Cosmetically Speaking

Makeup.  I know, where do I get the audacity to delve into such a profound theological topic?  And you thought this blog couldn't get any deeper. 

First off, there is, of course, nothing inherently wrong with women wearing makeup.  There are certain time when, perhaps, it has uses.  That being said, I wish women wouldn't use it. This is not because of any opinions I have on how someone looks with makeup, but it has to do with a deeper issue.

Women, this is for you.

You're beautiful.  Whoever you are, you're a beautiful creation of God, knit together in your mother's womb, made exactly as He wanted you to be.  You do not become beautiful when you put on blush or eyeliner or mascara.  You don't become beautiful, because you already are beautiful.  You don't need something that comes in a bottle in order to become what God already made you to be. 

The danger is when a woman begins to believe that they are never pretty enough without their makeup.  It creates a mindset of I'm not good enough.  I need extra help to be found attractive.  I need to spend money to be noticed.  On my own, I am nothing special.  Cosmetic company commercials and advertisements all want to send the same message: you need this product to look good. 

Except that each of these things is wrong.  In fact, each of these things is a lie from the evil powers at work in this world.  Such thinking also makes women believe that their value is solely found in their appearance, and such thinking is damaging to one's self-esteem and self-worth.  Women, know this: you are so much more than how you look.  You are worth so much more than you can possibly imagine, and it has absolutely nothing to do with your body.  Do not cheapen your own existence by placing so much worth on how you look, because you don't need to worry about it.  You are beautful without having to do anything. 

Some women cling to their makeup bag as though it was their life.  They can't imagine going anywhere in public without makeup on their face.  I honestly think this is so sad.  Such thinking is only part of the corruption in the world: placing great amounts of value on things that are ultimately worthless.  Celebrities spend large amounts of money to stay youthful looking, ensuring they look their best each time they emerge into the spotlight.  It is foolish to live life in such a way, for what value is there in spending so much time and money on one's looks?  You are beautiful just as you are, without spending a dime.

A woman's confidence should not come from how they look.  Their confidence should come from the knowledge that God created them, loves them, and is with them every step of the way.  God loves you no matter what, and thinks you're beautiful no matter what.  Any good husband would think the same.

To reiterate, makeup is not evil.  It is the reasoning behind it that can be destructive to one's self-esteem.  Why do I wish women would not wear makeup?  Because they think they need it.  Because they don't believe they're beautiful without it.  Because they think themselves to be unattractive without it.

None of these things are true.  Women, realize that beauty cannot be bought.  More importantly, it doesn't need to be bought, because you already have it.  You were born with it.