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Redefining Beautiful: What God Sees When God Sees You by Jenna Lucado Bishop
Not feeling very beautiful? Learn what beauty is from God's perspective.Revolve speaker Jenna Lucado has teamed up with her dad, Max Lucado, to bring girls a fresh perspective on what they need to live a life of peace, joy, and confidence. What does God see when He looks at them? And how does a girl catch that vision?Jennareveals life accessories that are essential, and which single accessoryis a real must-have to give teens a look they love-a look that saysthey are comfortable with who they are and secure and confident. What'sthe all-important accessory? Love from a father. But what happens whenthere is no loving father in sight, no daddy to tell them they arebeautiful? Through conversational "girl time" Jenna reveals that when we look to God as our Father, He can change our focus, our look, and our lives. With affirmation from Max, "Redefining Beautiful "will change the way girls look at God, themselves, and the people around them.
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First published February 29, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 29, 2009
When I picked up Redefining Beautiful I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean, afterall, it's a teen book and yet I am an adult woman. But being the wife of a youth pastor I figured it would be a beneficial read. What I didn't expect was for my own heart to be touched by several of Jenna's thoughts that she shared in such understandable ways.
I enjoyed the way she took our self image as a girl/woman and connected it to our relationship with our father. It is something you hear about often, yet never really explained and un-packed. And best of all, it does not matter whether you have the best of relationships with your dad or the worst because ultimately it's all about our relationship with our Perfect Father - God.
Each chapter of the book was easy to read and funny as well as being encouragement for the soul. I felt like I had just completed a Bible study and yet it's not obvious as you go through the book. I liked the format of questions - and space to answer them - woven through out the book along with little insets that really got the application across.
The only thing that I did not like was the use of "self esteem". While Jenna did do a good job of explaining that we are to see ourselves as God sees us, I think it is also important for us to realize that we can live life without having to feel great about ourselves. There is a careful balance in our self view as Romans 12:3 so well explains.
I recommend this book to young teens (and women) who are struggling to feel beautiful in God's eyes. It's a deep read, yet easy enough to do in about 4 hours.
I enjoyed the way she took our self image as a girl/woman and connected it to our relationship with our father. It is something you hear about often, yet never really explained and un-packed. And best of all, it does not matter whether you have the best of relationships with your dad or the worst because ultimately it's all about our relationship with our Perfect Father - God.
Each chapter of the book was easy to read and funny as well as being encouragement for the soul. I felt like I had just completed a Bible study and yet it's not obvious as you go through the book. I liked the format of questions - and space to answer them - woven through out the book along with little insets that really got the application across.
The only thing that I did not like was the use of "self esteem". While Jenna did do a good job of explaining that we are to see ourselves as God sees us, I think it is also important for us to realize that we can live life without having to feel great about ourselves. There is a careful balance in our self view as Romans 12:3 so well explains.
I recommend this book to young teens (and women) who are struggling to feel beautiful in God's eyes. It's a deep read, yet easy enough to do in about 4 hours.
April 1, 2022
Definitely an inspiring and life-changing book! I recommend it if you feel insecure!
April 8, 2011
I grabbed this book hearing that it was good for high school girls to read and wanted to see if it could be something I could recommend to my girls. While the writing is completely targeted for the high school age, and sometimes cheesy because of that, I also was surprised to find that a lot of the book hit right at home for me.
Lucado touches on how we redefine our beauty it how we look to God as a father figure, an area I have always struggled with. Lucado writes, "A lot of our style comes from their influence and our relationships with them. I’m not talking just about the way we look on the outside (although dads can affect our physical appearance), but dads help define elements that make up who we are, like how we look at ourselves and everyone around us. In other words, they affect our outlook. And our outlook gives us a certain perspective on every aspect of life and every person we meet: it either adds a dull, cloudy gray to our world, or it brightens the colors around us, making everything more beautiful. It’s kind of crazy, but his love can completely transform the way we look."
I bit later she tells a story of a friend with a harsh father, "To withstand his anger, she learned to be tough. So in relationships, it’s tough for her to do that whole emotional thing. Her heart is defensive and calloused." This is me and I was surprised to be reading a book targeted for high school girls that got right down to the heart of things with an adult as well.
