My daughter Allie Rose turns 13 today. My husband is getting his baseball bat ready because we feel sure he will need it to keep the boys at bay. Having recently shed her braces, my blond-haired, hazel-eyed, olive-skinned girl is a pleasure to look at.
She complains about her acne (what teenager doesn’t). And she complains every time I pull out an old picture like this:
She hated her glasses and her crooked teeth. She tells me she was “ugly”. It hurts my heart. She has always been beautiful to me. She was adorable at 4 and she’s adorable now. Her beauty radiates from her heart. A heart that loves Jesus. Her sense of adventure and life-excitement lights up the space around her. She is outgoing and witty and maddening. She is the epitome of a neon poster (I wrote about that here). I love this feisty delight with everything in me. And she will always be my beauty.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NLT
I am joining Kate Motaung and other members of the Five Minute Friday community for our weekly writing adventure. To learn about Five Minute Friday, click here. This week’s prompt is, “Beauty”.
Stephanie Clinton says
What a beauty, inside and out. I hope she grows to know her true worth and beauty, not just what the world would want her to see.
Lauren Sparks says
Thank you, Stephanie. And thanks for stopping by today.
Joan Taylor Ministries says
Beautiful. Your daughter, Allie Rose is absolutely beautiful. It's interesting…today's word became a part of my reality. I had to remind my twenty eight year old daughter of her internal beauty that radiates externally for the world to see. This kind of beauty is everlasting. So glad I stopped by.
Lauren Sparks says
It's a constant battle isn't it Joan. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Jennifer says
Lauren – thanks for stopping by my blog! Love this tribute to your (yes, beautiful!) daughter! Hooray for 13!! BTW – was skimming through your blog and just read the previous post! Priceless:) and congratulations on cancer-free!!!
Lauren Sparks says
Thanks for stopping by Jennifer. And for the good health wishes!