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The actual author of the following poem was the great humorist Sam Levenson who wrote it for his grandchild. Audrey Hepburn often quoted this during interviews and lectures. She also read it to her children on the last Christmas before she died in 1993.
Audrey Hepburn's "Secrets to Great Beauty..."
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anybody.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
I love this---great expressions of truth. I completely agree with the idea that a woman becomes more beautiful on the outside when she has an inner strength based on living a life of congruency and when she has a trust in God and a trust and faith in God's faith in her.
ReplyDeleteI think the type of beautiful, unique strength that can only come from a woman is often eclipsed by the false beliefs about what being strong looks like. I was telling my sister the other day that I used to think being strong meant being sarcastic--quick with words that could shock or even hurt people--and just a lack of tact. I thought it showed strength, and now looking back, I have no idea why! Real strength comes from being tender and compassionate, having the wisdom to know when to keep your mouth shut. Boldness and assertiveness can be accomplished without the least degree of harshness. I think, however, that girls often don't learn how to be bold without coming across as rude, or unfortunately, without getting any validation for doing it right. Sometimes even parents discourage assertiveness. There is a way to be beautiful, graceful, and dignified while emitting strength in your position and not allowing people to walk on you. (Kristen)
Exactly where my thoughts have been lately Kristen. I have a long way to go on this but I know that it is possible through repentance and faith. When I think of the strong and beautiful women I know, I would describe them in those words.
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