True Beauty

by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre

What is true beauty? Whether it’s age-defying makeup or the latest diet fad, our culture continually tells women that beauty consists of flawless skin and a supermodel figure. In True Beauty , Carolyn Mahaney and her daughter Nicole Whitacre direct us to the truth of God’s Word, where we encounter an entirely different―and refreshingly liberating―standard of beauty. Offering a path to freedom from the false idols that society, the Devil, and our sinful hearts so often create, this encouraging book will help you exchange the temporary glamour of pop culture for the unfading beauty of godliness. Includes a discussion guide.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Womens, Counselling

125 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Carolyn Mahaney is a wife, mother, and homemaker. Having spent over thirty years as a pastor's wife, Carolyn has spoken to women in many churches and conferences. She is the author of Feminine Appeal, Girl Talk, Shopping for Time and True Beauty. She blogs with her daughters at www girltalkhome com, a blog focused on biblical womanhood. Carolyn and her husband, C. J., are the parents of three married daughters and one son, and the happy grandparents to twelve grandchildren.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually, quite honestly, I don't prefer Carolyn Mahaney's writing style. Sometimes it feels like she's being TOO kind and gentle with me--to the point of it feeling a bit patronizing. And due to an unhealthy tendency to compare, leading me to fits of panic at never being a good enough mom, my husband told me he'd rather me not read her blog.

But I gave this book a try, because early in 2018, I realized that I had lived my entire life believing I was an object to attract a man. Just one man, but still. It wasn't anyone in my life who caused this warped view: it was that I am an INTJ-pattern-finder and systems-builder, and I noticed enough of a pattern in my culture to sense, subconsciously, that this was my role. Hidden until this year, it always caused problems between me and my husband: nothing that was too troublesome to our marriage, but always a bother.

So I am happy to report that this book literally CHANGED MY LIFE.

Only two chapters in, I felt my whole perspective shift. I felt freedom from myself in a way I never had before, freedom to enjoy my husband in a way I never had before (because now he didn't have to prove to me constantly that I was good at fulfilling society's role for me--a game he was too healthy spiritually to be willing to play). I felt, ironically, more beautiful, even with my aging mom-bod, than I ever have before in my LIFE: beautiful the RIGHT way, not the self-conscious, self-obsessed way.

It was solid advice, but it wasn't anything I hadn't heard before. But it was all in one place, communicated in the same kind tone (which I did not find patronizing this time--maybe because I was approaching the book out of a felt need and thus more humbly?) Maybe it was just that, once I was aware of the problem, I became more receptive to teaching. Either way, it was transforming.

There's also a great discussion of the hotly-contested phrase "gentle and quiet spirit" that has greatly helped me as my functioning definition.

[Rachel Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book on biblical beauty!

The culture has an ever-changing and unattainable beauty standard for women, encouraging and exacerbating the self-absorption and self-focus natural to everyone.

Mahaney does a great job of addressing this issue by drawing out the unchanging, true definition and standard of beauty laid down in God’s Word, and encourages women in every life stage to turn their eyes away from themselves and to look to the truly Beautiful One, Jesus Christ. As we gaze upon His beauty, we will become more like Him, reflecting His beauty through a gentle and quiet spirit, a beauty imperishable, as we love and serve Him.

[millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

for the most part, i really liked this book! it contained powerful truths and important themes on topics like physical appearance, body image, clothing/makeup, etc. it pulled wisdom from scripture and practical christian living.

some quotes were really great -- like this one: "true beauty is to behold and reflect the beauty of God" and others were like huh?? like this one: "do our clothes and demeanor represent the loveliness of christ? do they display his power over sin and selfishness?"

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished a book in print! I don't remember when I started it, but it's one of several in progress that I'm hoping to polish off soon.

