"We're the nerds…we sit at the nerd table at lunch."

It wasn't a pity party or a passive-aggressive attempt to coax a compliment from me, it was a declarative statement, a matter-of-fact assessment of "who" they were by one of their own:  a group of freshman girls who weren't the popular kids.  Though I tried my best never to show it, their own self-characterization hurt me for them.  

They were a band of sisters drawing strength from their number and, by profession more than action, their faith.  For a season they lived in shadowy margins. 

They weren't like I was back in the day.  I was the girl they were challenged not to hate. 

I loved these girls; I saw their potential.  Their choices protected and insulated them from a world of drama and hurt.  When I had one-on-one opportunity, I intentionally praised and encouraged them–kindness to others, an accomplishment in school, or sometimes plain ol' book cover judgment:  "You look beautiful today!"  

Thoughtful, intentioned words are oxygen.  
The heart can shrivel without them.

Images of airbrushed perfection haunt, taunt… a cruel assault from virtually every direction.  How much does it grieve me that high school girls are photoshopping their senior portraits, not just to hide a blemish, but to alter features and trim pounds?  

They're creating a history that never existed!

It has been years since I was a part of these girls' lives, but Nichole Nordeman's wonderful new song, Beautiful For Me, reminded me of their awkward season.  It's critical to tell our daughters early and often that they're beautiful; not focusing on the outside but seeding in their own minds how God sees them:  wonderfully madeI pray my own daughter has heard this…and believes its truth.   

"Sweetpea Beauty
~ A Girl After God's Own Heart" is the soon-to-be-released dish by Big Ideas, the first Veggie-Tales adventure aimed at girls.  It looks darling. Nordeman's Beautiful For Me gives you a glimpse into the story.

Listen to the song.  Read the lyrics below.  Then seek out a young girl (or 12) to share this message with.  

BEAUTIFUL FOR ME


Nichole Nordeman

Every girl young and old has to face her own reflection

Twirl around, stare it down


What’s the mirror gonna say


With some luck, you’ll measure up


But you might not hold a candle to the rest


“Is that your best?” says the mirror to the mess

But there’s a whisper in the noise


Can you hear a little voice


and he says


Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?


You might agree if you could see what I see


Oh


‘Cuz everything about you is incredible


You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful
for me

If it’s true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder

What my life and what’s inside to give him something to behold

I want a heart that’s captivating

I wanna hear my Father say

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?

You might agree if you could see what I see

Oh

‘Cuz everything about you is incredible


You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful
for me

Close your eyes

Look inside

Let me see the you that you’ve been trying to hide

Long ago, I made you so very beautiful

So I ought to know you’re beautiful

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?

You might agree if you could see what I see

Yeah

‘Cuz everything about you is incredible

You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful

You’re so beautiful

Beautiful for me

So beautiful for me

Has anybody told you?

Thanks to the amazingly talented Keely Scott for pointing me in this song's direction!

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