I recently found a video of the most incredible man who refused to be a victim in life in spite of his facial disfigurement. I did a double-take when I saw this video’s featured image, not because the face looked odd but because it looked familiar. I knew that man. He’s the husband of a woman who worked at the same company I did, and I had been introduced to him a couple of times at get-togethers. He’s married to a great woman, so I figured he had to be a great man, too. I had no idea how amazing he was, though, until I watched this video.

A Rare Soul

Ben Kjar is one of those rare souls who has chosen to turn what could have been a tragic life into a triumphant one. I can’t imagine the ostracization he must have endured as a child or the strange looks he must have received from even the kindest people who tried not to stare. But he doesn’t come across as deformed in his outlook on life. On the contrary, when he looks in the mirror, he sees a son of God, an accomplished athlete, a husband, and a father. What strength of character it must take to push back against self-pity and bitterness when the deck seems to be stacked against him!

Is Beauty Only Skin Deep?

I have a feeling that most of the movie stars and models who look so beautiful and immaculate right now will be nothing special to look at after this life, while many people who look ugly, plain, and ordinary will be more glorious than we can comprehend. When our actions and inner thoughts are reflected in our outer appearance, we will see who is actually worth admiring. A good man like Ben will be beautiful when he is a victor over every enemy and struggle. A wicked man, on the other hand, who has thought of himself as a victim and excused his sinful behavior will continue to be a victim of his own making. It is far too easy to idolize sin and ignore or show disdain for righteousness.

The One Who Had No Beauty

This reminds me of the description of Jesus Christ found in Isaiah 53:2-5:

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

If even someone as great as the Son of God wasn’t seen as anything beautiful to look at when He lived on the Earth two millennia ago, what chance do we have of seeing our own inner beauty? Yet when we see Him again, there will be no question of His identity and glory. Nor will there be any question about who we truly are. We’ve been promised that the good we do that goes unnoticed is noticed by the One who counts. And He rewards openly. I look forward to the day when our good works will show in our countenances. Until then, let us be particularly grateful this Thanksgiving for all that we have. Not everyone has the same blessings, so it’s important to appreciate what we receive and make the most out of our lives. That’s the way to be happy, whatever our lot in life may be.

May we all live in a way that when we see the Savior, we will be glad because we will be like Him inside and out.

This is the Deja Reviewer wishing you a happy Thanksgiving.

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