unbranded beauty: Jenna

about the project

In our society, beauty has become a brand. It’s sexy. It’s skinny. It has flawless skin.

If you’ve watched a movie, read a magazine, or listened to the radio in the past decade, this isn’t new information. You’ve passed the magazines and billboards of digitally altered women, and clearly heard the message,

“You’ll never be quite good enough.”

For a long time I have criticized myself against this impossible standard, questioning in my heart if I was beautiful. I’ve spent years feeling insecure, dissatisfied with the way God created me, because I don’t measure up to this standard.

But in the past year I have realized something, the standard is wrong. Beauty isn’t something that can be airbrushed or photo shopped. It’s not a certain look or body type. It’s much more than that.

The goal of this project was to highlight a different type of beauty, a kind you won‘t find in magazine. It’s a confident, strong, creative, and unique. It’s found in womans' heart and it shines through her eyes. It glorifies the Creator.

These women exemplify this beauty and have graciously shared their hearts on the subject. I hope you enjoy their wisdom and realize that

you are beautiful.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Jenna

Jenna is a multi-talented woman. Her talents range from jewelry making to working a soundboard to cooking. She recently spent time in Brazil, but is currently living in Bucks County.

What do you think beauty is?

“As Christians, we realize that beauty comes from God, and it’s a reflection of who He is. The Lord defines beauty, He’s the Ultimate beauty. Anything on earth you would call beautiful is coming from Him originally. We are God’s creation too, and any beauty we have comes from Him.”

Do you think your beautiful?

“Yes and no. I think all humans are beautiful. I wouldn’t ever say that anyone was completely devoid of beauty, because their God’s creation and there is always something good about them to find. I definitely struggle with “Am I pretty or am I not pretty?” but I think every girl does.”

How has our culture’s definition of beauty effected you?

“I tend to rebel against a lot of our cultures traditional beauties. Honestly I look at beauty pageants and I feel like throwing up. Miss America has never really looked attractive to me, ever. I kind of rebel against the cookie cutter-ness of our country.”

What do you wish women knew about real beauty?

“Modest is beautiful. Actually, it’s really kind of ugly to show to much of yourself, it’s kind of gross. It’s much more intriguing and mysterious to be modest. And I don’t think we need to chase every trend of fashion, because a lot of them are really stupid, and in five years we are all going to be like, “Why did we all wear that, that summer?” Fashion is not beauty.”