the moment: Getting ready for church this morning has a major piece missing. not a very time consuming piece but one that takes priority too often in my daily routine. well, my outfit is the biggest piece but putting on makeup is probably second in line of importance for me.... it was until today. From now until the end of this term in June I will not be wearing any makeup!
Why?.... that is a very good question. I'll start form the beginning:
last summer I was speaking to a friend of mine who gave up eating meat for a whole year! not for health reasons or because she wanted to save the baby cows, just because she wanted to see if she could do it, to have control over that very small aspect of her life. this got me thinking of what I want to have control over and what I would want to give up..... makeup was what I landed on.
this small idea evolved into a 8 month relay of does and don'ts that would climax with (without) makeup. Each month I picked a new "rule" that would add onto the previous pick. so by June there would be 8 things on the roster. Each one helping me improve my self control and simplifying my life. I can easily drive three blocks to the fabric store but why not ride my bike. I could easily grab a handful of MnM's and thoroughly enjoy them, especially peanut butter ones, but how about not this time. And I can DEFINITELY spend some serious cash on nice new clothes and shoes but how about I hunt for hidden treasure until I find a gem that someone else gave up just for me...
October: Not eating fast food.
November: No purchasing espresso drinks
December: No candy
January: Only shopping 2nd hand for clothes
Febuary: Reading scripture daily
March: No eating 2nd helpings
April: Not driving for in town errands
May: No makeup
So today is day one of what will hopefully not be as hard as I am anticipating it to be. I'm not incredible self conscious of my appearance but I've just always relied on a little bit of makeup to try and hide those slight insecurities. plus its really fun to put on and wear!
Have you ever thought how strange it is to try and explain make up to a child? or someone who has never heard of the concept? "we paint our faces to enhance or hide certain features." at the core of it you will find a belief that our natural faces aren't good enough, aren't beautiful enough and aren't an accurate reflection of the inside. In a competitive world that puts massive value on attractiveness, makeup has become such a normal part of our daily routine. without even thinking about it we cake on the lotions, powders and colors. it is at a very basic level body modification. I'm not trying to say that makeup is bad, I've been wearing it for years and in June I will wear it again, but too often the motives behind makeup are wrong. God created us in His image. Do you appreciate that image God has given you? You are soooooooooooo beautiful in His eyes. why should anyone else's matter?
I hope that this truth moves from my mind into my heart through this experience.
