{THE WHOLE WOMAN BLOGSHOP} DEIDRA CHISM: SIMPLY, BEAUTIFUL

There's nothing like being beautiful on the inside and out. But we don't feel like that all the time. And, for some, they don't feel like that at all. Part of being whole is knowing the beauty God has given us starts within first, then exudes on the outside. Today, beauty consultant Deidra Chism shares her own beauty tips. This feature is sure to make you feel absolutely glamorous. [Be sure to check out Deidra's fabulous photos at the end of the feature]

Deidra Chism, Beauty Consultant

What is your definition of beauty?
For me, beauty is taking who you are (the good, the bad, and the ugly), realizing your inner strengths, appreciating your outer appearance, and capitalizing on them to work hand in hand. My inner strength is knowing I have the power of God in me giving me confidence, hope, strength and the assurance of knowing I can have whatever and whomever (yes, who ever I want lol...Lord, I am still waiting on Columbus Short lol) as long as I continue to seek Him.

What could be a detriment to relying solely on outward beauty?
There are several detriments to relying solely on outward beauty. As my father, Supt. Donald Chism would say “One maybe a brick house now, but after a while, those bricks start to shift.” One big detriment is outward beauty will or can fade. Once that is gone, the only thing we have left is our inner beauty. If that does not shine through, one is just walking around with no light or radiance. Your inner beauty is the only thing that can or will sustain. Just ask that couple that’s been married 30+ years, gone through physical changes, but they still see each other as being “the most beautiful person in the world.” Some people may argue the point, “If you have money one can always look good.” Have you seen Joan Rivers or Melanie Griffin lately? Case closed :-)!

What are some things that can make someone feel ugly?

There are plenty of things that can make one feel ugly. To name a few off the top of my head, I would say life's circumstances can make one feel ugly. We look at our situations in life and feel like we are not good enough internally, as a result when we look in the mirror, we see "not good enough." Being "not good enough can easily equal to not feeling pretty or do not look good enough." I can remember a situation in my life, where I had to make a life changing decision. As a result, naturally my confidence was shaken and when you have shaken or broken confidence, you do not feel good about yourself. Everything about you "does not equal up."Also, when we compare ourselves with someone else, which can easily make one feel as if "they are not as pretty." Being a small petite woman, I had to learn to embrace my "small frame" and play up my positives. My inspiration has been Jada Pinkett Smith. She is small but can still put a "bootylicious" girl to shame. So, I started hitting the gym. Now, I love my little legs, little hips, small waist, small backside, and everything else. Now, don't get it twisted. If God asked me if I wanted bigger legs, a bigger backside, and some hips, of course my answer would be YES! lol...But if he does not ask me, I am still MADE 2 GLAM ;).

If someone was feeling "ugly" on the inside, what words of encouragement would you give her?

If someone was feeling “ugly” on the inside, I would say the following:
Every day look in the mirror and say” I was born to be M.A.D.E. 2 G.L.A.M.….Make A Difference Every day to be a Glowing Light Among Many. When you are MADE, you focus on your inner strengths and that thing (s) you know “Can’t no one do but me.” Reaffirm who you are in life, and move forward. After all of that is said and done, comb your hair (or in some cases, put your hair on :-) ), “put on your lip-gloss”, hold your head up high, and let your light shine from the inside out!

What makes you feel beautiful?
I feel beautiful when I put on a pair of skinny jeans and a pair of shoes that can turn heads all by themselves. My walk tells people "I am beautiful and walking towards success!!!"

What scripture(s) would you give to remind someone how beautiful God sees her? 
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.  This let me know I am a reflection of God. When God sees me, He sees his child and He sees what He created. After God created light, He said...it was good. After God created waters,seas, and skys, He said...It was good. After God created vegetables and seed bearing plants, He said...it was good. After God created trees bearing fruit, He said...it was good. After God separated the day from night, He said...it was good. After God created creatures of the sea, He said...it was good. After God created wild animals and livestock, He said...it was good. I also believed if He said all of them above were good, he also said: "It was good” after He created Deidra Alexandria Chism. For I am created in His image, I am God's workmanship, and He beautifies his children with salvation. After knowing who I am in God and knowing He created me to be his workmanship and I am a reflection of him...I KNOW I AM BEAUTIFUL and can’t know one tell me anything less...I know I am a child of the King and when you see me, you see the God in me.

Visit Deidra on her site M.A.D.E. 2 GLAM

Deidra's fabulous photos

WHOLE WOMAN WORKSHEET

Deidra gave some great beauty tips in her feature. Use the worksheet to help uncover some of your own beauty tips.

1. What is your definition of beauty?

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2. Do you rely solely on your outward beauty?

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3. Have you gone through some things that have made you feel ugly? If so, list them.

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4. How would you encourage yourself to overcome feeling ugly? 

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5. What makes you feel beautiful?

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6. What scriptures do you lean on to remind you of how beautiful God sees you?

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