Masks of Perfection

Psalm 139: 16

 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Mascara, Foundation, Eye Shadow, Blush, Straighteners, Curling Irons, Manicures, Pedicures, Teeth Whiteners.... the list could go on forever!

       Lets be honest, as much as we love our beauty products, sometimes being a girl is exhausting! Don't get me wrong I love getting dressed up for a date with my husband or a fun night with family and friends, and there is nothing wrong with playing with make up and fashion. Yet, the unrealistic standard of beauty in our culture puts an incredible amount of pressure on us to look and feel perfect every time we leave the house. Sometimes the pressure alone is enough to make us feel unworthy of beauty.
      Along with physical expectations, we are conditioned to wear emotional masks and hide how we are feeling inside. We have learned to project a filtered image to the world, while keeping our true selves hidden. Sometimes we hide behind masks to conform, or because we fear hurt, embarrassment or rejection. Unfortunately, most of the time we hide because it is easier to throw on a smile and show the world our beautifully painted mask then our fragile hearts.

     One of the many things that I love about God is that He knows the real us. This means you can take a deep breath, and relax, because you never have to wear a mask with Him. When you come to Him in prayer your hair can be curly, straight, wet, or dry. He is not concerned with whether or not your teeth are white or if your mascara is clumpy. He does not judge you by how much weight you have gained or lost over the past month. He sees straight through the masks the world pressures us to wear, and desires for us to be honest with Him about our thoughts and feelings.
      Sometimes the idea of letting someone see us unmasked can be terrifying; however, God is your creator. He knew "your unformed body" and "all the days" of your life. He knows you better than you know yourself. What a relief it is to think that He sees every imperfection, sin, weakness, and embarrassment of our lives and loves us anyway!
      This week I invite you to take off your masks of perfection and be vulnerable to Christ's unconditional love.  Let Him show you this week how much he loves you!  He longs for you to let down your guard and form an intimate relationship with Him. Enjoy the relief of not having to be perfect in the world's eyes, because you are already made perfect in His!

Photography by Kimberly Wynn