoiled and selfish and the price will have to be paid, unless we are willing to change.
I too have mental illness in my family; also my Dad. For so long I have used it as a excuse and believe me it is a major battle that rages on. But.... my Dad was the best Dad in all the world. I truly believe that the Father puts us right where He ordained for us to be. I truly believe that He will finish this undone state in all of us. Maybe it is about learning to forgive. Since, Jesus came to me, I have ask for forgiveness from everyone over the years (especially when I was a young Mom). Yet, it is so hard to let go of all the failures and most of the time, for me anyway, it's so much harder to forgive myself.
Back to this beauty thing: How can we expect our youth to set heavenly goals for themselves, when every time they turn on the tv, there's a message of sex and worldly gain being broadcast to them and everyone else. I am amazed how it is such a playground for the enemy. He seems to have the upper hand with it now. Even on so called family shows, when they are previewing what is coming on next. I have noticed that they will take a phrase and put a little "dirty joke" twist on it. That ain't right. I think it's always been this way in the world, but as the end times are upon us, it is pressing down to all areas on the earth. There is a lot to be said about not having everything you want. We have become very spoiled and selfish and the price will have to be paid, unless we are willing to change.
IMO, almost any type of "contests" that judge someone are inherently anti-God. Whether it's beauty, or talent (singing/dancing), or any other contests that would require others to judge someone else' abilities. The bible tells us that to each is given talents according to thier abilities. Who are weto judge the talents God has given to anyone? A talent show I certainly could support, but when we start having contests, it leads to numerous temptations from the enemy. Performers begin to be tempted by envy and jealousy of skills possessed by others. Big time contests, such as the American Idol TV show, include the temptations of financial gains, along with the physical judgements on the contestants looks as well.
God has made us each in His image.....to judge anyone as less than beautiful, is to judge a creation of God, in the same fashion. "....what you have done to the least of these...you have also done unto me.."
Peace.
God has made us each in His image.....to judge anyone as less than beautiful, is to judge a creation of God, in the same fashion. "....what you have done to the least of these...you have also done unto me.."
Peace.
Hi Truth ,
Peace be with you and to all members in this forum.
I feel that if the idea of having competitions ( in general ) that is to promote understanding and togetherness to glorify HIS NAME are acceptable . For example , having a Church Choir Competition or Children's Singing Competion . They are singing hymns or songs to the Lord . The purpose is to have them get in the Christian environment , which is Christ centred.
Peace be with you and to all members in this forum.
I feel that if the idea of having competitions ( in general ) that is to promote understanding and togetherness to glorify HIS NAME are acceptable . For example , having a Church Choir Competition or Children's Singing Competion . They are singing hymns or songs to the Lord . The purpose is to have them get in the Christian environment , which is Christ centred.
Right on Truth
I agree with Truth. Too many times these things lead to pride. Our talents are beautiful to God, no matter what; because, He gave them to us and they are part of Him. I have heard a preacher say before, that if a person couldn't sing (carry a tune) then they shouldn't sing. I think that is all wrong. Someone's song is to the Lord. What right do we have to judge how beautiful that it sounds to Him?
I agree with Truth. Too many times these things lead to pride. Our talents are beautiful to God, no matter what; because, He gave them to us and they are part of Him. I have heard a preacher say before, that if a person couldn't sing (carry a tune) then they shouldn't sing. I think that is all wrong. Someone's song is to the Lord. What right do we have to judge how beautiful that it sounds to Him?
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Anonymous_poet
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These beauty contests are a very american thing,
but one thing gets my goat...and thats child pageants !I would not advise to put a child through such trauma.
Or if you have to until they are in their late teens,
Even in their late teens they are not developed emotionally,
Having a panel judge a child on their outward appearence in their formative years not only shows the child negative messages about how society values women but also undermines the values we try to teach i.e study hard, don't judge others.
Personally I have only seen this sort of thing on the tv, mostly its parents living through their children and pushing them into limelight for all the wrong reasons,
It can cause the child to have low self-esteem, or not reach their full potential in school,
ok rant over
but one thing gets my goat...and thats child pageants !I would not advise to put a child through such trauma.
Or if you have to until they are in their late teens,
Even in their late teens they are not developed emotionally,
Having a panel judge a child on their outward appearence in their formative years not only shows the child negative messages about how society values women but also undermines the values we try to teach i.e study hard, don't judge others.
