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Along Life’s Way
True Beauty: a
Fable
© 2018 Lois E. Wilson
There were two sisters, Charity and Vanity. The older, Charity, had
received comments about being a charming child until her sister was
born. Vanity became aware at an early age that from her good looks she
received advantages. Others would coo to her, “You’re just the cutest
doll!”
Her mother entered Vanity in baby pageants which brought her many
awards.
In school Vanity succeeded because of her beauty. She was a
cheerleader, class officer, and was chosen to represent the school at
publicity events.
Charity, though often rebuffed, developed interests and causes of her
choosing. She liked volunteering with the elderly and selected social
work for her career.
Over the years she became an advocate for people needing help: abused
women and children, drug addiction sufferers, residents in assisted
living, and those living alone. Many relied on her as a dedicated
friend they could call when they had problems. She would readily
respond with an answer, a hug and a big smile. She had a full family
life with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
As an adult, Vanity pursued the pageant circuit amassing tiaras, titles
and trophies. She focused on her outward appearance and was a regular
at the gym. When she couldn’t obtain the results she wanted, she turned
to plastic surgery. She had augmentations, lifts, tucks, and
liposuction. She colored her hair, wore hair pieces and extensions. She
dressed in outfits appropriate for those 16 years of age.
Vanity went into depression when people stopped reassuring her, “You
don’t look your age.” Alone, she didn’t want to go out of the house.
She had few friends and had never had children as she thought it would
ruin her figure.
Moral: Outer beauty is only skin deep; it’s inner beauty one should
strive to keep—cultivating beauty of soul is the most worthy goal.
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