And I love the hope that she helps you see, "You have a say in your life. You have a choice in the path you take. Choose well and someday - generations from now - your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will thank God for the example you set."
Lucado touches on great subjects from relationships with boys, relationships with friends and how to live within your story, confidently. It is a book I marked up to reference when walking with my high school girls and to hand to them as they struggle with seeing their true beauty.
Lucado touches on how we redefine our beauty it how we look to God as a father figure, an area I have always struggled with. Lucado writes, "A lot of our style comes from their influence and our relationships with them. I’m not talking just about the way we look on the outside (although dads can affect our physical appearance), but dads help define elements that make up who we are, like how we look at ourselves and everyone around us. In other words, they affect our outlook. And our outlook gives us a certain perspective on every aspect of life and every person we meet: it either adds a dull, cloudy gray to our world, or it brightens the colors around us, making everything more beautiful. It’s kind of crazy, but his love can completely transform the way we look."
I bit later she tells a story of a friend with a harsh father, "To withstand his anger, she learned to be tough. So in relationships, it’s tough for her to do that whole emotional thing. Her heart is defensive and calloused." This is me and I was surprised to be reading a book targeted for high school girls that got right down to the heart of things with an adult as well.
And I love the hope that she helps you see, "You have a say in your life. You have a choice in the path you take. Choose well and someday - generations from now - your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will thank God for the example you set."
Lucado touches on great subjects from relationships with boys, relationships with friends and how to live within your story, confidently. It is a book I marked up to reference when walking with my high school girls and to hand to them as they struggle with seeing their true beauty.
January 24, 2015
Cheeseball. Don't be defined by what the mirror says, but here are my beauty tips.... What's your most embarrassing moment? Take the quiz and see why you're afraid of teachers or why you like to confront. I wanted to like this but can't. Glad it was a library loan and we didn't purchase it.
March 17, 2017
Let me first start out by saying that had I read this as a teen girl, I probably would have completely related to this book. However, being that I am a young woman instead, I didn't always find everything in this book relevant to where I currently am in my life and faith. Let me insert here that I knew that this book was geared toward teen girls when I picked it up and so I'm not at all surprised that it didn't always match up with what I was in need of.
Having said that, I did find many a gem of truth in this book that, while not always extremely deep, did encourage and challenge me. I think girls and women of every age battle against seeing themselves as beautiful and it certainly is a struggle if you don't even know what healthy, godly beauty looks like. For me, this book was more a reminder of many things I already knew – mainly that my heart and the godly characteristics of Christ in me are what make me, and other women both young and old, beautiful. It was a nice, and much needed reminder. In this world of labels and fake stereotypes, not to mention churches filled with broken people that often hide behind masks of perfection and having it all together, it's easy to compare yourself and feel like you just don't measure up. In “Redefining Beautiful,” girls (and women too) are encouraged to let themselves be defined simply by how God sees them. This book encourages girls to confidently embrace every quirk, weird habit, and freckle they have and to see themselves as God sees them – Beautifully unique. There were so many valuable lessons and truths within the pages of this book and I think a wide range of teen girls and young women would be encouraged and challenged by what Jenna Lucado has shared. I know I certainly was even as an older gal.
Having said that, I did find many a gem of truth in this book that, while not always extremely deep, did encourage and challenge me. I think girls and women of every age battle against seeing themselves as beautiful and it certainly is a struggle if you don't even know what healthy, godly beauty looks like. For me, this book was more a reminder of many things I already knew – mainly that my heart and the godly characteristics of Christ in me are what make me, and other women both young and old, beautiful. It was a nice, and much needed reminder. In this world of labels and fake stereotypes, not to mention churches filled with broken people that often hide behind masks of perfection and having it all together, it's easy to compare yourself and feel like you just don't measure up. In “Redefining Beautiful,” girls (and women too) are encouraged to let themselves be defined simply by how God sees them. This book encourages girls to confidently embrace every quirk, weird habit, and freckle they have and to see themselves as God sees them – Beautifully unique. There were so many valuable lessons and truths within the pages of this book and I think a wide range of teen girls and young women would be encouraged and challenged by what Jenna Lucado has shared. I know I certainly was even as an older gal.
