The cosmetic industry is booming and thriving in a culture where self-care is promoted more now than ever. A plethora of products comprises the market, from perfumes to haircare, hygiene, nail care, makeup, and skincare, to name a few.
As trends rise and fall, one constant that fuels the demand for premium brands is the increasing desire to feel, look, and smell good.
Although I'm not a frequent makeup consumer, I keep it on hand to use and apply for special occasions when I want to jazz it up a little.
For the sake of time, I won't explore all the sectors of the beauty world, but I would like to spotlight the makeup segment in particular.
There are several steps involved in applying makeup to achieve what professional makeup artists refer to as "flawless glam." I have a friend who is a makeup artist, and she explained to me once that when she services her clients, some of the typical descriptions they ascribe to her work are "my face is beat to perfection" or "my face is snatched."
Translation: These are ultimate compliments, implying the impeccable and unblemished application of makeup to their faces.
The eyebrows are on point, and the makeup is smooth and well blended; a hint of eyeshadow gives the eye a sparkle and makes the eyes pop, a layer or two of lipstick defines the lip line and adds vibrancy through color, and then some setting spray to increase the longevity of the makeup throughout the day. It's the finishing touch that holds everything in place. However, if you're anything like me, some shimmery lip gloss will do just fine.
So, ladies, you may wonder where I am going with this, right?
Well, I'm so glad your inquiring minds want to know, because just as you immerse yourselves in making sure you look top-notch aesthetically, my question is, did you take that same effort today to mold your inner being?
Did you meditate on God's word today?
Show kindness to a stranger or a difficult co-worker?
Did you put others' interests before your own?
Did you pray today or speak positive affirmation over yourself and your family?
Or did you think only your physical beauty was worth the polishing and all the finishing touches you needed?
Let’s turn to Scripture.
“May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.” —Genesis 24:14-16 NIV
Our scripture text highlights one such lady whose beauty radiated from the inside out: Rebekah.
While she was, by far, one of the most beautiful women to the natural eye, her inner beauty catapulted her into God's divine plan for her life.
Abraham sent his servant on an assignment searching for such a lady for his son, Isaac. Unbeknownst to her, Abraham's servant prayed to God for an inner beauty that Isaac's wife should possess, which was far more attractive than her physical appearance.
So, from Rebekah, we learn the mark of real beauty is displayed through genuineness, hospitality, selflessness, love, joy, generosity, kindness, and character. So adorn yourselves, ladies, with such treasures, and others will be amazed at how stunning you are from the inside out.
But how?
By applying God’s word.
When you "apply" God's word in your life, your physical countenance will naturally absorb what you have deposited on the inside.
No brand-MAC cosmetics, Maybelline, L'Oreal Paris, Fenty, etc although top tier products can cleanse you, revive you, conceal your blemishes and imperfections, smooth your rough edges, give you a firm foundation, add value and definition, highlight the contours of your beauty, or settle and secure you the way the Lord can.
When you abide in Him, he will enhance you in ways that no formulated product ever could. Rebekah's beauty was undeniable, but when she opened her mouth, humility, grace, authenticity, poise, and thoughtfulness exuded from her; the servant immediately realized she was his answered prayer and that his journey had not been in vain.
God wants us to come before Him, ladies, bare, a blank canvas that he can purify, sculpt, and fashion into an elegant masterpiece. We see God's artistry throughout all of creation. Nothing he made is superficial, and He does not want you, HIS DAUGHTER, to exemplify anything less than His divine radiance.
To be clear, there's nothing wrong with the upkeep of the outer appearance.
However, if you want your light to shine through the glam, make sure you let the word "snatch" your inner being in alignment with the Lord.
So, ladies, I leave you with this beauty tip: prime your heart for the Lord to speak and work in you, establish a solid foundation in His truth, apply His principles to your daily living, and watch Him give you the ultimate makeover.
Here is a prayer to encourage your heart whenever you feel yourself more consumed with outer beauty than inner beauty:
Jesus, I thank you for your Word, which is more than enough for me.
I thank you that even in my imperfections, I can come before my perfect Lord and be embraced by your tender loving care.
Thank you for saying that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am your workmanship, evidence of your creativity.
I invite you, Lord, to work on me from the inside out. Work out of me what is contrary to you, and fill me with all of You.
Amen
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