Beautiful
A monologue or series of monologues (depending on cast size) about true beauty and how God sees us. .
1-6 women. Any age.
Notes: The sections are written for one performer, but may be assigned to separate actresses. If performed by one actress, she may turn between sections from the audience for a few seconds or some other way of informing the audience that time has passed, and it is a different day. The exception for this is between sections five and six, which should be performed as one whole if performed by one person. Except for the points in which she reads the Bible or prays, and the final lines where it is indicated she speaks to the audience, the entire monologue is performed looking into an imaginary mirror that is between the actress(es) and the audience. Very little stage direction is specified, so please feel free to add your own.
Section 1 Ugh. I shouldn't have had that slice of cake last night. (she picks at something on her face) What is that? Ew. I look awful today. (she starts to leave, then stops and prays) God, thank you for this morning. Thank you that I'm alive, and I pray that I'll have a good day today. And I'm sorry for eating that cake.
Section 2 The doctor was right. I need to lose weight. I'm like a whale. Or a balloon. Why is it that every time I eat I physically gain girth? Its not fair. I'm always fatter at night. "Hello, I am your fat. I am here following you everywhere! You can't escape me!" Okay, that's it. I'm joining a gym. Lord, give me willpower.
Section 3 I don't get it. Exercise is not working. A month of going to the gym three times a week and avoiding all sugars and fats, and I've gained two pounds. How is this possible? What's wrong with me? I hate my body.
Section 4 Oh, I wish I was someone else. Someone prettier. With long, silky hair, and radiant skin. And a size 2 waist. I wish I looked like a movie actor. They're so perfect, how on earth do they manage that? I wonder, if I had a team of fifteen people to make me look good, if it would work. (beat) I doubt it. They have to have something to work with. And I haven't got it. I wasn't made that way.
Section 5 Why is that me? Why is that thing me? Why can't I be beautiful? God, why can't I have a beautiful body, and be attractive, and have everything about me be right, just once? Why, every single day of my life, do I have to look into the mirror and see that staring back at me, and know that no matter what I do, nothing changes it? Do I have to live my whole life like this? Looking at myself and knowing that I hate what I see? Why can't I be beautiful? God, why am I so hideous?
(Beat. She picks up her Bible) God, I need you right now. I need your help. I'm trying this on my own, and I can't do it. Guide me. Show me what to do. (she opens the Bible and reads)
"Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me." (beat. Softly) My beautiful one. (beat. She flips to Genesis) "So God created man in his own image... male and female He created them." (beat) In God's image.
Section 6 In God's image. You are made in God's image and He loves you. Exactly how you are. And you know what that means? It means that every morning you can wake up, and look in the mirror, and say "That is me, and I am proud to be me. I don't have to be thinner, or taller, or have whiter teeth or a clearer complexion, or dress differently, or change my hair color, or have my nose done, God loves that person exactly the way she is, and nothing that happens will ever change that." And because God loves you exactly how you are, you don't have to worry about what the world thinks of your appearance. He thinks you're beautiful, and He knows better than them.
Scripture Quoted: Song of Songs 2:10-13, Genesis 1:27