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🌺 Colored Girls: The Beauty and The Brains 🌺

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The term “colored girls” historically referred to Black women, often during eras of segregation and inequality. Though originally used as a label of exclusion, it has been reclaimed to celebrate the beauty, intellect, and resilience of women of African descent. The Bible affirms this dignity, saying, “I am black, but comely” (Song of Solomon 1:5, KJV). This declaration turns what society once treated as inferior into a statement of divine pride and purpose.

Black women have always been pillars of strength, intellect, and creativity. They have excelled in education, becoming one of the fastest-growing demographics in higher education enrollment (NCES, 2022). Proverbs 31:26 (KJV) perfectly describes this brilliance: “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” From classrooms to boardrooms, colored girls are showing that their intelligence is as radiant as their physical beauty.

Psychologists argue that Black women’s determination is partly shaped by generations of survival under oppression. These challenges have forged a strong sense of identity and agency (Collins, 2000). Resilience, often called “the superwoman schema,” is both a blessing and a challenge — a source of strength but also a weight that requires rest and balance.

Culturally, the beauty of colored girls is celebrated worldwide. From our glowing melanin to our full lips, textured hair, and diverse body shapes, Black women are natural trendsetters. Global beauty markets have responded with bronzers, lip plumpers, and hairstyles inspired by Black women’s natural features. Psalm 139:14 (KJV) reminds us: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psychology and science confirm why Black beauty is so striking. Facial symmetry, often associated with genetic health, is highly represented in African phenotypes (Little et al., 2011). Fuller lips, higher cheekbones, and wider-set eyes are viewed as youthful and attractive across cultures. Melanin provides natural photoprotection, slowing skin aging and giving Black women a radiant glow well into later life (Taylor, 2020). These biological features make colored girls admired around the globe.

This admiration has sometimes led to cultural appropriation, where others mimic the aesthetics of colored girls without acknowledging the history or struggles that come with them (Russell et al., 2013). Despite this, Black women continue to lead the way in music, fashion, art, and pop culture, influencing trends and shaping global beauty standards.

Examples abound of Black women who have shattered stereotypes. Michelle Obama, the first African American First Lady, is a symbol of grace, intelligence, and poise. Her advocacy for education, health, and empowerment of girls worldwide embodies the “brains” of colored girls. Her book Becoming became a bestseller, inspiring millions with her journey.

Maya Angelou is another powerful example. As a poet, writer, and activist, her work gave voice to generations of Black women. Her words “Still I rise” resonate with the resilience of colored girls everywhere. Her life demonstrates that beauty is not just physical but intellectual and spiritual.

In the realm of sports, Serena Williams exemplifies strength, discipline, and excellence. She not only dominated tennis but also challenged narrow definitions of femininity and beauty in athletics. Her journey shows that colored girls are multifaceted — strong competitors and nurturing mothers, unapologetically themselves.

Entertainment also celebrates the beauty and brains of colored girls. Viola Davis, an award-winning actress, uses her platform to tell authentic Black stories and advocate for diversity in Hollywood. Lupita Nyong’o, with her dark skin celebrated on magazine covers, shifted global beauty narratives and encouraged young Black girls to embrace their natural beauty.

Spiritual leadership is another area where Black women shine. Throughout history, they have been prayer warriors, deaconesses, and gospel singers who carried the church through trials. Their faith is not just for survival but for thriving. 1 Peter 3:3–4 (KJV) reminds us that true beauty is “the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.”

Psychologically, their strength has sometimes been romanticized as if they must always be strong. This expectation can lead to stress and emotional exhaustion. Mental health professionals now emphasize that Black women need safe spaces to rest and heal, reclaiming the right to be soft and cared for. Jesus’ words “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV) remind them that strength also means knowing when to lay burdens down.

Globally, colored girls are admired not only for their beauty but also for their intellect and leadership. Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison transformed literature by centering Black voices. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie challenges global audiences to rethink feminism and identity through her books and speeches. These women embody beauty with depth and intellect that changes culture.

Even in STEM, women like Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, prove that colored girls literally reach for the stars. Their contributions remind the world that brains and beauty are not mutually exclusive — they coexist powerfully.

In everyday life, colored girls continue to set trends, educate communities, raise leaders, and stand on the frontlines of justice movements. They are the heartbeat of neighborhoods and the backbone of families, carrying forward legacies of survival and triumph.

In conclusion, “colored girls” are indeed the beauty and the brains — fearfully and wonderfully made, leaders in intellect, trailblazers in culture, and examples of strength and faith. The world may try to imitate their features, but it can never duplicate the soul, resilience, and brilliance that define them.


