Can we talk about one of the most important conversations we can have with our teenage daughters?

In fact, I believe this one topic can be the most significant one we discuss after salvation. Developing a biblical framework in this one area can radically change every other aspect of our daughter’s self-perception and their relationships with others.

What is this topic?

Tame the Beast & Trust the Beauty

My favorite Disney animation has been remade into a live action movie and it releases this month. Beauty & the Beast. Y’all, I just can’t wait to see it. {The fact that it premieres on the same day as Casiday’s junior prom is a sweet gift … a way for me to distract myself from the fact that she is one step closer to her high school graduation.}

The story of Belle and the beast is a powerful one for countless reasons. But there is an important lesson we can learn from the two main characters.

Tame the Beast

Do you remember why the prince was turned into a beast? In the animated movie, the enchantress warns him not to be deceived because true beauty is found within.  He fails the test and he, as well as all those who work at the castle, become enchanted objects.  The beast destroys all the mirrors and photos of himself in his pre-enchanted state. He gets stuck in comparison, what he was to what he is now.

We can all be guilty of allowing comparison to become a beast in our lives, can’t we? Not just what was to what is but also we can compare ourselves to others.  And our daughters do the same thing.  We need to urge them to tame the beast of comparison in their hearts and minds.

Trust the Beauty

Belle, on the other hand, is different from the other people around her.  Remember the song, “Look there she goes that girl is so peculiar, I wonder if she’s feeling well. With a dreamy, far-off look, And her nose stuck in a book, What a puzzle to the rest of us is Belle”

And yet, Belle was comfortable with herself.  While she may have wanted to travel and experience adventure, she was content with who she was. There is great beauty in a contented heart.

So how can we help our girls learn to tame the beast of comparison and trust the beauty of contentment? It won’t be easy. But we can learn to be content.  Paul wrote,

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:10-13)

Of all the things we can teach our daughters, helping them grasp and walk in the beauty of contentment is one of the sweetest gifts. I’ve created printable for you to use as you have this important conversation with your daughter.

Tame the Beast, Trust the Beauty Conversation Guide

xoxo,

Teri Lynne

We can only tame the beat of comparison as we learn to trust the beauty of contentment. #truebeauty Share on X

I’m looking forward to seeing the new “Beauty & the Beast.” But, as with any movie, I urge you to look at the reviews and be prepared to discuss the content with your daughter. Based on the newest press releases about this movie, you can expect an opportunity to converse about themes such as homosexuality and bullying.  Especially for our older daughters, these are likely issues they have already encountered or will encounter within the next several years.  These are not easy conversations and they are not “one and done” conversations either … but it is important that we engage with our girls on these issues and guide them to frame their lives within the context of Scripture.