To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.”

Isaiah 61:3

The ability to transform is a significant aspect of our character and emotions, and allowing God to guide us through difficult times can make us a source of inspiration for others. According to scripture, God promises to exchange our ashes for beauty.

The concept of transformation is truly beautiful. What defines beauty?

I find genuine beauty in the hearts of individuals. While images on my Facebook page may be aesthetically pleasing, the words of intelligent individuals can be inspiring. However, true beauty lies in life itself. It is essential for us to open our eyes in order to recognize it.

Admittedly, I observe the brokenness, death, poverty, suffering, and injustice in the world. Reality is harsh and unavoidable. Nevertheless, I strive to look beyond the surface of the world that surrounds me. I peer into the cracks of society and discover something remarkable...beauty.

It is the stunning beauty of transformation. From brokenness to restoration, from death to life, from despair to hope. Witnessing a helping hand reaching out to assist a struggling neighbor embodies this transformation.

What was once lost has been found again. Value, significance, and beauty exist within it. We just need to actively seek it out.

At times, transformation could come in the form of simply giving yourself time to relax, setting aside a few minutes each day for yourself, or starting to jot down your aspirations. Whether you're daydreaming or mapping out your day.

It could also mean overcoming the fear of other people's opinions, not stressing about fitting in, or letting go of trivial fears like having your blinds open at night. It's about waking up with a renewed mindset.

Every small change you make to follow your desires, alleviate tension and stress, or move in a positive direction is a form of transformation.

Recognize all the changes you have made.

Continue to delve deep, search your soul, readjust, change your mindset, pursue your dreams, and adjust your beliefs. Your actions are making a larger impact than you think.

By acknowledging the progress you have made, you will see the significant transformation you have undergone and appreciate its beauty.

The interpretation of beauty is often misunderstood, especially in the context of designing for social impact. Some see it as a superficial and unnecessary luxury, or as something to consider only after everything else has been planned. But I have come to understand its quiet power. To me, beauty serves as a welcoming invitation that inspires people to engage in positive change and join in creating something delightful. It helps to cultivate new connections and allows love and forgiveness to blossom, leading to complete and fulfilling relationships. The beauty of transformation is the emotion of love that can be seen without needing to be spoken.