White is Beautiful

This Tamiang woman probably uses creams and masks to keep her skin as white as possible. In the minds of many Sumatrans white is beautiful. Those who have a deep tan from working in the fields are often called black – which is not a complement. It is funny how people the world over often decide that what is beautiful is what other people have. It is yet another example of the grass being greener on the other side.

In many cases the treatments that people use here to lighten their skin ends up causing rashes and other skin problems. They are not safe, but people are willing to take the risk in order to be beautiful. Deep down many people are not happy with who they are, and they want to change. They want transformation. They feel trapped by circumstances.

The problem is that changing the color of your skin will not change the condition of your heart. Ultimately mankind will not be comfortable in their skin until God radically changes their hearts. When a person’s heart is right with God then every hue of skin becomes beautiful.

Pray for the people of Sumatra to encounter Jesus and the heart transformation that He brings.

Pray for Sumatrans who feel trapped by circumstances to find freedom in the Gospel.

Pray for Sumatrans to feel comfortable in their beautiful, multi-hued skin. The true beauty of a person is more than skin deep.