The Ugly Side of Cosmetics

I work day in and day out at a cosmetics counter. The expectation to be perfect and look perfect is overwhelming and some days are harder than others. Today was a hard day. I was unable to wear much makeup due to my sunburn and when I left the house I felt pretty good about how I looked. But, when I got to work I got quite a few comments about how I needed more makeup, a better tan, a skinnier body and a number of other small comments that take place all the time when your profession is based on your appearance. The girls didn't mean to hurt my feelings they are just used to the kind of beauty that comes from relentless, painstaking work spent on the superficial. When someone does not always put in this kind of effort that is considered essential, it seems foreign to them. So, I came home brokenhearted and feeling ugly. Yet, it occurs to me that nothing about who I am on the outside changes the beauty that God has placed within me. When all the working out, sunless tanner, makeup, manicures, pedicures, hair-dye, tight clothes, plastic surgeries and wrinkle fighting creams are stripped away all that is left is more than enough. Yes, my heart still hurts, it hurts a great deal, but the identity I have in Christ is what defines me. To be defined by the opinions and expectations of others would be to do God and my husband a great disservice. For they both think I am absolutely beautiful, and rejoice over me, and their opinions are the only ones that matter in the end.