The Truth About Ken and Barbie
In 1950 the hot items for girls to play with was limited to two basic choices: paper dolls and small baby dolls. One day a woman named Ruth Handler watched as her daughter played with these seemingly boring paper figures, pretending they were adults, and had an epiphany; a doll that could inspire young girls to dream. A doll that could allow girls to contemplate what they want to be when they grow up. This doll would have the features of an older girl. She would be fashionable, fun, and have the ability to play a variety of different roles. This doll would be called - Barbie.
This month marks the 45th year anniversary of Barbie. Barbie has evolved over the years, and you can find her in any profession imaginable. Over the years she has become linked with Ken, and they are known for their storybook love. Barbie is one of the most popular brands in history. She has indeed inspired young girls to be anything they want to be. She has been noted for her extremely good fashion sense and trendy accessories.
I think it is safe to assume that most people are familiar with Barbie and Ken, or played with them at some point or another in their lives. I know when I was a little girl, Barbie was my best friend. I took her everywhere. I also had everything associated with her from houses, to cars, to clothes and animals. And yes, I even had a Ken doll to keep her company.
Barbie is beautiful; she has the perfect figure, long beautiful hair, clear skin, the best clothes and jewelry, and lots of friends. Really, she has the perfect life!! Barbie is what most girls aspire to be. I know I looked at Barbie hoping that one day I would look as good as her. Ken has it going on too- chiseled looks, buff body, and Barbie the babe to boot.
At a young age I was tragically wishing that I could be somebody different, somebody more beautiful. Unfortunately I think many of us girls look at figures like Barbie and wish we could have it all, like her. There are lots of guys out there who are extremely unhappy with how they look, how they are built, wishing they could have it all, too.
Maybe it isn't Barbie/Ken you compare yourself to, but a movie star, or rock star. Maybe it is the models you see in magazines or athletes on ESPN. Over the years, society has made people believe that they aren't good enough. They must have the perfect figure/build, the most friends, the best car, and the perfect boyfriend/girlfriend, or else they are nothing. Guys/Girls constantly compare themselves to the images on television, on billboards, or on the internet. Society has even convinced every young man out there that you are nothing unless you are a famous athlete, or a multi-million dollar business man, or a rock star. Society has also used Ken's image to make you believe you must be buff to get all the chicks. Well, I am here to tell you, "IT'S A LIE!"
God's Word tells you that you are all beautiful in His sight. You were created in His image. What is more beautiful than being created in the image of God, who created the heavens and earth and all of the beauty within them, who paints the sunsets, and considers you more precious then even these?
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27
"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord." Psalm 45:11 "You are precious and honored in my sight." Isaiah 43:4
"...They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3
WOW!! God wants us to display His splendor, and radiate His beauty. A well known Bible teacher of women named Beth Moore puts it like this, "You see, the more we gaze on the beauty of the Lord as we seek Him in His temple, the more our lives absorb and radiate His splendor." In other words, when we are thankful for the people God made us to be and seek to serve Him and be more like Him; we are not seen for the beauty we possess, but for His beauty reflected through our lives. He made us the way we are for a purpose. As Christians our beauty must emanate from the inside out, not the other way around.
"It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you- the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God." 1 Peter 3:3 (NCV)
God is more interested in your heart and the motives behind what we do. He is not concerned with how tan you are, or what clothes you wear to school, or even your hair. He made you to reflect His splendor, JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.
"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, and then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God--you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration--what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; you know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something." Psalm 139:13-16 (mug)
"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:30
You are beautiful and wonderful the way you are. Never forget your worth in His sight. It does not matter what others think of you, because you are living for an audience of ONE. The ONE who created you and made you to glorify Him using the talents and skills He gave you. That is a far better destiny than being somebody you are not, like Barbie or Ken!
Questions:
- On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you with your looks, body, etc.
- How has reading this devotion helped you in the area of self-image?
- How are you specifically working on your inner beauty?
