Mommy's Got a Brand New Belly

Josh Harris @ www.joshharris.com reviews excerpts from a Newsweek features of a children's book about cosmetic surgery.

In his responses he notes:

• "can you imagine if Dr. Seuss had done a book based on this concept? I will refrain from any rhymes at this point.
• a book like this points to the fact that cosmetic surgery is fast becoming the modern day equivalent of getting your hair colored. (Will do-it-yourself kits that come in a box at the grocery store soon follow?)
• if kids have this kind of bedtime reading, is there any doubt that cosmetic surgery will only become more and more "normal" in the future?
• We need to teach from a young age the truth of Proverbs 11:22 that says, "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion" (ESV). This is true even if the pig has had a "snout job."

Nicole Whitacre writes some insightful thoughts on this subject:

Because of the gospel, we can be free from this fruitless and rebellious search to find satisfaction in receiving admiration for our physical beauty. We can live for Christ instead. And thus our hearts can "be fixed, where true joys are to be found" (Book of Common Prayer, 1662).

So what difference should the gospel make in how we think about beauty today?

First, instead of complaining to the mirror about our imperfect body, let's consider how we can live for Christ by trusting Him and serving others. True joy will inevitably follow.

And secondly, if we're tempted to envy (or self-righteously judge) the beautiful, immodestly dressed co-worker, classmate, or fellow mom, for the attention they receive, let's pray for them instead--that they too would find true joy in Christ.

For helpful resources he closes: "Moms and daughters can also find valuable guidance in the book Girltalk: Mother to Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood written by Nicole and her mom, Carolyn Mahaney".