True Beauty...Is Perception Everything?

Written by guest writer Michelle Kuhns

Have you seen the show “True Beauty”? It has a generally good principle, that I can agree with, and yet there is still a part of the show that just plain bugs me.



The show started out with ten contestants, who all think they are the most beautiful person. The show really brings out their vanity and the way they interact is sometimes shocking, but they are all there to compete for the cash prize and a photo shoot in People magazines 100 Most Beautiful People issue—and they’re all in it to win. As with any reality TV show, you see them at their best and worst.

Will this show end on a final note of unveiling a truly beautiful individual? Or will we all sit there in the end and say, “Really? THAT’S who won??” Can beauty really be determined by watching a 10 episode montage of set up scenarios of the individuals on screen? And can you really find it when you are limiting yourself to those previously chosen? I have a feeling that I will be greatly disappointed by the end result, because I am fairly sure, that there isn’t anyone on the show that I would comfortably say is truly beautiful.

Which brings us to another question: What is true beauty?

When you look at someone and truly see them for who they are, does their physical appearance really matter? I argue that it does not.

What does true beauty mean to you? A lot of people may depend on what a person actually looks like to help them gauge a person’s beauty. But I want you to think about what matters most about the people you spend your time with.

When you think about your friends, the ones that you call almost every night, and you hang out with every weekend, what is your favorite thing about them? What is it about them that makes you want to be their friend? Is it the fact that they are pretty? Or is it something else? Usually, you choose your friends because you have something in common, or because of the way they act or treat people around them. It’s not something you can tell about a person just by looking at them. It’s not a first glance kind of thing—you have to watch them to see who they are, and what they’re like.

True beauty shines from the inside out. The character of a person: that they are kind, caring, compassionate, honest, the way they react and interact with those around them …the list could go on…. THAT is what makes a person truly beautiful.

Is it any wonder the show is a vague memory? I quickly lost interest in following the shallow fakeness of the contestants, doing what they thought they had to in order to win the game, completely forgetting the entire concept of the shows premise. In fact, I had to Google it myself to find out how it all ended. I’d assumed the show had been cancelled, but here I find it is set to return to air this summer.

Apparently mainstream media is still confused about the true meaning of beauty.

Spring brings Hope, Life and Second Chances to Erie

Spring has sprung in Erie, PA and the outdoors are alive with activity. Nothing bring joy to the soul like warm sunshine and blue sky.

And with the new life of spring comes second chances.

Here at the Women's Care Center we are all about instilling hope, inspiring life, and revealing second chances.

Our Pregnancy Resource offices do this through crisis pregnancy services and counseling by showing women that life and hope are possible for them and their unborn child.

Our Adoption by Choice office does this through providing a little life to a childless family, while giving the birth mom a second chance at achieving her dreams.

Our Education Division does this through teaching teens how to avoid risky behaviors and instead to follow their goals, while reminding sexually active youth that a second chance is always available.

So we hope you enjoy your Easter and this wonderful season of spring. I know we are!

Local Marriage Celebration was a Success!

On Friday March 19th, the Education Division of the Women's Care Center hosted an unique event...A Marriage Celebration.

It was an event which highlighted couples who have struggled yet who are happily married today. It was an event in which the community of Erie could be encouraged and inspired by testimonies of love and commitment. It was an event which gave hope to young people who had never seen a happy marriage.

And I've got good news! The local event was a success!! Here are a few pictures from the evening...

Here Brenda Newport, the Executive Director of the WCC, is welcoming everyone

Our faith parnters supported the event by sponsoring tables

We had lots of yumming food

And yes, lots of dessert!

We had several testimonies from married couples and even singles about the value of marriage. Here a life story followed by a dance is shared, while our staff member Stephanie Lindenberger (right) offers moral support.

The event was such a success that we hope to offer it in the years to come. Thanks to everyone for their support!

Real Beauty

Last night I had the privilege of meeting Stacy Nadeau. One of the "Dove Girls."

Huh??

How about the picture below... Does it ring any bells?

In 2004 Dove launched a bold and global effort to change society's image of beauty. This picture is one of many Dove used in it's Real Beauty Campaign to get people talking.

