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"Real, true, genuine," are concepts that endure; a term rarely applied to physical beauty. For examples of why, glance around your next high school reunion. Or, turn your gaze towards the Hollywood skyline where the knife is used more often on the surgeon's table than at the dinner table. If it's real beauty you seek, scratching the surface will only yield disappointing, fleeting results.

The fact is that we are all getting older. Wait. Wait. See? Parts of all our bodies have just moved one second further in the wrong direction. And, it's probably not going back without extreme measures. So, is my real beauty found in this skin that offers a new, daily battle with breakouts? Is it this form determined by decisions beyond my control and maintained by efforts that I can manage? Even in terms of an inanimate object, does it leave an impression merely because of its composition; or because it stirs an emotion, a memory, a hope?

Perhaps the more obvious answer is found in the beauty of a captivating personality. If so, then someone needs to call the Miss Universe Pageant, because they're missing their top contenders: used car salespersons! Before you hand over that crown, there are some who might disagree with the aforementioned theory. An acquaintance of mine, for one; he bought a used car for his growing family, only for it to die two months later. He ended up selling it at a loss. No, "beauty" is not the term I'd use for the alluring spell that some purposely or instinctively cast.

So, what is true beauty? What is ageless? Timeless? The famous proverb 31:30 referenced from the Christian Bible comments on both the inner and outer appearance. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain," expresses that charm is unreliable and beauty useless.

What, then, remains true and relevant? Pursuits, dreams, hopes, loves. I am blessed with friends who display a unique combination of wise practicality and almost nave trust. Their stories helped shape distinct, uplifting and amazingly certain outlooks; they helplessly reflect the good that should be. And, whatever made them who they are is what helps make me who I hope to become.

Beauty is not one's underlying story, but the generosity with which that story is shared among those who see the worth in really looking. Beauty of such depth is intense-its vessel helpless to its permeating beyond even flesh and blood.

Learn more about this author, Quo Elbert.
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