It was a little shocking to discover that in the 30s and 40s both men and especially women were encouraged to gain weight in order to achieve beauty and physical perfection. If you were heavier and not skinny, you were seeing as beautiful and most likely to get the part, go on dates and become the star.

Check out these ads from the 30s and 40s…

In our world today the same lie is being told to our wives, sisters and daughters, but this time the opposite. They are being told that, in order for them to achieve happiness, reach bodily perfection and beauty, they have to starve themselves striving for size zero.

But our culture was wrong in the 30s and 40s and still is today.

Even though it is very good to take care of oneself, through, exercise and eating healthy, there is something else missing that our culture doesn’t tell us much about. Here it is:

Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

It is about cultivating a godly character, inner holiness, a quiet and peaceful spirit. You may have all the glamor, but not everything that glitters is gold. You may have the curves but lack the character. How about bringing all your energy to bare not only on the exterior, but just as importantly on cultivating inner beauty. That is what makes for a beautiful and attractive woman.

Pictures from mailOnline