Nancy Stafford

A book on beauty is one of the last things I would normally pick up as reading fare. Honestly, I have never worn makeup and I rarely dress to impress. Since becoming chronically ill several years ago, comfort has become the name of my game, and various surgeries and treatments have left me with scars and other battle wounds. Anyone who knows me would raise their eyebrows at the thought of me reading a book entitled “Beauty by the Book”, and yet it’s the subtitle that really drew me in: “Seeing Yourself as God Sees You.” That is the heart of the matter. Of course we are all familiar with the clichéd phrase that it’s what is on the inside that counts, and yet it is rarely that easy in day to day life.

In “Beauty by the Book”, Nancy Stafford takes readers beyond the trite phrases and the worldly definitions of beauty in order to encounter the only One whose views on the issue truly matter. Part of what makes this book so much more compelling than the plethora of other Christian nonfiction out there is the author’s authenticity and relatability. Christian reference books and guides are valuable resources and have their rightful place in the literary canon and in our personal libraries. However, as with any obstacle in life, sometimes it is just such a relief to know that someone else has been there and has overcome (or is still overcoming). After all, we are instructed to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Nancy’s book is like having a cup of coffee with a friend. There are many of those “Me too!” and “I thought I was the only one!” moments while reading. By sharing her own life experiences, both joyous and tragic, she demonstrates that our vulnerabilities can be the launching pad for a deeper connection with the Savior of our souls and the most beautiful One of all. The enemy tries to discourage us with lies, infiltrating our culture with unattainable beauty standards and discontent, but the Lord patiently woos us and tells us how exquisite we are in His sight because we are made in His image!

Crossing several genres, this book genuinely speaks to the woman’s heart. It can be classified as Christian nonfiction, part memoir, part devotional, part scriptural study, and definitely all heart. Every chapter is divided into short sections, each of which begins with a scriptural epigraph and contains pertinent quotations from various well-known individuals, and ends with a prayer. Peppered throughout are “Reflections of His Love”, which demonstrate personal encounters and conversations with God. A reference guide at the end lists Bible verses and what they say about God and about who we are in Him.

For a relatively short book, “Beauty by the Book” certainly packs plenty of wisdom and encouragement into its pages. Normally I would finish a work of this length in a day or two at most, but I found myself lingering over and prayerfully pondering each section, and I intend to read it over again from the beginning soon. As Nancy writes, “As followers of Christ, we, most of all, are free to celebrate and express God’s unique creation in ourselves and others.” And that is what true beauty is all about!… (mais)