This was good, just not quite what I was looking for. The audience was more women who are wrangling with caring too much about cultural standards of outward beauty, and I think the book would be helpful for them. I tend toward the.opposite end of the spectrum -- not caring enough about physical appearance and wanting a little motivation in that direction. Of course the encouragement to pursue inward beauty through contentment and good works is a helpful message for any woman, and the more I grow in those areas, the more beauty will work its way outward.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic! When we behold the Beautiful One we begin to reflect His beauty - true beauty.
The book also deals with teaching our children.

A book by or about a pastor's wife.

[Eli Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have given 3 stars because it did have some useful things but really wanting to give it 2 stars because it is incredibly outdated and highly offensive at times. Super interesting to think about high school Eli reading this book….but thankful for changed opinions and God giving me strong Christian women in my life!

[Tori Bredenhof · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally picked this book up again after 5 months of it sitting on my bedside table… whoops 😅

A short, easy read. It teaches important lessons of not finding beauty in outward things but instead looking inward.

“True beauty is to behold and reflect the beauty of God.”

[Claire Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super convicting and made me take a hard look at my motives for my daily routines. Anyone struggling with vanity or insecurity (so everyone lol) should totally read this!!

[Sara Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro ah cambiado mi perspectiva y honestamente ha hecho arrepentirme por la forma en que percibía mi propia belleza. Es un libro que recomiendo leer y meditar en el

[Lauren Ketchum · Rating 2 out of 5]

While her observations and diagnosis of the problem are true, the solutions she gives feel a little too shallow, addressing surface level issues rather than deeper heart-issues. Benefitted from discussion about the book more than the book itself.

[Stefanie Kamerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Really, I did.

Carolyn and her daughter, Nicole, start their book out by explaining the gospel according to beauty our society preaches to us and flat out tells us how that gospel is one big lie.

Yet again, God blows me away with how He uses authors-especially these two women-to preach His gospel and to show how the gospel applies every aspect of our lives. Beauty included. Carolyn and Nicole explain how women-of any age-will be transformed by the truth in the gospel of Jesus Christ once they learn what true beauty is. Because it isn’t the latest hair styles, clothes, make up techniques, face lotions,or botox. It is the true Beauty of God. His Eternal Beauty. His design for us. His craft of man-kind.

This book addresses topics like our hearts, body image, clothing, eating disorders, and the beauty of our works as Christians. They surround these topics with God’s truth and wisdom .The gospel in which they preach sets us free from the limitations of our culture’s idea of beauty and directs us to the limitless beauty that rests in our Savior and God’s unfailing wisdom about beauty.

Praise and Glory to Jesus Christ for Carolyn and Nicole for writing this book. It was eye opening and life changing in many aspects.

[Coalición por el Evangelio]

Además del buen contenido, en este libro encontrarás una lista de preguntas de reflexión sobre cada capítulo. Cada una de las preguntas tiene el propósito de llevar a la lectora a profundizar más el tema tratado y a evaluar su propio corazón.

Si quieres entender a profundidad el verdadero estándar de belleza, este libro es para ti. Procuremos de manera intencional contemplar y reflejar la belleza de Dios, y encontremos nuestro gozo e identidad en su hermosa obra de redención.

Lee la reseña en Coalición por el Evangelio.

[Carissa Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dad gave me this book when I was in college, but I had never gotten around to actually reading it. I finally found the audiobook version and finished within a day and I'm so glad I did. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, and it was truly one of the best and most biblical books I have read on the topic.

[Laura Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buscamos todo el tiempo sentirnos y vernos bien, solo la belleza verdadera Dios nos dará ese valor como cristianas, aprender a ser una mujer de belleza suave y apacible debe ser la meta, Dios no nos deja solas en esta lucha.

[Sophia Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in a culture where beauty standards/trends are constantly changing and straying from the truths of scripture, at a rapid rate thanks to social media, this book was much needed. So many comforting truths packed into this books. There were many times where this book forced me to reflect on my heart, and be vulnerable with myself, and to gaze upon the beauty of Christ and his Holiness. One of the points was how a godly woman is to deliberately reflect the beauty of God in every aspect of life.

