Finding True Beauty In Africa
by Christina Oberst – HWCM Missionary to Tanzania
 When I reflected on this past month, I immediately thought of these two words that the Lord has been speaking to my heart over and over again, “TRUE BEAUTY”. For the past month I have been asking the Lord to show me what “true beauty” is. I have cried out for myself and for His church to see what He sees as beautiful and to walk in it. There is a cry in my heart to see His church adorned with His beauty that we may shine brightly for Him. I believe that in order to be carriers and vessels of His beauty we must not only be able to recognize it, but to see it as valuable.
His Word continually helps me to know and recognize His beauty. I am reminded of an act of love found in the Gospel of Mark 14:3-9. In this passage we are told the story of a woman who anoints Jesus, before He was to go to the cross, with a most costly and fragrant oil. While those watching spoke in criticism saying she was wasting money, Jesus said that she had done a beautiful thing. It was an act of worship and love for her Savior and King.
People may not always see what the Lord sees as beauty or call what the Lord calls beautiful. This is why we must listen for His voice and keep His word in our hearts. One thing I have been learning of His beauty is that it is attractive. It continually draws me closer and closer. And, so, I have longed to know that which is truly beautiful from the Lord, who is the complete and perfect representation of “True Beauty” itself.
In meditating upon this subject many questions have come to mind. Are the things that I call beautiful the same things the Lord calls beautiful? Do I really know what true beauty is? Am I taking the time to be mindful and appreciative of His beauty all around me, or am I too busy to see it? Am I a living example of His beauty to others? Do I allow the world to tell me what is beautiful or does the Lord tell me?
As I continue to ask Him, He gives me a deeper passion and desire to know and experience His beauty. The
result of those prayers is that I have found myself continually surrounded by it! I have seen His beauty shining
forth in many different ways living here in Africa. The beauty of simplicity; the beauty of a hug from a child;
the beauty of a child’s excitement to see you; the beauty of hearing the words “mama” with little arms outstretched to you; the beauty of a child’s laughter; the beauty of a smile; the beauty of sharing His love; the beauty of a kind word; the beauty of a kind act; the beauty of friendship and of those that surround our lives; the beauty of knowing you are loved; the beauty of life; the beauty of working together, the beauty of His creation; these and many more have all been moments of experiencing His “true beauty”.
I am so thankful to the Lord for helping me to notice His beauty all around me and to be a vessel for His beauty to flow out to others. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support that enables us to be an expression of His beauty to the children and people of Africa. May we all take time to see and enjoy His beauty, for it is all around. |
