The Girl Behind the Make Up

About two years ago I was privileged to attend a make-up school on a scholarship. My experience at “Make-Believe” (the name of the school) was very exceptional and enlightening. Prior to attending the school, I thought there wasn’t a lot of work attached to the art of makeup but as I spent more time at the school, I began to realize that makeup goes beyond just the application of cosmetics to the face. It involves the systematic, creative and skilful application of cosmetics to not only the face but the entire body. This enhances a person’s beauty, alters or completely changes the look and appearance of an individual to mimic a character or fit into a role.

I spent my first few days at the school in what I would call a “pleasant-shock”. It was so amazing and startling to watch the makeup artists transform a lady’s natural face (which in some occasions was scarred and covered with black spots, sunburns and blemishes) into a flawless magnificent beauty. Except for the need to constantly draw and define my brows, which was the normal criteria for entrance into the class every day, the sometimes nauseating scent of different brands of foundations, mascaras, concealers, primers, eye-shadows, etc. in the air and the fact that I finally dropped out, Make Believe was ultimatly a unique and great experience to remember.

In recent times, I began to observe that to a large extent, it is so easy to refer to the world as a “Make-Believe Studio”; a place where there is a constant need to alter, fake or fabricate who you are to fit into the image or standard the system of this world has created. If you are not careful you would wake up one morning and freak out at the girl in the mirror because she would be an absolute stranger as a result of a gradual application of the cosmetics of this world: Pretence-Primer, People-pleasing concealer, eye-service eye shadow, fabrication foundation and so on.

As Christians and Daughters of the King, we are not called to fit into the standards of this world but to graciously stand out in a great and positive way. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2). The standards of this world are an absolute opposite of the Kingdom and we have been called out of darkness not to fit-in but to show forth God’s praises to the world (1 Peter 2:9) “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19). Wow! the whole of creation is waiting for our manifestation! How then do we fulfil this prophesy if all we seek for is how to fit into the entire creation?

Who is the girl behind your make-up? As ladies we know the awesome work our make-up does for us. Some of us have even learnt to use it to cover up a sad face, black eye or literal scars from an abusive marriage or relationship or just to pretend that we are living our best life when we are trapped in a cycle of the worst of life’s experiences. As I ask this question, I would like you to know that I am not only referring to your physical looks but your entire being. What have you learnt to cover or hide behind your make up? We all know our different make-ups that we have learnt to creatively and systematically put on to cover up for the imperfections and scars that we have acquired because of life’s twists and turns. It may be memories of a horrific experience, an abuse, a cruel experience of rejection or abandonment or even personal struggles and insecurities that you have mastered to neatly and daily conceal behind that perfectly practiced smile, pseudo-confidence or melodious soprano pitch greetings. No one may ever know what your make up is or what you are making up for, but unfortunately you can never hide from “The girl behind the makeup” and more importantly from God.

When are we going to stop hiding behind the make-up? When are we going to confront the girl behind the make up and dare her to hope and love again?! Yes, the world requires us to hide her but how long are we going to conform to this world by keeping her hidden? When would we realise that in her wounds, scars and healing lies the most beautiful and talented version of us?! Faith confessions are great but when we say them out of fear or shame or use them as a facade to hide what is really going on in our mind and life then we begin to conform to the standards of this world.

Transparency in the later moments of the last days of the church has become more important than ever before! Where is the light or freedom in “hiding”? Rather hiding and bondage occurs in the darkness. The bible says in James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so THAT YOU MAY BE HEALED. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” I know there are a lot of counterfeits and “religious” folks within the church but trust me, there are still real disciples of Christ within the church; people who would listen, protect and guard your interest towards Jesus and would not use your vulnerability to take advantage of you, they are part of the end time army; “God himself bellows in thunder as he commands his forces. Look at the size of that army! And the strength of those who obey him! God’s Judgment Day – great and terrible. Who can possibly survive this? Change Your Life.” (Joel 2:11-MSG)

Please, give me the privilege of speaking to the girl behind the make up for a few minutes. Darling, you are not alone, never buy into the lie of the enemy that it is just you in that dilemma. There are a lot of people and sisters out there that love and care about you, how much more your heavenly Father? I know how much you miss that little girl that was once flawless, whole and intact, you wish you could just have her back for a moment. I feel your pain and God sees every shattered piece of your heart. “The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)”. It is time you began to try to confront the shame and come out of hiding so you can heal faster. I know the hurt and pain that was caused to you during your last attempt to uncover your wounds especially to those you loved and trusted but this time around I promise you are safe in the hands of God. He would not only protect you, but he would heal and mend your broken heart and soul so perfectly. You would no longer have to hide behind a make up but your healed scars would become a testimonial and proof of your experience of real love and relationship with the Father.

The Father is calling on his Daughters behind the make up. He misses them so much and desires to have a whole, purposeful and intimate relationship with them. The days of hiding, “make-believe” and “church-show” are over! The Lord is saying to you today, “TALITHA, KUMI,” (Little Girl, Arise!!!!!)

“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 (MSG)