What Makeup Couldn’t Cover

A little while ago, as my makeup bag grew and the white counters in my bathroom were covered with anti-aging products, my heart sank.  For some reason, I was never satisfied.  A part of me wanted to feel more “pretty” and I thought more highlighter, concealer and eye cream could do it.  

“Have you ever found yourself completely discontent and not really sure why?”

Perhaps at times we attempt to fill an internal void with external things while the truth is, it simply doesn’t work that way.  I had gone on these “binges” before and it wasn’t until recently that it hit me as to why I felt the need to keep trying new things:  I was trying to “be” and ultimately, “feel” more beautiful.  But the longing I was after was not one that could be fulfilled by improving the outside.  It was an internal discontentment of my own allowance by neglecting the endeavor of filling my heart with nourishing truth.  It was subtle, almost undetectable, making it easy to overlook.  I felt as though I never measured up, and was trying to, by adding more makeup and anti-aging products to my face.  It’s quite silly.

I’m really thankful this realization came because it gave me a chance to recognize it and instead, nurture my soul with truth.

God loves us.  He made us in His image.  He set us apart.  He has wonderful plans for us, to give us a future and a hope.  He wants the best for us.  He made us all unique.  No one has the exact same DNA as you.

If you’ve ever felt discontent, having lost your fulfillment in efforts to gain an unattainable goal of perfection that has become increasingly popular, let me encourage you.  Perhaps what really matters isn’t an outward attraction.  Perhaps what matters is deeper, undetectable from the outside, almost completely. 

Perhaps the beauty on the inside radiates on the outside.  It’s not the “beauty” that goes away when the extensions come out, rather a contentment, one where there is peace from within, one where love flows from.  You are special just as you are.

Whether you like all of the makeup or lean on the minimalist side, just remember, your highlight isn’t what makes you truly shine. 

xoxo

Annie Dixon

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11

“So God created mankind in his own image…” Genesis 1:27

Photo: RachaelLee