Biblical Beauty: Romantically

The Romantic woman is sensual in her appearance and in nature. She naturally gives great attention to the elements of taste, smell, touch and especially visual appeal.

Like the orchid, this woman’s beauty is luscious and captivating, but sometimes hard to bring to bloom. Orchids will not share their astonishing flowers with the world if they are not cared for properly. They need sun and water like any other flower, but caring for them is very intricate. They are a tropical flower that needs warmth but must have a change in climate or they will not bloom. They need to be in the sun but cannot take direct sunlight; they need to be watered slowly and precisely because too much or too little water will shut down their blooming. Some of them like to be root-bound in order to bloom; others like the freedom and drainage of a larger pot. You need to study this flower if you are going to succeed in drawing out its amazing qualities. The Romantic’s beauty is delicate like that. Both the plant and the woman will endure poor conditions, but neither will share the beauty they have to offer. An Orchid will fill its pot with its large leaves and empty stems; the Romantic woman will fill her life with serving others but never really be able to offer her whole self because neglect causes her to shut down and stuffs away her own needs and desires.

If I were to choose a woman from the Bible who best represents the Romantic, I’d choose Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah. You find this woman in the book of Genesis, chapter 38. She was chosen to be the wife of Judah’s son Er, who was a wicked man. When Er was killed for his wickedness, Tamar was given to Judah’s next son, Onan, as was custom among the Jews. Onan was selfish and did not want to give his brother an heir; this displeased God so He took Onan’s life from him. Judah was afraid of losing his third son, so he told Tamar to go back to her family and wait for him to get older… but then he never sent for Tamar.

imagesThen Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord killed him. And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He killed him also.

Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. Genesis 38:6-11

It is not unusual for Romantics to get pushed and pulled by others, especially men. Maybe it’s because during their formative years they are Ingénues, maybe it’s because they are so compassionate about others and so giving in nature that they believe others are gentle and generous too, or perhaps it is because they seldom put their own wants or needs ahead of others’. I don’t know, but I have ministered to many Romantics who have been deeply wounded by others.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

 


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