I also really appreciate how the Gospel is the main focus of Mahaney and Whitacre’s writing! Great read!!

Quotes:

“We must not allow the world to press us into its beauty mold. The Creator, and not the creatures, should direct our taste for beauty”

“refuse to accept our society’s definition of beauty, or even the definitions that we ourselves may have worked with previously and decide that that which is truly beautiful is the character of God himself.” -Wayne Grudem

“…God’s holiness. If God is pure and cannot look on sin, then our style preferences should be in harmony with this aspect of his beauty.”

“Do our clothes and demeanor represent the loveliness of Christ? Do they display his power sin and selfishness? Does our sense of style reflect humility in response to his greatness? Does thankfulness for his goodness inform our fashion sense?

“As she worships him for his loveliness, power, holiness, and goodness, she is changed. By the power of the Holy Spirit, her life radiates the beauty of the gospel.”

“He has made us for this very end, to think and be astonished at his glorious perfection.”

[Becca Catherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing. That's the first word that comes to mind to describe this book. It's not your typical Christian teen "God made you beautiful" fluff. This book points to the Gospel. It challenges you to focus on God, your inner beauty, and outer beauty demonstrated through trust in God and good works. The Author explains 1 Timothy 2:8-10 and verses in 1 Peter 3 very well - Biblically, historically and for our practical application. The book does address our struggles with unrealistic beauty standards, dieting, weight struggles, exercise, hair, jewelry, makeup, clothing choices, etc. I really appreciated how questions are posed to figure out what you should wear rather than modesty rules. I enjoyed this read and would recommend to teen girls and women (it even has a section on raising your daughters to understand beauty!).

[Bekah Eyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Helpful tidbits trickled in, but lacked the depth I desired on this subject

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Overview

In a world where everyone has an opinion about what physical beauty is, the mother/daughter team of Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre come together to share the Bible's truth. It is hard to to find a book with a balanced perspective on this topic due to each of us having such different backgrounds and experiences. However, True Beauty is not about what we should or should not do, it is about how the Word of God should change they way we view beauty and therefore change how we live. This book is a warm conversation with two women about how we look, dress, and our definition of beauty through the lens of Scripture. It is filled with grace, not condemnation from the usual verses that are used to fill us with guilt.

The Readability

These 7 chapters are easy and enjoyable to read. Sometimes books on the topic of beauty can be hard to read because of the varied view points of the author and the reader. However, this isn't full of the authors opinions but rather full of Biblical answers to our beauty issues. Carolyn and Nicole are gracious and loving in this book. While I felt convicted in certain areas, I did not feel like I was being judged, but rather loved and welcomed by those who also struggle in this sin cursed world. This lovely read is also full of stories that show us how the Biblical truth is applied without being legalistic.

The Highlights

Beside what I have already mentioned, I appreciated the simplicity of this book. The topic of beauty is usually quite complicated and broad - covering exercise, diet, weight, make-up, clothing, surgeries, and more. Instead, in True Beauty, we are presented with the gospel and how it can change us and our view of beauty. They address our heart motives not our functioning standards and allow the Holy Spirit to apply the truth, not their personal convictions. If you walk away convicted it is because of God work in your hearts, not because of Carolyn or Nicole's personal opinions.

The Downside

From my view point there is no downside to this book. It greatly blessed and encouraged me.

The Recommendation

It is a book that I will encourage all women to read and one that I will refer to over and over as I teach my daughters about true beauty. True Beauty would be a good read for teens to older women who have already journeyed through much of life.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do you get your definition of beauty? Is it wrong to want to be beautiful? How does our understanding of beauty affect our lives and actions?

Mother and daughter Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre have teamed up to address these questions in their latest title, True Beauty. And wow, this book is truly a gem! I absolutely loved it, and it’s next on my list to read and discuss with my teen daughter when we finish our current title.

So, does this book focus on physical beauty or inner beauty?

