Imagine in today’s culture of prevalent cosmetic surgery, fad diets, bleaching, tanning, etc., in which we seek and admire the “perfect” image, a young woman has the gumption to say: “Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
That was Leila Lopes’ answer when asked about what physical trait she would change if she could in the recent Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. As we know now the 25-year-old Miss Angola won the crown. She was the first winner to ever have been selected from her country after defeating 88 other competitors from around the world.
Her reply reflects a healthy self-esteem and deep respect that all women – young, old and in-between – should take to heart as we evaluate ourselves.
Lopes went on to say, “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family, and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.”
Her self-worth and values seemed to have been nurtured by close, central relationships rather than outer forces. Lopes’ desire to serve her country also speaks to her inner beauty. “I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly, and I have to do everything that my country needs,” she says. “I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more.”
At the end of the day our inner beauty — our soul, our spirit — is what matters. It is how we live, how we treat others, how we use our talents, abilities, gifts in the world.
Leading by example, Lopes’ words should inspire us regardless of what size, shape, height, weight, age or hue we are to live with grace, integrity and purpose.
That was Leila Lopes’ answer when asked about what physical trait she would change if she could in the recent Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. As we know now the 25-year-old Miss Angola won the crown. She was the first winner to ever have been selected from her country after defeating 88 other competitors from around the world.
Her reply reflects a healthy self-esteem and deep respect that all women – young, old and in-between – should take to heart as we evaluate ourselves.
Lopes went on to say, “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family, and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.”
Her self-worth and values seemed to have been nurtured by close, central relationships rather than outer forces. Lopes’ desire to serve her country also speaks to her inner beauty. “I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly, and I have to do everything that my country needs,” she says. “I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more.”
At the end of the day our inner beauty — our soul, our spirit — is what matters. It is how we live, how we treat others, how we use our talents, abilities, gifts in the world.
Leading by example, Lopes’ words should inspire us regardless of what size, shape, height, weight, age or hue we are to live with grace, integrity and purpose.