New Years Resolutions...

In 2009 I resolve to:
… Get into watching a TV series.
… Read the Newspaper at least once a week.
… Invite friends over for dinner regularly.
… Live generously
… Delight in Jesus.


But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 1 John 3:17-20


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In 2009 I resolve to... by Tales of the Talking Tiger

Is a smile essential? part 2

Last post I ask how far you would go for a decent smile and why it is more acceptable to pursue a good smile over pursuing other corrective treatment for other parts of our body.

I have been trying to work out what the framework and principles that help guide decisions about cosmetic surgery. I found myself stumped when I was confronted to explain the difference between the dental implants I had to correct my smile and the surgery of a friend who got breast implants.

I often excuse my teeth based upon mechanical and health reasons. My brothers and I each have a lack of teeth due to a genetic condition which each one of us have now received cosmetic treatment for. I had missing lateral incisors, very pointy canines and remaining baby teeth. I didn't have a great smile and if I am honest with myself vanity was a major player in getting my teeth corrected. I really wanted to be able to smile confidently! To which most people tell me 'fair enough'.

So what do you say the the young woman who has a AA bra cup size and sees herself not as womanly but as girly? What do you answer her when she tells you she wants breast implants to feel and look like a woman, to fill out a bra and just look her age instead of a 12 year old girl when she stands in her bikini on the beach? Is she allowed to correct her breasts like we correct our teeth? Do you have double standards?

I feel it is far easier to excuse vanity when it comes to teeth. We too easily embrace the "Hollywood smile" as the norm and benchmark for our smiles. Braces and corrective dentistry is so very popular and very socially acceptable. In fact the majority of people today will experience some sort of corrective dentistry.

Is a smile essential?

If you google the phrase “importance of a smile” you will find many people telling you just how essential a good smile is.

The Dali Lama apparently says that he would be a much lonelier man if he did not smile so much. He thinks this simple physical act has brought him closer to people from all walks of life.
A Patchwork & Quilting blog gives 12 reasons of why a smile is important in your quilting world: it makes you feel better, you can hear a smile in your voice and often a smile gains one in return.
Humor Specialist John Kinde says a smile is the number one feature that makes people attractive. It's a welcome mat. It's what makes folks approachable. People with a great smile radiate a warmth that draws others to them instantly.

And to be honest I agree... An individual's smile can say a great deal. A warm smile and a friendly handshake are often thought to be essential ingredients to a successful professional. A great looking smile could also be the spark that attracts an important relationship.

But what do you do when your smile reveals a rotten, missing, stained or chipped tooth? According to Smile Essentials Dentists your smile is essential and if you don’t smile as well as you should improve the beauty of it. Don't settle for anything less, shop for a new one! And we do!

How valuable is this essential smile? Or is the question better phrased how much do we value and think we each deserve the Hollywood movie star smile?

I have been wondering how easy it is to excuse our vanity and idolatry when it comes to teeth. Why is it socially acceptable to have have cosmetic work to one part of your body and not another?

(This too I guess goes for make-up, hair dye, hair styling products that we use to enhance parts of our body.)