Friday, September 14, 2007

You Think I Look Like...



I mistakenly stumbled upon a site, MyHeritage.com that among other things, allows you to view and compare yourself to celebrities through its "face recognition technology." I was curious to find out what celebrity I resemble the most. So I registered with this site and uploaded a picture of myself. A few seconds later, I was paired with nine celebrities (I was only allowed to select 8) that this recognition technology thought I resembled the most, including rapper Kanye West...What? - I know, right.

As it turns out (and you can see the above results), I most resemble Gabrielle Union followed by Whitney Houston, Alek Wek, Jayne Mansfield, Michelle Branch, Brandy Norwood, Rosario Dawson and Vivica A. Fox.

I've seen this type of comparison and commentary by late show comedians and other entertainment shows that would attempt to make a comparison as to what celebrities resemble other celebrities. Some even joke and predict what the offspring would look like if they were to "hook up.”

This behavior say's a lot about our culture and sickness of heart, that we would subject ourselves to compare ourselves with each other. This is dangerous because besides both physical and spiritual consequences are far beyond our comprehension. The Bible warns us of that it is not wise to compare ourselves; We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12) This scripture is hard enough to understand; however I would suggest that the meaning is that we should never look upon another's successes, losses, works, gifts and say that we are better than them or would be better-off had we had the chances and resources as the other person.

Young women should never physically compare themselves to anyone, particularly celebrities because more often times than not, the reality behind the projected image(s) have been altered. The result is a lie or fabrication that has been presented to us to make a profit off of their "product." Do you understand what I’m saying to you?

Our goal and heart should be set on pleasing God and making every effort to Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. (Ephesians 5:1-3)

If you still need it put another way before you consider what I’m trying to say, imagine this: You and your friends are walking down King Drive, when a car pulls beside you. Two men jump out of the car and force you and your girls into the back seat. They take you to a place unrevealed to you until you arrive there. You find out that you have been taken out of the United States to a country where your freedoms, language, customs, education and beliefs mean absolutely nothing, because now you are forced to do whatever the king has demanded – no questions asked. If you refuse, you are subject to the guillotine to be executed. However, you want to eat some of your favorite foods, but all that’s offered is the king’s food. You want to pray to God and worship the King of kings and Lord of lords, but you know if you did this, you would be taken into the guillotine.

What would you do? Surely, you wouldn’t give into this king who took you from your home without your permission and is now dictating to you every second of your life.

I could tell you what I would do, but that would be cheating. I would hope however, that you would make a decision to be faithful to what you have learned and to honor God even if that means to the point of death.

Now, I know that comparing yourself to a celebrity is not to the extreme that I described above but you need to be prepared to understand the difference of being “in” the world and not “of” the world. That’s what Daniel and his friends (read Daniel Chapt. 1) Despite the decrees from the king, Daniel and his friends refused to bow and turn from God. Which is what we must do when this world would attempt to dictate to us that we have to be as they are.

Would you search your heart for the dedication that Daniel had, and consider repenting (turning away) from all that separates you from God? I want you to think about making a decision to be like Christ. Make a decision to take a risk and share this with others.

Check out this video by Dove, The Evolution of Beauty. Although I don't agree with the whole self-esteem campaign, I do believe that our image of beauty and what beauty is has become distorted. Allow Christ to renew your mind that you may see that you are a creation of His.,

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