What Makes a Bride Beautiful?

Bride_with_bouquetShe takes her father’s arm and enters the sanctuary as the entire congregation stands to their feet in awe. Her beauty captivates them, but their gaze does not distract her. Her heart is set on reaching the altar to stand beside the man she loves as they commit their lives to one another. It’s a beautiful moment, one that leaves an impression on the minds of each who witness it.

Every bride should hear the sweet sound of her guests’ gasp when the doors open and she enters the room. It’s something most girls dream about. It’s also something many girls fear won’t happen. But it does. And it has little to do with the physical attributes of the bride. In fact, no stylist or fashion designer should ever take the credit for making a bride beautiful.

Her groom should.

The thing that makes a bride glow more than her form-fitted gown, her exquisite updo or flawless makeup is the knowledge that she is loved.

A woman who feels loved feels confident and free.

Confident that dreams come true. Confident that, with him by her side, she can face the world.

Free to be herself because she is accepted, chosen, and wanted.

It’s this poise that makes her stand up tall and float down the aisle in front of a congregation of people watching her. Confidence makes a woman beautiful.

I can almost hear the thoughts of those of you who lost that poise after the honeymoon wore off. I know the lonely feeling of being married but not feeling loved. It made me ugly. Eighteen years ago I was given a second chance, and this time I realize that marriage requires maintenance just as my body does. If I stop exercising I get weak. If I don’t exercise love, my marriage gets weak. True love doesn’t just die; we let it. Love is a choice more than it is an emotion. Sometimes the best motivation to a good workout is to be in the gym with someone strong. If you want a strong marriage, get around another couple who is truly in love. Feelings follow actions.

I’d blog more about that, but I have a wedding to get to.

1 Peter 4:8 NLT

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com


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