Beauty
They say it's in the eye of the beholder.
I've had some very generous beholders lately.
I went home this weekend and spent some time with the most beautiful people I know.
Sunday morning I woke up absolutely sick. I'm guessing some kind of allergic reaction. After the one meeting of church I attended I returned to my apartment still sick and homesick. I just wanted my familia! Luckily Heavenly Father was on top of it and got me a ride to my lovely Orem. Because of my quick get-away from Ephraim (and my intended short leave) all I decided to bring was my toothbrush, hairbrush, skirt, dress pants, and my scripture bag. I was already wearing my pajamas and a nice enough shirt. No make-up. No homework. Just me, my family and getting over all my sickness.
I had the touching experience of attending "The Diary of Ann Frank" at my high school with my brother Stephen as Mr. Frank. I got to see many many friends. The compliments flowed in about how I must have lost weight and was seemed really happy and how I looked beautiful. That was the LAST thing I expected. I figure I looked sickly and unkempt with my bare face and my wrinkled shirt. Then a philosophy from my junior high self came back to me in full force.
Makeup ≠ Beauty
I was strictly against makeup (except for special occasions in which I would put on some mascara).
That was me. 8th grade. Perfectly confident in everything I did, never questioning or doubting. Trust me, I was NOT perfect, but I knew who I was and how I wanted to be.
High school came and I held my ground on the make-up battle. I didn't have the time to deal with that!
I kept my confidence and I think I managed alright!
Fast forward to the beginning of my spring semester 2011. Makeup (though not in large quantities or to near alteration of face of some girls) had become daily. At least mascara. At least. Then I could be human, show the world that I was ready for life. If I was feeling ambitious or was dressing to impress, I would pull out the eyeliner and the eye shadow and go to town. That was how I showed everyone else that I was beautiful.
Then this weekend happened. I realized that although makeup is good, my face wasn't made so someone could say "Oh, just a little more blush. Darker mascara would do. Cover up those freckles, they're quite unseemly! Then, oh then, she'll look perfect!" I realized that I could love myself whether I looked like a queen or a camper.
So, no, I'm not saying I'm throwing my mascara away. I'm not planning on kicking the eyeshadow to the curb. What I AM saying is, how can you not see the beauty in someone's bright, smiling face, unhindered by the "paint" that the world says you need to have beauty?
I find joy in what God has given me. My friends, my family...
...and my face!
I find joy in what God has given me. My friends, my family...
...and my face!