Rather than contrasting inner beauty with physical beauty, as so many Christian books on this issue seem prone to do, Carolyn and Nicole come from a different angle. They assert that any discussion of beauty must be grounded in the gospel. If, as the Westminster Catechism states, we exist to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever”, then beauty comes about as a result of fulfilling that purpose.

So, both inner AND outer beauty are a product of reflecting God’s glory.

Click here to read my entire review: http://homewithpurpose.net/2014/04/tr...

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! We studied it in our Sunday night class at church. It really opened my eyes to how much I actually look at mine and others outward appearances and if I say I have a flaw I'm actually saying God designed me with a flaw. It's a daily struggle. I really thought that the two authors did an amazing Job at keeping a balance between everything. Not going too far with some things, like how to dress and how much make-up you should wear. Very well done. Highly recommend :)

[Kristiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carolyn Mahaney writes that even though raising our daughters to be truly beautiful and teaching our sons to prize true beauty is difficult, we have the help of God through His Word. And it starts with defining what is true beauty? To behold and reflect the beauty of God by having a gentle and quiet spirit, by trusting God and by doing good works. True beauty is sharply contrasted with the counterfeit beauty of immodesty, vanity and self-centeredness.
This book would be a great resource to read with young adults and discuss!

[Marguerite Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book! Looking forward to learn a lot from this! Great book so far, and having hard time to put down this book. Every women need to read this book. (12-02-2014) I got 10 more pages to finish reading True Beauty by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre. Great book and this will receive 5 Stars! Every women in all ages need to read this book. You might laugh in some pages. Great book and it will point you to the real True Beauty with His Word.

[Analia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book to revive a girl's self-esteem. Sometimes we need to readjust our ways of thinking, and this book does help. In a world were looks are everything, a christian girl can feel lost of how to feel, and how to act. In this book, we find many answers to those questions.

[Erin Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading annually.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Whether it's age-defying makeup or the latest diet fad, our culture continually tells women that beauty consists of flawless skin and a supermodel figure."

Long story short this book was EYE-OPENING. I have been someone to struggle with my physical appearance for most of my life. At the beginning, I was not looking forward to reading this book because I did not want to hear two things: I did not want to hear the cheesy line "It's what's on the the inside that counts" and I did not want to be exposed. But, as I started this book I could not put it down.

This book was written by Christian author, Carolyn Mahaney and her daughter, Nicole Whitacre. The two of them are known to give amazing advice through the books they write. Much of what they write about comes from their own personal lives and the lives of other people who have reached out to these authors.

This book True Beauty goes through they struggle of having a poor self-image. The chapters go through different aspects of beauty and reasons why no one should be insecure about their physical appearance. As I have mentioned before, most of their stories and scenarios are based off their own lives growing and even now. They received many stories from friends and fans of all ages and they have turned these stories into snippets. Even though each person is not discussed for very long, their growth as a person is still visible. If they extended each story, this book could go on forever.

This book does not follow a major story or plot, but it goes through so many aspects of the problem and solutions in a very organized matter. Mahaney has a very distinct writing style. In her book Girl Talk it follows a very similar format and her tone is similar because she is very personal, deep, and relatable. It is not most nooks I would and have read in an english class.

Mahaney is a Christian author. That alone can bring up many controversial discussions like whether her statements are credible since she is Christian. However, since I too am a Christian, I believe and stand by what she says and advises in this book.

After I read the book I was pleasantly surprised how encouraged I was rather than uncomfortable and disheartened. Essentially it is the cheesy, but beauty is not physical but on the inside. One's heart is what determines how truly beautiful one is. However, the war Mahaney described it made it sound less cheesy.

I would absolutely recommend this book. I would recommend it to mainly females (that is what the author intends to write this book for). It may be difficult for them to read, not because it is hard to understand but it requires some humility and vulnerability.