Stacy is the last one on the right.

Dove wanted to take normal women who were confident in themselves and their bodies and use them to spark much needed change.

So what do you think ladies, would you say that you're beautiful? If you're like the rest of the world, you'd answer no. In fact, in Dove's global survey only 2% of woman answered yes.

Shocking, isn't it?

So what are you going to do about it? Change begins now.

Mixed Messages?...

Yesterday I taught a lesson to students in Roosevelt's afterschool program. The lesson? Alcohol and the Media.


One of the first activities we did was look at some pictures. Here's the first one...

Underneath the cartoon it says "Now, kids, don't look until you're twenty-one." Huh.

Like a kid could survive elementary, middle & high school, not to mention the first few years of college without seeing a single alcohol ad.

So, what do the facts say?

Every year kids and teens see close to 20,000 commercials. Of these, approximately 2,000 are for alcoholic beverages. Add to these other forms of advertising (magazine ads, billboards, Web sites and brand-related clothing and products), signage at sporting events, sponsorship of professional and college teams and sports TV and radio programs, and most young people will have seen approximately 100,000 alcohol ads by the time they turn 18.

Point made. On to my next photo...

A "Don't Serve Alcohol to Teens" PSA next to a Bud Light billboard that says "Always Worth It."

Talk about mixed messages! How is a teen who's brain functions more on emotions and hormones rather than decision making and delay of gratification supposed to navigate such confusing messages?

The best answer. Parents need to be parents. But it is also our generation who profits from such advertising stunts like the one above.

My job? To simply point out the goal behind such advertising...$$$



So why ladies would a cute guy be holding two adorable puppies? To get your attention. And if they can get you to look at the guy or the puppies they've accomplished their mission! You took time to look at their ad and have associated "cute" with Molson.

Any guesses as to which magazine this ad was featured in? Cosmopolitan, an exclusively female magazine which targets 18-35 year old ladies.

By having the teens at Roosevelt deconstruct such ads, my hope is that they will become more critical and discerning of the ads that they see and the messages they send.

Here's the last picture I showed them...

"With so many things to do, no wonder most kids choose not to drink." We then focused on what things teens can do instead of drinking.

The teens walked away being more informed about the dangers of alcohol and the messages the media sends about drinking. Hopefully they will continue to be able to dissect the truth from the lie.

How do Erie Teens React to the Abstinence Message?

THEY GET IT!

Created by Elizabeth Ybanez of McDowell High School. The cartoon appeared in the student magazine called Blue and White Times during the February Valentine's Day issue.

Fatherhood Highlight at the Super Bowl

Renae Smith, National Fatherhood Initiative's Special Assistant to the President, wanted to share this reflection on the Super Bowl. Here are her thoughts:

The New Orleans Saints’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV certainly was a thrilling moment for the city of New Orleans, still rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Saints fans across the country rejoiced as their team won its first Championship in franchise history at their first Super Bowl appearance – including my crazy friends who jumped around the living room yelling and giving high-fives when cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted Peyton Manning’s pass for a 74-yard touchdown, turning the game for the Saints.

Better than lifting the Lombardi

But in the midst of the excitement, television viewers got a glimpse into a touching moment between a father and son when Drew Brees, quarterback of the Saints and MVP of the game, brought his one-year-old son Baylen onto the field to experience the victory celebration. The little guy seemed quite fascinated with the flashing lights and action around him, securely held by his father, who protected the little boy’s ears from the noise of the stadium with headphones. It was clearly an emotional moment for Brees, kissing his son, whispering to him, and maybe holding back a few tears – as you can see in this video.

During the Vince Lombardi trophy presentation, Brees put what he was feeling into words: “What can I say? The birth of my son this year as well, during the first year of his life we get a Super Bowl Championship - he’s been my inspiration as well, so it just doesn’t get any better than that.” It seems to Brees that as great as winning the Super Bowl is, it doesn’t beat being a father.

The television cameras captured another Saints dad experiencing the excitement with his children – linebacker Scott Fujita holding his two-year-old twin daughters.

