“Be beautiful inside, with the lasting charm of a gentle and
quiet spirit.” ~ 1 Peter 3:4
Devon taught make-up artistry at
the local cosmetology school. Usually
the goal was to enhance a client’s beauty, but there are many different kinds
of makeup artistry.
Many work freelance for weddings and proms or in the fashion
industry on photo shoots and fashion shows. Some makeup artists work for productions or
television companies. They might also
work at makeup counters helping customers choose products. The majority of his students were middle-aged
women hoping to fine-tune their makeup skills and mask the aging process.
At the start of this semester, a well-dressed gentleman in
his later years took a seat in the front row.
“Peculiar!” Devon would recall later.
The new student seemed to have a boundless interest in learning
the craft. He spent extra time
perfecting his skills and wouldn’t stop until completely satisfied with his
results.
As you might image, the man became
the main subject of conversation amid the all-but-one female class. Rumors and speculations spread quickly. Being a cross-dresser might explain his
attendance and devotion. The idea of a
man taking pleasure in putting on a pair of stockings seemed laughable, pitiful
– and frankly, almost sinister in this conservative rural area.
Undaunted by their cynicism, however, he listened carefully
and took exhaustive notes.
With the term ending soon, they
couldn’t hide their curiosity any longer and asked why he’d been so interested
in makeup artistry.
“Last year my beloved wife,” he began, “lost most of her
eyesight because of diabetes. High blood
sugar levels eventually damage the retina, that layer on the back of the eye
that captures images and sends them as nerve signals to the brain.”
“She’s no longer able to apply her makeup. I think she’s absolutely beautiful; even more
so without makeup,” he continued. “She
knows it, at least I tell her so every day.”
“Her’s is an understated beauty; perhaps because she’s so
disarmingly unaware of her attractiveness. She doesn’t use expensive products – that’s
not her style. She’s all about
simplicity, making things easy, helping those around her relax and be happy
with what they have.”
“But the thing is this … she’s simply not comfortable
leaving our house without a little make-up. She feels safe behind it – kinda naked without
it. So I took this course to surprise
her!"
If the others were ashamed, the man didn’t notice. He’d accomplished his goal and couldn’t wait
to get home.
Very soon, when his wife’s smile and laughter returned, her
inner beauty would radiate again on the outside. Her self-confidence would brighten her eyes
and soften her features. And to be in her company, would once again warm the
hearts of others regardless of the season.
Age can't touch that kind of beauty, it's just there.
Precious Lord, we know that beauty doesn’t come
from outward adornment, such as braided hair and fine clothing. Comfort us with the unfading beauty of a
gentle and quiet spirit, which is great in Your sight. Amen
