I remember sitting in a class of many talkative, animated women as we discussed how to be an influencer on social media and the internet. I thought to myself, “I am just a plain woman. How can I possibly compete with the extroverts?”
Then just like a thunderbolt from heaven, God spoke to my spirit. “You are just the way I want you to be. There are way more plain women than the ‘extra’ ones. I have a job for you to do with all the other plain ladies.”
How could I argue with God? Maybe you are doing that today. Maybe you are saying to yourself:
- I am so plain and ordinary
- I am not a dynamic speaker
- I don’t stand out in the crowd
If these are your thoughts, then keep reading because plain women can live extraordinary lives.
What does it mean that someone is plain looking?
If you are wondering what “plain looking” means, here it is straight from Wiktionary,
“Not beautiful, distinctive, or remarkable in appearance. Not too pretty, or too ugly; NORMAL.”
Normal. The majority of us are plain women.
What does God say about plain women?
This is what God says about all women, but especially the ones who feel plain.
- “People look at your outward appearance but I look at what you are like inside, that is your thoughts and desires. (1 Samuel 16:7)
- “I made you. You are my masterpiece.” (Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10) When we criticize ourselves we are actually criticizing God.
- “I love you. You are mine.” (John 3:16, Jeremiah 31:3)
It is ok to be plain. Jesus was quite plain yet was the most influential one who walked planet earth. So He can relate to the many of us who feel plain.
“He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2b ESV
Jesus was also not an orator among the crowds. If He were physically here today, He would not be part of the “Toastmasters”. That is the adult club for people who practice giving great speeches.
Jesus spoke to the crowds in simple terms, using metaphors and illustrations that the people were familiar with. Though He was God and could have talked circles around anyone, He didn’t have anything to prove except His love for those who listened to him.
What makes plain women more attractive?
God gave us a body that He expects us to take care of. When we don’t, it shows in our physical features. So taking care of ourselves means:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Getting adequate rest
- Exercising
- Eating nutritious food
- Smiling
- Doing what God wants us to do
(1) Drinking plenty of water
The main ingredient in our bodies is water. But we lose water every day through breathing, sweating, and waste products. It is important that we replace it to help everything function properly.
“… one of the best-kept secrets for healthier, younger-looking skin is as easy to find as turning the tap. Water makes up a large percentage of your body weight, and when you don’t drink enough of it, it shows in your skin. Without enough water, your skin looks dull, and prematurely aged.” (1)
(2) Getting adequate rest
Women who are overly tired appear less friendly and less interested in others. Yet these two qualities make us more attractive.
Obviously, if you have an infant who isn’t sleeping through the night, you can’t do much about that. In such cases, we just have to remember that this too will pass and in time we will have the opportunity to sleep more.
(3) Exercising
Our bodies were made for movement. Those who are in a cast for weeks due to a fracture, lose some of their muscle function.
Our entire body relies on our being active to maintain health. Women who engage in some kind of exercise rather than sitting and being entertained all day have more energy and engage with others better.
(4) Eating nutritious food
Most of us have heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” To be healthy we need nutritious food, not junk food.
That doesn’t mean we never eat pie, ice cream, or birthday cake. It means that for the majority of the time we chose healthy items.
(5) Smiling
Smiling not only makes us more attractive, but it also makes us feel better as well as having positive health benefits. All in all, it is one of the simplest strategies for being attractive.
People are drawn to a smile and repelled by a frown.
(6) Doing what God wants us to do
This is probably the most overlooked yet most needed activity for attractiveness. You see, when we are in the center of God’s will, joy radiates from us that is attractive to others.
How do plain women live extraordinary lives?
Two passages from the Bible describe people living extraordinary lives.
“Blessed is the man (or woman) who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his/her delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he/she prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (explanation added)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
What the extraordinary life looks like for plain women
Do blessings sound nice? What about success? Or being prosperous?
Plain women living extraordinary lives are very aware of the many blessings they have. This all stems from an attitude of gratitude.
Plain women living extraordinary lives are successful in the eyes of God. They have purpose and are living out God’s plans for their lives.
Plain women living extraordinary lives are prosperous. This might be financially, but not always. It often is in good friendships, spiritual growth, confidence in who they are and the talents God has given them, and so much more.
How plain women get the extraordinary life
The passages of Scripture above tell us how to be blessed, successful, and prosperous. There are a few things that we should and should not do.
We are told to be careful who our close friends are and from who we take advice. There are certain people we should not be hanging out with.
But God never says “don’t do this” without giving us the correct thing to do. So here they are from the Scriptures above.
- Delight or be excited about God’s word, the Bible. (“the law of the Lord” and “book of the law”)
- Think about God’s word throughout the day. (“meditate on it day and night”)
- Talk about God’s word with your friends and family. (“this book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth”)
- Do what the Bible teaches. (“be careful to do according to all that is written in it”)
There you have it. Plain Women who have extraordinary lives also have a vibrant and personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
If you don’t know Jesus, you probably have questions. The people at Chat About Jesus have answers. You can text, call, or chat with them online any time of the day or night.
Final thoughts
It’s OK to be plain. Yes, it is. In reality, it means we are normal. But that should not stop us from living life to the fullest.
Jesus came to give life and to give it abundantly. (John 10:10) This kind of life can not be achieved if we are desperately trying to be like someone else.
If you are not quite there yet, what will you do to join the ranks of plain women living extraordinary lives?
If online groups are your thing, come join our private community, women growing in joy.
You might also like to read:
- Who your friends are and why it matters
- Christian faith for beginners
- Why should I smile when I hurt inside
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