References

  • Collins, P. H. (2000). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. Routledge.
  • Little, A. C., Jones, B. C., & DeBruine, L. M. (2011). Facial attractiveness: Evolutionary based research. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 366(1571), 1638–1659.
  • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (2022). Status and trends in the education of racial and ethnic groups. U.S. Department of Education.
  • Russell, K., Wilson, M., & Hall, R. (2013). The color complex: The politics of skin color among African Americans. Anchor Books.
  • Taylor, S. (2020). Advances in understanding of skin of color. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 82(1), 157–166.
  • The Holy Bible, King James Version.

Girl Talk Series: What really matters Beauty, Brains, or Righteousness?

In a world that worships outward beauty, social validation, and intellect, many women find themselves asking: What truly matters most? Is it our appearance, our intelligence, or our righteousness before God? The truth is, while beauty and brains are gifts from the Most High, righteousness is the crown that endures forever. In a society obsessed with aesthetics and achievement, we must be reminded that our eternal worth is not measured by what others see, but by what God sees within.

Beloved daughters, before we polish the outside, we must build the inside. Our skin may glow and our minds may shine, but if our spirits are unclean, the beauty fades and the brilliance dims. The Most High looks beyond the surface—He searches the heart, the intentions, and the purity of our walk. As women of faith, we must learn to prioritize righteousness first, then allow our wisdom and beauty to flow from that divine foundation.

The order of importance, according to the Word of God, is:

  1. Righteousness (Spiritual Beauty)
  2. Brains (Wisdom and Understanding)
  3. Beauty (Outer Appearance)

When righteousness is the root, everything else blossoms in its rightful season.


Righteousness: The True Measure of a Woman

The Scriptures teach that righteousness—our right standing with God—is of eternal value. Proverbs 31:30 (KJV) reminds us:

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

This verse is the anchor for every virtuous woman. Physical beauty can captivate for a moment, but spiritual beauty sustains for eternity. When we live in obedience to God, clothed in humility, love, and holiness, we reflect a divine glow that no makeup or mirror can reproduce. The inner beauty of righteousness is the fragrance of heaven on earth—it pleases God and transforms others.


Brains: The Beauty of Wisdom

Next comes the mind—our intellect and understanding. The world celebrates intelligence as power, and in truth, wisdom is indeed a crown. But the Bible distinguishes between worldly knowledge and spiritual wisdom. Proverbs 3:13 (KJV) declares:

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

True intelligence begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). A woman may hold degrees and titles, but without godly wisdom, her knowledge lacks eternal fruit. Spiritual intelligence allows us to discern truth from deception, to walk in peace, and to make choices aligned with God’s will. The wise woman not only studies books—she studies the Word.


Beauty: A Fleeting Gift of Grace

Finally, we come to outward beauty—something every woman cherishes. Beauty is a divine gift, not a sin, but it was never meant to define us. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) says:

“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

While the world teaches us to contour, enhance, and perfect, God calls us to purify, renew, and transform. There is nothing wrong with taking care of our bodies, dressing beautifully, or expressing our femininity—but when appearance becomes an idol, we lose sight of who we are. True beauty flows from a righteous heart and a gentle spirit. As 1 Peter 3:3–4 (KJV) reminds us:

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”


Building the Inner Temple

Ladies, our true reflection is not in the mirror—it is in our spirit. We must build the inner temple with prayer, fasting, discipline, and faith. Outward beauty will fade, worldly intelligence will pass, but righteousness will lead us into eternal life.

When we walk in purity, kindness, humility, and obedience, we are building treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). That is the beauty that never dies. The Proverbs 31 woman was praised not just for her strength or skill, but because “she feareth the Lord.” Her beauty was holy; her intelligence, guided by wisdom; and her righteousness, eternal.


In God’s Eyes

So what really matters in the eyes of God?
It is not the flawless face, nor the perfect résumé—it is the pure heart.
It is not the crown we wear, but the character we keep.
It is not what we look like, but who we are becoming in Christ.

Righteousness is the essence of divine femininity. Brains and beauty will attract the world, but righteousness will attract heaven. When a woman walks in holiness, she walks in power.


Scripture References

  • Proverbs 31:30 – “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
  • 1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
  • 1 Peter 3:3–4 – “Let it be the hidden man of the heart… a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
  • Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
  • Matthew 6:19–21 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
  • Proverbs 3:13 – “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”