September 21, 2020
I loved the second half of the book so so much. Lucado redefines identity and self-confidence through the lens of friendships, relationships, and every-day life. It’s a much needed outlook in today’s society of fast-paced settling. I appreciated her attempt at using personal language to describe God, such as “dad” and “heavenly dad,” but I personally have negative connotations associated with “dad,” so I had to grit my teeth each time it was mentioned, making me less able to identify with the author. The first half of the book discusses earthly fathers and their contributions toward our identities, and I felt myself rushing to get through those painful recollections; however, the book was very down-to-earth, identifiable, and lovely to read, so I do really like it as a whole. Ultimately, I really evaluated some personal beliefs of beauty and dating, and I am so glad this book came across my path.
March 25, 2025
⭐4.25 stars
I can't tell you what this book did to me. I didn't know how much I wouldn't dream about what God could do in my life!
Please read this!
Especially the letter from God at the end...🤍
I can't tell you what this book did to me. I didn't know how much I wouldn't dream about what God could do in my life!
Please read this!
Especially the letter from God at the end...🤍
March 20, 2018
this was my first book of 2018--it's so good. Every girl should read this. :) <3
March 6, 2019
This is an excellent Christian book for a teenager or young woman, especially one who is struggling with her seeing herself through the eyes of the ones (and The One) who loves her unconditionally.
December 10, 2020
Sweet delightful reading
September 2, 2023
I'd say more like 3.5. I read this with my daughter and it was a good source of connection but certainly had some weak points, too.
May 9, 2010
Jenna Lucado and her father, Max, discuss issues (self-esteem, dating, modesty, abusive relationships, eating disorders, divorce) and how what girls need is a good relationship with their father.
Because not every girl has this, she discusses how the father-child relationship (especially the father-daughter one) is meant to mimic the relationship that God has with each of us.
There are Bible verses and prayers, but also personal stories (the ones Max shares are reprints from his books) and that keeps this book really relatable.
Another way it's relatable is the references Jenna makes. For example, she compares possible relationships with God to Facebook relationship statuses ("in a relationship" means you're doing what God wants you to do and following Him and "it's complicated" means...well, I bet you can guess. Hint: it's not good.)
I'm not the target audience (it's really geared towards teenage girls) but I think it'll be really valuable. One of the best lessons, of course, is how society's definition of beautiful is not a good one. (Hence the title.)
Because not every girl has this, she discusses how the father-child relationship (especially the father-daughter one) is meant to mimic the relationship that God has with each of us.
There are Bible verses and prayers, but also personal stories (the ones Max shares are reprints from his books) and that keeps this book really relatable.
Another way it's relatable is the references Jenna makes. For example, she compares possible relationships with God to Facebook relationship statuses ("in a relationship" means you're doing what God wants you to do and following Him and "it's complicated" means...well, I bet you can guess. Hint: it's not good.)
I'm not the target audience (it's really geared towards teenage girls) but I think it'll be really valuable. One of the best lessons, of course, is how society's definition of beautiful is not a good one. (Hence the title.)
December 23, 2011
What girl doesn’t want to be the prettiest girl in school? Or have a high confidence level? Well here’s reality, we’re not and we don’t. However this book does have many ways for your confidence to grow and for you to be a beautiful person on the inside.
Redefining Beautiful is a wonderful book that has tips and little personal stories along with bible stories that helps girls with how they picture themselves. It’s a book for any girl of any age to help boost her confidence and realize that you don’t have to be pleasing to the hottest guy in school when there’s a man that doesn’t care how you look or what you do but loves you unconditionally anyway…God
This book was a book that I’ve passed along to my friends for them to read when they’ve had a hard time or things just aren’t going right and it’s always been helpful. I would recommend this terrific book to any girl young or old especially if they have self-esteem problems.
Redefining Beautiful is a wonderful book that has tips and little personal stories along with bible stories that helps girls with how they picture themselves. It’s a book for any girl of any age to help boost her confidence and realize that you don’t have to be pleasing to the hottest guy in school when there’s a man that doesn’t care how you look or what you do but loves you unconditionally anyway…God
This book was a book that I’ve passed along to my friends for them to read when they’ve had a hard time or things just aren’t going right and it’s always been helpful. I would recommend this terrific book to any girl young or old especially if they have self-esteem problems.
