Behold-Her Beauty presents: “Embracing the Gift of Aging— A Journey of Courage and Grace” by Paula Short. Aging is something none of us escape but we can embrace it as Paula does.
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 16:31— NIV
Embracing the Gift of Aging— A Journey of Courage and Grace
As we journey through life, we often find ourselves longing for the days of youth and vitality. However, let us not forget that aging is a gift bestowed upon us by our Creator. It is a season that invites us to embrace the wisdom and experiences gained over the years. Instead of fearing the passing of time, let us approach it with courage and grace.
“As we journey through life, we often find ourselves longing for the days of youth and vitality. However, let us not forget that aging is a gift bestowed upon us by our Creator.” – Paula short #aging #encouragement #youth
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Just as Scripture reminds us, gray hair is a crown of glory, earned through a righteous life. It represents the experiences we have gathered, the lessons learned, and the faithfulness we have shown over the years. Each wrinkle tells a story; each gray hair a testament to a well-lived life.
I haven’t always been okay with aging, I had severe anxiety as a child and still do. My parents were in their 40’s when they had me, and yes, I’m an only child. As a child I never thought anything about my parents being older, sure I could tell they looked older than my peers’ parents, but it never bothered me.
I remember a time when I was in 4th grade. It was Christmas chorus concert night. After our performance, I ran to my parents in excitement from the evening. As we were leaving one of my peers, a boy, came over to me and meanly said “Your parents are old.” My world crashed at that moment, and I suddenly saw my parents were old. I cried later that evening because the boy’s mean remark hurt me so much. I then became self-conscious at school functions about my parents’ age throughout the rest of my school years. Though other than the mean boy no one ever mentioned my parents being older during the rest of my school years.
In Highschool I remember how much my friends enjoyed my parents’ company. Then something began to change in me. I saw my parents as parents again, I know that statement sounds strange, but my parents loved me to the moon and back, took me to church and Sunday school, taught me about Jesus, and my mom modeled what Christlikeness was. It wasn’t until young adulthood that I realized each of their wrinkles told a story; each gray hair a testament to a life well-lived.
I realized each of their wrinkles told a story; each gray hair a testament to a life well-lived.” – Paula Short #aging #testimony #grace
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Fast forward, to now— I’m 52. I had always had poor self-confidence UNTIL I began to mature in Jesus. I learned how much he loves me and who HE says I am. So about three years ago, I began to explore what Scripture says about aging. And I saw how aging is honored, respected, celebrated, and valued. I decided I wanted to embrace aging. I started to get my “skunk strip” when I was 16 but about three years ago, I decided to stop coloring my hair and absolutely love God’s coloring today. And now I want to embrace the fact that each of my own wrinkles tells a story; each gray hair a testament to a life well-lived too— even the parts that weren’t so great.
Embracing the gift of aging requires a shift in mindset. Instead of focusing on the physical changes that come with growing older, let us embrace the spiritual growth that goes with this season of life.
Here are a few practical ways to do so:
— Embrace your unique journey: Recognize that each person’s aging process is different. Physical changes may mark your journey, but it also gives us opportunities for personal growth and spiritual transformation. Embrace the changes with gratitude and seek to find joy in every season.
— Cultivate wisdom: Aging provides a fertile ground for wisdom to flourish. Reflect on the lessons you have learned throughout your life and share your experiences with others. Seek opportunities to mentor and guide younger generations, offering them the wisdom you have gained along the way.
— Cultivate gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the blessings that have come your way throughout your journey. Express gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped you into who you are today.
— Embrace new possibilities: Aging does not mean that dreams and aspirations must fade away. Instead, view this season as an opportunity to explore new passions, discover hidden talents, and pursue goals that have been on hold. Allow yourself to dream big and step out in faith.
I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4— CSB
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of aging and the opportunity it brings for growth and transformation. Help me to embrace this season with courage and grace. Grant me the wisdom to navigate the challenges that may come with aging, and the strength to find joy in every day. Guide me in taking care of myself and seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with You. Open my heart to new possibilities and grant me the faith to pursue dreams that align with Your will.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
All In All
Let us not forget the beautiful truth that as we embrace the blessings of growing older, we can discover strength and elegance in understanding that our path is illuminated by a compassionate God who goes with us throughout our entire journey.
MEET THE AUTHOR – Paula Short
Paula considers herself an ordinary Christian woman traversing through the wilderness of an everyday mess finding beauty from ashes and a little grace along the way. She is a retired Social Worker with a BSW who lives in Western Pennsylvania with her emotional support dog, a spoiled, amusing, delightful beagle named Little Girl. She has two adult daughters pursuing their own aspirations. She does not believe that anyone is too far gone for Jesus to reach them. She’s a disciple with a message and writes about what Jesus touches and puts on her heart. Paula is a contributing writer for Woman To Woman Ministries and Faith On Every Corner Monthly Digital Magazine. You can find more faith-filled inspiration and encouragement at her blog Grace Filled Moments.
Remember, you are Beautiful!
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How does God see you?
Behold-Her Beauty seeks to help women see themselves as God’s beautiful daughters.
My whole life changed the day I realized that God sees me as His beautiful daughter. Not the distorted, flawed images I perceived, nor what others thought of me, and especially not what the world told me.
The benefits of seeing ourselves as God’s beautiful daughter are revolutionary and freeing. We no longer find our worth and approval in the world because God values and loves us.
Today, right now, know that you have permission to be beautiful as you embrace your already God-given beauty and live as God’s beautiful daughter.
- We are God’s masterpieces. God created each of us, His work of art, in Jesus Christ for good work, which God prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10).
- God made you in His image. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NKJV
- God chose you; you are His treasure and the apple of His eye. “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV
Embrace your God-given beauty and live without shame, bitterness, and self-condemnation.
I have put together 10 ways to reclaim your God-given beauty.
Start today by meditating on the Scripture in each declaration section. I like to write the Scripture verse in my journal and then pray about what God is teaching me. Then, do one of the action steps in each section.
You have permission to be beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and our Beholder is God.
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May we age gracefully, accepting the truth there is beauty to be found in every season of life. Thank you both, Paula and Deborah.
Oh Joanne, I so agree may we age gracefully. And have long lives filled with God’s love.
May we age gracefully, recognizing there is beauty in every season of life. Thank you both, Paula and Deborah for your encouragement.
Paula, in our culture, youth and youthfulness is worshipped. Your post reflects timeless biblical truth. While I’d love to have the energy and strength of youth, I wouldn’t trade the wisdom and experience that come with years of knowing Jesus.
Debbie and friends. I am so thrilled and filled with joy to share my story with all of you. Debbie, thank you for having me and friends and readers alike, Thank You for reading. xo
Paula, I am so happy you are here and that you shared your wisdom with us.
I’m thankful for God’s work in my life and try to remember that aging is just part of that work. I think it helps us become more and more dependent on Him. Thank you, Paula, for encouraging us in that process.
Beautiful, Deborah and Paula! Life is such a gift! And aging is a natural process of living this gift of life.
Lisa, yes life is a wonderful gift. I think as we get older by embracing our aging as Paula writes is wonderful.