The Simple Life

I have never considered myself a materialistic person... until recently.

I used to pride myself in the fact that I did not feel it necessary to walk out the door with make-up on. It did not seem like that big of a deal to me. However, as time passed, I began wearing make-up more and more until it became something I convinced myself I could not live without... a necessity.

I have become the person I hoped I'd never be... That is, the person who takes a 'break' from food in order to fit the mold of those 'perfect' faces/bodies pictured in magazines... the person who guilts herself when she fails to make it to the gym to burn away those few calories she somewhat regrettably consumed... the person who believes that if she doesn't get her hair straight enough, her clothes new enough, and her face painted perfectly enough, then people really are going to think less of her.

My pastor made a comment during the sermon last Sunday that has seemingly stuck with me. The sermon was on Acts 10. Pastor Paul was speaking on the proof that the Good News is for everyone. He said that it does not matter 'what you look like'. Now, I know this sounds like common sense. However, somewhere along the road, since I was in high school, I have confused the outward appearance with the inward. My head knows the truth, but my actions do not 'live' the truth.

Just to be clear... I do no think that it is wrong to care about outward appearance. But I do believe it is wrong to put so much emphasis on outward appearance that you end up convincing yourself that it is what makes you important.

Due to this 'new' revelation, I have decided to commit to change a few aspects in my life. My hope is that Evie would be able to see what the Lord views as valuable through the emphasis I put on what is on the inside above outside appearance.

The first change I have made is to put away the make-up... at least for the 'normal' everyday look. I plan to still splurge occasionally, but the goal is to learn to love the unpainted me.