The Beauty Within
When you look at a firework before it's lit, all you see is the outer wrapping—dull, lifeless, and unremarkable. But when that firework meets a spark, it bursts into a unique and radiant display of beauty.
You are the light.
So, ask yourself: Are you waiting... or are you living your beauty?
You are in control of your destiny. Life happens, yes—but it's your impulse, shaped by your thoughts, that determines how you respond.
Real Freedom is the kind that comes when we release old thoughts, limiting patterns, outdated behaviors, and worn-out stories. That’s when true freedom begins.
But to experience this transformation, the key is to go within.
Emilie Cady writes in Lessons in Truth:
“The revelation of God to each of us is an intimate, personal thing that can only take place within the depths of our soul. The awakening and growth of Truth in us is an inner process... accomplished only by an intuitive recognition within our consciousness. We may be stimulated by others, or by books and lectures, but the awareness of the indwelling Presence takes place only within.”
So what do I mean by Truth?
Truth is the Absolute—that which is, has always been, and ever shall be. It is a divine principle. It is eternal.
Truth is not something new. As our awareness expands, we don’t discover something that wasn’t there—we unveil what always has been.
At your core lies this Truth—your eternal beauty.
The beauty within is your essence. It’s who you truly are.
Today, you each received a sparkler. If you didn’t, raise your hand and an usher will bring you one.
Take a look at it. It's dark, rough, and thin. But when it’s lit, its beauty comes alive. no we are not lighting them inside the church. We can light them outside after church or when you get home. In the meantime we will watch a live show. (Cue video.)
So, how do we ignite the beauty within?
1. Observe Your Self-Talk
The inner conversation you have with yourself can either dim your light or ignite your brilliance. The choice is yours.
Becoming the observer of your thoughts means recognizing that you are not your thoughts. You are the awareness behind them.
In meditation, as thoughts come and go, simply notice them. Journaling can help, too. Ask yourself:
- Is this thought true?
- Where did it come from?
- Why do I believe it?
Notice how quickly we believe the negative, and how often we question the positive.
When you find a thought that is false, negative, or limiting, counter it. Create a positive affirmation—one that affirms the truth of your inner beauty.
Place it somewhere you’ll see it. Use it every time that dark, rough thought rises again. Let your beauty shine in that awareness.
2. Feel Truth in Mind and Heart
To be truly conscious of your beauty, you must experience it with your whole being.
Think with your mind. Feel with your heart.
In prayer, we connect directly with the Divine. We move into a deeper silence, where the “still, small voice” speaks—not with words, but with knowing. Divine ideas flow, not from outside, but from within.
That’s spiritual understanding. That’s the beauty that cannot be found in the outer world.
It comes from your soul.
Igniting the spark within both your mind and heart is the “new birth.”
It's the light exploding into your radiant beauty—just like a firework sparkling with joy and love.
So let it shine.
Let your beauty within burst forth.