Personally I have only seen this sort of thing on the tv, mostly its parents living through their children and pushing them into limelight for all the wrong reasons,
It can cause the child to have low self-esteem, or not reach their full potential in school,
ok rant over
Toughy
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Miss America Pageant
I am writing because since the whole ordeal with Miss California my fiance' and I have been at odds concerning the whole thing. I said that she should not expect noble behavior from a group of people who parade women in basically their underwear and rate them for such. I said I felt the whole thing was nothing more than a 'dog show' and that it depreciates the women who participate. I understand that the women are compensated very well for winning it which makes it even worse. In my opinion, it is still a women selling out-selling her body-taking her clothes off for money- plain and simple. He said I was over-reacting and it has made me question his integrity as a Christian and how he views women. It has also made me doubt my own strong beliefs regarding women and everytime I express my disdain for how women are objectified. I just don't believe that's how God views women or how women should view themselves. The whole objectification of women opens up a whole can of issues from domestic abuse to rape and murder. I just don't think my fiance' understands the gravity of what it means when a woman has to take her clothes off to be valued, appreciated, compensated, etc because he is a man. I try to view myself as worth more to God than my body parts, but when my 'Christian' fiance' perceives my passion to disable the degradation of women as 'over-reacting' it is disheartening in so many ways. Disheartening that it is not only accepted by mainstream society but that even Christian men are so desensitized to the objectification of women that they view any stand against it as 'radical'. I personally am offended and sick of every time I turn on the TV a women is half naked and yes it has made me think of taking tvs out of our house all together. Anyway, I would appreciate another female's or male's perspective. Am I so out of line in my thinking?
I am writing because since the whole ordeal with Miss California my fiance' and I have been at odds concerning the whole thing. I said that she should not expect noble behavior from a group of people who parade women in basically their underwear and rate them for such. I said I felt the whole thing was nothing more than a 'dog show' and that it depreciates the women who participate. I understand that the women are compensated very well for winning it which makes it even worse. In my opinion, it is still a women selling out-selling her body-taking her clothes off for money- plain and simple. He said I was over-reacting and it has made me question his integrity as a Christian and how he views women. It has also made me doubt my own strong beliefs regarding women and everytime I express my disdain for how women are objectified. I just don't believe that's how God views women or how women should view themselves. The whole objectification of women opens up a whole can of issues from domestic abuse to rape and murder. I just don't think my fiance' understands the gravity of what it means when a woman has to take her clothes off to be valued, appreciated, compensated, etc because he is a man. I try to view myself as worth more to God than my body parts, but when my 'Christian' fiance' perceives my passion to disable the degradation of women as 'over-reacting' it is disheartening in so many ways. Disheartening that it is not only accepted by mainstream society but that even Christian men are so desensitized to the objectification of women that they view any stand against it as 'radical'. I personally am offended and sick of every time I turn on the TV a women is half naked and yes it has made me think of taking tvs out of our house all together. Anyway, I would appreciate another female's or male's perspective. Am I so out of line in my thinking?
Dreamer
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Toughy...I read your words and felt as if I had written them myself. I do feel the same way, I just was not brave or honest enough to say so.
I hope you start a new thread under this subject you have addressed. It would be great if you did.
Peace, sister.
I hope you start a new thread under this subject you have addressed. It would be great if you did.
Peace, sister.
wordzspitta
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i think it's worldly and the word says to be not conformed to this world but be ya transformed by the renewing of the mind. I'm getting to the point, by the Grace of God, that i find all worldly thing detestible and that's just plain and simple. Just becuase it seem right doesn't mean it is. When i was in the world i thought just like the world and loved watching beauty pageants for the same reasons i loathe them now. i hope this helps
Toughy
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Thank you so much for your reply. I think a lot of women have strong feelings about these types of issues but do not want to be labled as 'feminist' or other terms that have a negative connotation associated with voicing injustices against women. The current acceptance of women being objectified has to be brought to the forefront of our churches. I think it has been accepted by men and women much too long-kind of like the dirty little secret of domestic abuse. Women should have a voice in issues that degrade the family. Men are given a false 'template' ie 'idol' of what women are to look like and then 'real' women are killing themselves to acheive what we think wil please men. The Bible says we should seek to please Him-not men. I am not talking about being confrontational and insubordinate to men but I do think the men we subject or submissiveness to should be men of integrity-not men who are double-minded about women being objectified. I think that men should be passionate aobut it too but it somehow seems that they go along with it...I pray God sees this and hears/sees the cries/tears of women...
Take heart girlfriend
Female input:
That's a man for you. It's not right, but then no one ever said it was. We live in a fallen place.
This thing goes so deep and so far back that we would all be surprised if we know just how far!
Marriage is never a rose garden and planning to get married can be an eye opening event also.
Don't dwell too much on what has always been. Dwell on what you can make happen with your input, out of love.
Jesus ended the curse when he was crucified, and arose from death. But, sometimes you will find that the curse goes on. Who fault is it? That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
.......jmh137
Female input:
That's a man for you. It's not right, but then no one ever said it was. We live in a fallen place.
This thing goes so deep and so far back that we would all be surprised if we know just how far!
Marriage is never a rose garden and planning to get married can be an eye opening event also.
Don't dwell too much on what has always been. Dwell on what you can make happen with your input, out of love.
Jesus ended the curse when he was crucified, and arose from death. But, sometimes you will find that the curse goes on. Who fault is it? That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
.......jmh137
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