hen you look in the mirror, what do you see? Naturally, you'll see your physical self, a uniquely created individual; yet there is a story to be told beyond the reflection in the mirror.

In a society that emphasizes physical beauty, many — especially youth — are caught up in this wave of influence. Self-esteem and confidence hinge on whether one succeeds or falls short of the unrealistic high standards to be just the right size, have the perfect figure, have the precise haircut, and wear what's cool or what's “in” — in spite of feeling uncomfortable.

The truth is that the reflection many see in the mirror is not always a reflection of what is happening inside the heart of our true selves, the spirit. Many of us often live behind a mask, afraid to be who we are in our truest essence. Our reflection is nothing more than an icon of today's society.

Some may peer at their own reflection and see someone they don't like, birthing the beginnings of low self-esteem, abuse and depression; and sometimes it may lead to suicide.

It's time we rid ourselves of society's mirrors that selfishly seek to reflect only our outer selves. Instead, it's time to focus on the breath of life inside each one of us, the true essence of God's spirit embracing ours and who God made us to be. God looks deep within our spirit where the potential is to love unconditionally and to be loved with no barriers.

Within our spirit is where seeds of faith take root and where hope, dreams, and wishes abound. As these seeds grow within, they radiate peace and joy that shine from the depths of the spirit to the outside. This is when true humble confidence in who God made us to be rises above the grip of society's influence.

If you or someone you know is struggling with what is seen in the mirror — or perhaps what is not seen — know that God loves you and those around you. It is his hope and desire that every one of us would choose to allow his love and who he has woven us to be to reflect and to shine from the inside out.

Imagine if we were no longer a society of peer pressure and surface seekers but a community of dynamic God-inspired inner strength and deep-seeded faith from the inside out. It would be a community lit and moved by pure love.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)