Finding Beautiful By Rebecca FriedlanderSample

Day One: Beautiful Stories Scripture: Joshua 1:9, Psalm 9:1, I Corinthians 15:10 What would it look like to pack your bags and travel the world in search of true beauty? If you wanted to document authentic beauty, would you capture fashion models on runways, nature’s finest mountaintops, a mother’s arms, or intriguing corners of the globe that most people ignore? My quest included a nine-month adventure from Paris to Los Angeles, styling makeovers and photo shoots with fascinating women who shared powerful discoveries about passion, faith, and beauty. I found that many lies women mistakenly believe about their identity are often similar, regardless of their background or nationality, and that each radiant truth also has a common theme. This devotional is your personal ticket to adventure and a daring quest to discover your identity as a woman of God! I am honored to share how God shaped those months as He allowed me to capture His beauty and transforming work in the lives of women around the world. Before we move forward, I want to talk about fear because whenever we embark on a journey to know God’s truth, the enemy is stirred. This is exactly what happened when I landed in Paris my first day. Within moments of arriving at my host’s apartment, we heard arguing and a horrible crash. There was shattered glass, two men angrily shouting, and an apparent act of violence for no evident reason. As my host called the police, I slipped into my new bedroom and began to pray. My natural emotions were intimidation and fear, but I knew that God had sent me here on His mission to capture stories and to spread the truth of His love. With that confidence, I knew He would protect me and bring peace to my surroundings, so I began to speak the truth of His Word: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust’” (Ps. 91:1–2). This week, you are declaring before the enemy of your soul that God determines what is beautiful, and you belong to Jesus. Partner with Him and cry out to our Father to make Himself known, place your trust in the God who hears, find your security in His love, and rest in His care. Confess whatever fear comes to mind. Place it in God’s hands. Thank Him for opening spaces to fill with truth and peace.