No thanks to Pinterest.

It can be hard to live in today's culture as a Christian woman, especially in America. When I read the Bible and seek God on how to be a more godly wife, sister and mother (one day), it seems that we are practicing the exact opposite of what is encouraged. 

Don't be concerned about the fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:5-6

Which leads me to say...

I have an issue with Pinterest.

Yes, the site that just a few months ago I blogged about being maybe the first "all female, social network." And for the most part, it's absolutely true. It is a great resource, don't get me wrong, but many women are becoming more and more addicted to it every day (I know, I get email notifications blowing up my phone with new followers). Spending just a couple minutes (turned hours) on there myself, I can see why. It does have some neat crafts and creative ways to make things on a great budget. I have no problem with that. What I find disturbing is the overload of photos featuring models with fancy hair, expensive jewelry and beautiful clothes... exactly the type of thing that Scripture encourages women, like me, to not be concerned about. But this site goes past concern and actually encourages us to "pin" the things we want to emulate. I had fun with it for a couple days... until I started looking in my home, closet and mirror and feeling a tinge of unsatisfaction.

Source: thesmallthingsblog.com

Source: wholesaleclothing4u.com

Believe it or not, God does not desire for us, as women, to struggle with insecurity. But yet how many of us will admit to feeling this way? The Proverbs 31 woman is strong, energetic and busy working hard to take care of her home and family... that she has little time to worry about what other people think.

She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. Proverbs 31:17

  Believe it or not, God desires for us, as women, to be fun and spirited! Taking care of others, not worrying about how we look and that our hair is just right. We should be able to look forward to the future with laughter! Not be the worrisome creatures that society has seemed to make us out to be.  

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:20,25

  Believe it or not, our wonderful God does not desire for us women to be considered beautiful by the world's standards. It is not even close to His priority for us. His desire is that we are filled with a devotion, reverence and love for Him.  

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30

  Believe it or not... God wants us to be the loving, caring, nurturing, protecting, strong and spirited women that He had in mind when He created Eve. And yet, we are living our lives distracted by the things of this world and becoming cold, gossiping, insecure, judgmental, weak and needy women. No thanks to this society and... no thanks to Pinterest.