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Being beautiful is one of those things that deep down every woman aspires to. And well I don't want to leave the men out here so generally speaking men strive to be strong, to do something, to have purpose. As the saying goes ''Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'' and then the other saying goes, "beauty is in the eye of the beer holder'', so depends on what you see. There are so many definitions of beauty and songs about beauty. The people in Namibia really beautify all that they have. As I walk through the town I see that shop owners have tried to beautify sign boards, walk ways, window displays and their little shops. People search for beauty. People create what they feel is beautiful. There are so many ideas of beauty and the media tries to influence how we view beauty. Having studied textile design most days I am exposed to hundreds of photo's of models wearing the latest clothing. Most of which are a size 8 or smaller. These woman get the TV coverage, the lead roles in the movies, the front pages of magazines and general limelight.
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In Biblical scripture we see that a gentle and quiet nature is of great value to the Lord. The woman in the background is the one that the Lord values. The lady who generously pours her perfume on Him and sits at His feet and enjoys His presence. The Lord tells us to seek peace and pursue it, as well as live life to the full. God encourages us to find beauty within, not from outward adornment. Although I think often outward adornment is an expression of inward beauty. Nevertheless beauty should come from within. When it expresses itself it is not always loud and on the front page of a magazine but silent, gentle and peaceful.
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The truth is that we are all so different, so why do we then dress the same? We are all beautiful in our own unique way. I have a friend whom inspires me in so many ways. Her very presence inspires me. She doesn't have to do much to inspire me, it comes so naturally from within. I have known her for over 15 years. Her parents are foreign and moved to South Africa when she was young. Physically she looks different from most South Africans. She is unusual, but beautiful don't get me wrong. She is peaceful and content yet at times oozes joy and quirkiness. She is a dear. She is deep yet fun. She is feminine yet stern. She is beautiful in my eyes. She has the characteristics that make her typically beautiful such as shiny dark hair and long eye lashes but then she has an unusual side to her that makes her even more beautiful such as her broken nose. She is confident yet at times reserved. She is hard working but doesn't try too hard. These are my ideas of beauty.
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If you have to think of a beautiful plant what do you think of? Today I think of the Welwitschia plant. It is found in Namibia and consists of two leaves, a stem base and roots. That is all! Its two permanent leaves are unique in the plant kingdom. They are the original leaves from when the plant was a seedling, and they just continue to grow and are never shed. They are leathery, broad, strap-shaped and they lie on the ground becoming torn to ribbons and tattered with age. The stem is low, woody, hollowed-out, obconical in shape and sturdy. It grows to about 500 mm in height. When you see this plant for the first time you will think of it as peculiar and bizarre. I mean it is really a strange plant.
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In South Africa we are so accustomed to see trees growing out of the ground, maybe palm trees or bushes but not Welwitschia's. Like Welwitschia's in comparison to South African trees, you and I are so different. All plants have roots, stems and leaves but are all different. Some of us are lazy, content Welwitschia's, some are flamboyant Palm trees, some are pretty rose bushes. We are all different. Whatever you are, enjoy it. Embrace the fact that you are unusual. Embrace that you are more laid back. Embrace your peace loving heart. People may come from all over the country to see your unique ways...
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But be gentle in your approach. Be peaceful in your encounter with other trees when they are not the same as you. Enjoy being a tree in Namibia or a Welwitschia in South Africa. Enjoy being a round peg in a square hole. Although the world will tell you that there is something wrong with you, embrace it. Embrace diversity.
Love,
Sarah***
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