“I’ve got a gray eyelash,” my friend Beth gasped. “I don’t understand why hair stylists can color hair and eyebrows but not eyelashes.”
“No matter how many steps and stretches I do, my tummy is no longer flat. I can’t stand that flab,” I said.
Darla added, “I color my hair with a natural product, but it lasts only twenty-four hours.”
With her face downcast, Janice said, “I’ve spent almost $1,000 on products to stimulate hair growth. Yet clumps of hair fall out every time I brush my hair.”
Continuation of An Excessive Concern for Looking Younger
My friends and I continued to discuss our excessive concern for looking younger. The ads on television, magazines, and other online media push products that reflect this idol worship of youth, external beauty, and endless energy.
What Scripture Says About Our Bodies
Let’s look at what Scripture says, “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT).
Paul understood the truth that no matter how hard we try, we live in an imperfect world with imperfect bodies. And yet, God renews our spirits. He gives us spiritual strength. We can’t make it without him.
Application
- State the reasons you consider aging a blessing or a curse.
- What does spiritual strength mean to you?
- How has God given you that strength?
Hallmark Movie The Bucket List
What happens when two men face the truth of losing their youth, external good looks, and endless energy? Two dying men choose to take a road trip to fulfill their last wishes—their bucket list. The movie stars Jack Nicholson as Edward Cole, a billionaire diagnosed with cancer. Morgan Freeman plays the role of Carter Chambers, a mechanic and also a cancer patient. You can find movie clips and rent the movie online.
Application
- How would a bucket list help you renew your spirit?
- What things would you include?
- If you completed your list of one hundred items, what would you do next?
Internal Link
Will We Yield to Abundance or Destruction?
External Link
https://www.marnie.com/growing-old/
Next Step
If this article pertains to you, please feel free to leave a comment.
If it doesn’t pertain to you, please share the article with someone who will profit from it.
Prayer
God, help me never to give up. My body is dying, but thank you for your promise to renew my spirit and give me spiritual strength. Amen.
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Yvonne Ortega will be happy to speak online to your group if you are facilitating a group with one of her five books:
Rest After Loss:13 Growth Steps
Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through Grief
Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through Forgiveness
Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward
Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer
