During World War II, the Germans bombed London for 57 consecutive nights with 1,500 bombers in waves of 250 at a time.  The British airmen flying in the plane called the Hurricane who occasionally shot down one of the bombers became national heroes.  However, the Hurricane, if hit,  would burst into flames.  The pilot would be able to eject, but not before the heat of the flames would badly burn his face.  Any airman who suffered this fate had to spend months in the hospital having his face reconstructed by plastic surgeons.  Many felt that they looked like freaks.  They needed the unwavering support of their family and friends.  One airman, Peter Foster, was blessed with a wonderful fiancée who insisted that they be married prior to his leaving the hospital.  She became the measure of his self-worth, assuring him that nothing had changed except a few millimeters of skin.  She loved him, not his face.  Whenever he looked at her, she gave him a warm, loving smile, telling him that he was okay. 

(adapted from IN HIS IMAGE by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey)