Beauty

Hannah is beautiful.  Independent corroboration has determined this. The average person on the street stops and comments on her visual exterior beauty on a more regular basis then is considered normal.

Recently a colleague of mine (who happens to be drop dead gorgeous) and I discussed outward beauty and what it meant in terms of the doors it opens, the opinions that are formed and the drawbacks of being better than average visually.   I pondered with my colleague whether it was helpful or a deterient to being taken seriously.  We both agree that there are certain aspects that are a benefit, but that there have been circumstances that also occur that make it hard to determine whether it was helpful or hurtful.

Back to Hannah. We focus a lot on the importance of beauty on the inside...the kindness, thoughtfulness and necessity to be a good person to others.  We talk of the people we know who get 'uglier' as we get to know them (based on a shallowness, a lack of compassion, or a lack of true depth).  We also speak of those who get more beautiful as we engage them, who's inner beauty shines and lights up their outer countenance. We hope that she gets the message and as she grows up she understands the importance being beautiful on the 'inside'.

I read an incredible book this weekend.  It was about Vera Atkins, a spymistress from England during World War II and recollections include comment & focus on her physical appearance and exterior beauty.  After reading, I searched for pictures on the internet and found a women who, in modern standards would be considered normal or average in appearance.  After reading the book, I could only imagine that those who knew her would believe firmly that she was the most beautiful woman in the world based on her sheer desire to help others (millions of others) in need.  That is beauty.