Exposed and Real

My grandmother used to call it “putting on” her face.

Makeup.

Concealer, foundation, blush, shadow, eye liner, mascara, and lip gloss.

I refuse to leave the house without makeup. I’ve even been known to go into surgery wearing a little bit of mascara. I know we’re supposed to go under the knife sans products, but I just feel so naked without lashes and lip gloss.

Do you feel exposed and vulnerable without concealer and color?

Standing in front of the mirror the other morning, I realized I have lots of flaws and imperfections that I try to cover up and hide . . . my weaknesses and worries, my pride and selfish judgment, my bad habits and and imperfect motives, the list goes on and on and on.

I have this dream that with enough concealer my sins just won’t look that bad . . . even to God.

O God, You know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from You. Psalm 69:5

You can’t whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them. Proverbs 28:13

It’s time to stop kidding myself. Care to join me?

The truth is caked on makeup looks ridiculous. It settles in our wrinkles and makes us look older.

The same thing happens when we try to spackle over our sins. We end up miserable, guilt ridden, and come across as hypocritical.

I’m not saying we have to spill every detail of our lives publicly, I’m simply suggesting we take off our makeup before God. He promised to faithfully forgive us covering us with His mercy and grace.

It’s time to admit to each other that we are not perfect . . . to stop judging and criticizing, and start loving.

Is your faith family welcoming to the people who enter the building with obvious faults? Do you stand around with your friends and gossip about the people whose lives have been exposed?

Let’s stop, listen, and love like Jesus.

Let’s get “real” and humble before God and with one another. No makeup. Cleansed and fresh . . . doesn’t that sound better?

 

2 Responses to Exposed and Real
  1. Rosann
    October 2, 2012 | 7:05 am

    Shouting a big Amen to that! 🙂 It’s especially difficult as a blogger to be transparent. It’s scary. But when we share with others that we too lack perfection, our honesty can be a blessing to someone else who might feel terrible for what they believe is an inadequacy. Sometimes knowing we aren’t alone is very encouraging. Knowing who we are in Christ is exhilarating! 🙂

  2. Deb
    October 2, 2012 | 11:27 am

    Thanks Rosann, We keep each other at arms length when we mask our “real.” It prevents the oneness to which we are called, and incites envy and frustration. But you’re also right in saying that it’s scary to put ourselves out there as bloggers. We open ourselves up to all kinds of criticism and judgment. I just keep trying to remind myself that I don’t write to impress. God’s richest blessings to you.