June 14, 2015
I loved this book. It has really changed to way I view my relationship with God, my relationship with myself and with others. This book has such great value to me. I knew going into this book that I needed this transformation. Jenna keeps the writing light with the story and the impact life changing. This will be a book I pass on to my daughters and one I will read over and over again. f you would like to see more thoughts on this book along with what else I am reading, please visit the link below to the blog post featuring this book.
http://apopofjess.blogspot.com/2015/0...
http://apopofjess.blogspot.com/2015/0...
October 16, 2009
The typical church-going teen-aged girl will probably not read this one her own, though she would follow it in a group situation, I think. The non-churched girl is even less likely to read it. It is, however, a good jumping-off place for the mother of tween girls. If Mom can get this into her own head, she can transmit it to her daughter. She has the best shot at it, IMO. Otherwise, as I say, I see its greatest usefulness being in a group situation.
October 27, 2011
Redefining Beautiful is a definite favourite of mine. I picked it up during a really difficult time in my life in which I was very insecure about myself. Reading this book changed my perspective in a lot of ways and helped me to fight my insecurities right down to the roots. Jenna writes with such a fun and engaging style, too that you will never be bored! I would recomend this to all teenage girls!
August 24, 2012
I really liked this book because it has some short stories that really sunk into me. Few of my favorites are on how what a girl wears says a lot on how she wants to be treated, the story of Cinderella- how she didn't run after her prince but respected herself and her step mother by doing her duties and having the prince Want to find her instead to the other way around, and a Very beautiful story on the true meaning of friendship about two friends fighting together in a war.
March 31, 2016
This isn't the first time I've read this book. I first read it when I was about thirteen years old. I was kind of depressed at the time, and this book had a huge impact on me. It was all about how much God loves me, and at the time, that was exactly what I needed to hear. Reading this book again now, it doesn't have quite as much of an impact as it did then, but looking back at that lonely girl, I'd say this is one of the most important books I've ever read.
August 31, 2016
Wow!!! This book was perfect!! Just what I needed, actually what every single girl needs!! I loved it so much I even bought one to my friend. If you don't think you're pretty, if life was hard on you, maybe things aren't going right, read this book!! It was made to make you feel that you're not alone, to let you know you're not alone. We all have God, our true Father, to take well care of us. This book really redefines beautiful and let all of us girls see that we're beautiful and loved.
December 11, 2016
While this is destined for teens, I picked it up without knowing and realized while I was reading it, but even though it has a cheesy feel to it, it's a wonderful book! I wasn't able to relate to stuff like teachers and school drama but it still taught me a lot of things and hit close to home in certain areas. I would definitely recommend it to other older girls, it's a light read at the same time it takes you through some tough topics. I'm very glad I read it!
August 3, 2010
This was a really good book! I would definately suggest that teen girls read this! A lot of it was talking about how girls need to view themselves how God views them. Beautiful. A lot of times girls look, and tell themselves that they are ugly, and not as pretty as the girl that is walking by. But God sees us as beautiful, and what He thinks is waaay more important that what we think...
March 8, 2011
It a great book i love it!!! It was so good, I like Jenna as a writer over speaker, she is awesome!!!! I highly recommend it!!!!!!! I love all the beauty tips and notes from Max Lucado. It is awesome and really defines what beautiful really is.
March 24, 2013
The book was refreshing, and it renewed my recent failing faith to God. The analogies made her concepts easier to comprehend and be relatable. The book is easy and quick to read; its target audience is geared towards the teens. So, have fun!
April 12, 2016
This is a load of Christian shit. Don't think it will help you. That is a lie. Don't bother reading this load of hogshit. It's a waste of your life that you could be using to discover real works of art.
January 23, 2010
Author sound like she has a wonderful father from both angles...she is truely twice blessed :)
Currently reading
February 6, 2010I am currently reading this with Peyton and it raisng excellent dialog between us.
August 29, 2010
This book was great.
December 29, 2010
This book was a gift from a friend and i loved it! It really has changed my heart on what beautiful means in my eyes and how God sees me =) i love it =)
March 6, 2011
there are just certain chapters in the last part that i really like. other chapters were just alright.
July 31, 2011
This book was dead on. It helped me so much to see myself through God's eyes. Even though, I still struggle to think of myself as beautiful, I think of how God must see me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews