Romans 12:1-2Â -Â Genesis 1:26-27
To the Ladies out there… you are wonderfully and beautifully made (Psalm 139:14). Don't let the world tell you differently. A good man looks not at the outward appearance, but who you really are inside and out. You are like a rose. Roses come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, yet they are beautiful. A beautiful flower that is delicate has a wonderful fragrance and needs to be loved and cherished. If you are not being treated like a delicate flower, talk to someone, especially if you are in a rough situation.
On a side note, roses also have thorns. They are there for protection. However, you shouldn't use those thorns to hurt others. You are powerful, just the like the thorns of a rose stem, but don't abuse that power.
And, finally, a rose blossoms when attached to the bush. Don't forget to get nourishment from God's Word, a good church and even the people you hang out with.  A rose cut off from the bush will eventually die. Stay connected.
To the Men… often a soft, tender-hearted man is considered a cupcake. Sometimes, even Christian men are called that as being too soft and weak. But I want to encourage you that you were made in the image of God and are not, as the world might say, a cupcake. We are called to love all people and be kind to others. That doesn't mean we are weak or soft. What is a ‘real' man? Some define it by their job, stuff, muscles, etc. What if we defined it by how we love others? Not always in our nature to be kind and compassionate, but we need to do it.
Also, don't go after cupcakes! What do I mean? Well, the world tells us to check out other women or look at them as objects. That is not what God's Word tells us to do. Women are to be respected. They were created in the image of God as well. So don't just look at the external beauty of people, but look at the inside. Just as a cupcake is tempting, it only lasts a while and is not good for us. If you are struggling with this, talk to someone ASAP!
God Bless,
PB