The issue of worth is definately tied into our personal appearance in this modern day. If you think about it, we put so much effort into our appearance, while really, it is for everyone else. We can’t see how good (or bad) we look, unless we happen to pass a mirror, our appearance is mostly for others. So while it is necessary to be neat and comely, it should be balanced in light of our true worth, regardless of looks. Which is so hard to remember in this society where we are bombarded with the idea that looks is all that matters!

Maybe as we get older and are forced to see ourselves in the humbling light of age, we become more likely to see our true worth, which is not based on outward appearance.

It is so hard to see those around me that I care about suffering because of a lack of confidence and self-love. It is empowering to hearken to the Lord’s consolations about our true worth. As we depend on Him and learn of His ways we can have greater confidence in ourselves, despite what the world may shout.

As for wrinkles, when I first noticed them creeping in, for the first time I understood why women would want to control them. But I’m more along the lines of what Jenny has said here now. I also have the tendency to gray prematurely in my gene pool, and if that happens, I think I’m gonna let it be what it will be.

This reminds me of the recent piece by Merrilee Boyack that was linked from here a couple of weeks ago.

I think as with anything, there is a balance. On one hand, I believe in the principle that it’s important to care for our bodies, and to be, as the Book of Mormon says, “neat and comely.” I think it shows respect for ourselves and gratitude to God when we care in basic ways for our health and grooming. (In practice, I have more lazy, lounge-y days than I probably should.)

On the other hand, there is a part of me that intensely resists the emphasis on beauty, cutting-edge fashion, etc. in our culture…the amount of time and effort and money that can go into that pursuit of youth and “beauty” sometimes astonishes me. I think it can often be pretty unhealthy.

It is hard to be comfortable in our own skin. We always want what others have – yet in our hearts we have learned that we truly are God’s creations and he has given us our own unique characteristics.

I am so grateful for the gospel – that I am continually reminded of my own worth in the eyes of my Maker.

I love all the wrinkles, scars, grey hairs, wear marks etc that i have and continually get – it lets me know that I really am here – and that I really am living my life. I hope that it will stand as a testimony to God that I worked HARD to get back to Him 🙂

Thanks again for your words of wisdom!!

I love the lines on my face because they remind me of how much I must smile and of my childhood swimming in the CA sun.

The women in my congregation have aged so gracefully. I wish I could post a picture of every one of them for you all to see. I love them so much for setting a great example for me.

One discussion I have often with my girlfriends is, where is the line between upkeep and vanity?

What do you all think? How can we maintain the “neat and comely” goal?

I think aging is a wonderful way to find out who I really am. If I suspend the aging process through all the technologies available to me now, will I also suspend my personal growth?

Best wishes on the health problems. I don’t have kitchen chairs (really small apartment), but you’re welcome to come hang out on my sofa. I’ll even supply the lint roller for the cat hair you’ll be wearing when you get up. 😉