My dad told me after the game was over that there’s something in every father that wants to share these special times with their kids. Though most of us have never been Super Bowl Champions, we each have small moments of victory and celebration that are made all the more sweet just by having our children there with us.

Speak their Language this Valentine's Day

Ever give someone a thoughtful gift only to see them politely thank you for it instead of the thrilled “It’s what I’ve always wanted” exclamation you were hoping for? What about your spouse who may say “I love you,” but then walk by the piles of laundry and stacks of dishes?

What you may come to find is that you and your loved ones speak different languages when it comes to love. You may be thinking “Really, is that possible? Isn’t love supposed to be the universal language?”

Well not according to Gary Chapman author of the book The 5 Love Languages. In his book, Chapman uncovers the different ways people feel loved:gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time and physical touch. And the trick is, we tend to give love in the way we want to receive love.

Not sure what your love language is? No problem! Take the quiz below to find out what you are.



And when you’re done, try to figure out the love languages of your loved ones. Don’t forget to send them a Valentine’s Day e-card that speaks love to them!

Find the 5 Love Languages cards here: http://www.fivelovecards.com/

So celebrate this Valentine’s Day in a fresh new way by truly loving your special someone in their language.

Finding Her Confidence: Miss America 2010

Caressa Cameron is 22 years old and a senior broadcast communications major at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. She is an average girl who is 5 foot 4 inches and wears a size 7.

But for Caressa, she’s accomplished something that many girls only dream of. On Jan 30, 2010 Caressa was crowned Miss American 2010. She is only the third Miss Virginia to ever win the national title.

See a picture of Caressa and anyone would quickly admit she’s beautiful. Hear her talk and you’d say she’s intelligent. Listen to her sing and she’ll stun you with her full and confident voice.

However, before she won Miss American and before she competed for Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron would admit she was an awkward teenager at Massaponax High School. Watch the video below to hear her talk about what it was like to be teased and how she learned to embrace her unwanted nickname, Wolverine.

See the video by clicking: here

New Study: Abstinence Education Effective; Comprehensive Sex Ed a Big Flop

New Study:
Abstinence Education Effective; Comprehensive Sex Ed a Big Flop
Robert Rector Senior Research Fellow
The Heritage Foundation

A new study released Feb 1st, shows that abstinence education is highly effective in reducing sexual activity among youth. It also showed "safe sex" and "comprehensive" sex ed programs to be ineffective.

Students participating in an eight-hour abstinence program showed a one-third decrease in rates of sexual activity compared to non-participants. This decrease persisted a full two years after they attended the class.

By contrast, safe sex (promoting only contraceptive use) and comprehensive sex ed (teaching both abstinence and contraceptive use) programs didn't affect youth behavior at all. Students in these programs showed no reduction in sexual activity and no increase in contraceptive use, in either the short or long term.

The study, involving black middle-school students, appears in the February 2010 Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, published by the American Medical Association. Employing state-of-the-art evaluation techniques, the study used random assignment to place students into four groups: a group that received instruction solely in abstinence; a safe-sex group instructed in contraceptive use; a comprehensive, or mixed message, group taught both abstinence and contraceptive use; and a control group that received health education unrelated to sex.

The abstinence program proved very effective in delaying the onset of sexual activity. Students in this program were one third less likely to initiate sexual activity when compared to students in the other three groups. And if these same students did become sexually active, they were not less likely to use contraceptives than other students. By contrast, safe sex and comprehensive sex ed classes had no effect on student behavior; students in these classes did not reduce sexual activity nor increase contraceptive use when compared to the control group.

This study, conducted by Drs. John and Loretta Jemmott of the University of Pennsylvania, joins a long list of evaluations demonstrating the effectiveness of abstinence education. Prior to the current study, there had been 15 scientific evaluations of abstinence education, 11 of which had shown that abstinence programs were effective in reducing sexual activity. (See this 2008 Heritage paper for a review of these earlier studies.) However, the new Jemmott study is the first evaluation showing positive results which employed full random assignment. As a result, it cannot be dismissed on methodological grounds.

Click here to view the study

Click here to read the editorial