[Megan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen this book out for awhile, such as in the bookstores, events, and even on Crossway's website. I kept passing it up because I didn't feel like I struggled with not thinking I was beautiful enough. In my teen years, I definitely struggled with this issue but God has taught me a lot about this issue. So with all that said, I saw the title and never even picked up the book to look at the back to see what was contained within the pages.

I was thankful that I did decide to pick up this book finally! Although it's not a huge struggle for me, I do struggle with other things that this book helped me gain a different perspective over. It's a book that I want to keep to use with my daughter's when they get a little older. I've already been able to use some of the points made in this book with my soon-to-be 7-year old. I feel more prepared to give her a godly answer now that I've read this very gospel-centered book.

Some of it did address the things that I thought it would. However, the biggest message all throughout the book was how true beauty is found in God alone. True beauty is found in holiness. God sees beauty completely different than how our culture defines beauty.

Carolyn and Nicole do a wonderful job making "true beauty is found in God" not sound like some cliche. Instead, they remind their readers that we have peace and can be ourselves when we truly know and believe that true beauty is found in God.

If anyone is looking for a summer study to do with a group of girls, then grab this book! You will definitely be able to get a lot of discussion out of those girls. Not only that, but you will be able to teach them God's view of beauty. In all honesty, it's a book that probably almost every girl or woman should read.

___________
I received this book free from Crossway.

[Neil Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a man. This is book is designed for women. But I’m not sure we’re all that different when it comes to the culture-fuelled insecurities we all feel about our personal attractiveness. Or lack of!

I read this book in a day and I thank God for it. He has used it to help recentre me on himself as the source and focus of all beauty, which is seen in his eternality, creation, power, wisdom and holiness - and most of all in the unconditional love of his Son dying in our place on the Cross!

One section that really challenged me was in the chapter entitled ‘True Beauty and Our Hearts’. In this, the mother-and-daughter authors warn us of the danger of being ‘Glory thieves’ and ask whether we would be more gutted if someone praised us and didn’t praise God, or vice versa. That emotional response says everything about where our appreciation of true beauty lies - within our fragile, failing selves, or within our mighty, everlasting Lord, who promises to take us into his beauty in the new creation.

Recommended to all humans, both ladies and non-ladies, who are in pursuit of true beauty.

[Rebekkah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I never thought a book would show myself. I mean I literally got mad and conviction started to flow.... this whole time... I thought I was doing right by God.. After reading a few chapters I am alittle embarrassed. How did I not know I was trying to rob the glory from God.. low self esteem is me. Wanting to be skinnier. In all fairness I'm no where near skinny. But I'm constantly thinking about my weight. Wow... I'm still shook! Thank you so much for writing this book. I'm really glad I decided to give it another try. Never did I think like that... especially psalms 27. I've read it over and over and never really understood that until now. Was it harsh? Yeah but it's the harsh truth. I grew up always thinking about my wieght ever since I was a little girl...

[Elise Citrowske · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The glorious gospel of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to once again revel in true beauty and to reflect it in our lives.

How then can we allow the world to define beauty for us? As women transformed by the gospel, we must not exalt the current ideal of physical beauty over the eternal standard of God's beauty in Jesus Christ. Our taste for beauty and our opinions about beauty should, at every point, be allied to the beauty of God. Because our taste for beauty comes from him in the beginning, it is accountable to him in the end.”

Beautifully written and helpful in understanding the place beauty has in a Christian Woman’s life as shown in God’s word.

[Amanda González · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quiero decir, el libro fue algo X. Se trata sobre cómo ser verdaderamente hermosa a los ojos de Dios (y de las personas), lo terminé en 5 días. A pesar de que me dijo todo lo que ya sabía, lo recomiendo para adolescentes y madres porque me di cuenta de lo mucho de que las frases mencionadas en el libro son bastante frecuentes entre este grupo de personas. Es un libro religioso para las mujeres. A mí me pareció que fue bastante pasable, pero si eres una persona ocupada, este libro tiene menos de 200 páginas y es bastante sencillo de leer.