I remember it like it was yesterday. I pulled up to the
Victoria Mall and parked in front of Dillard’s on the lady’s side. In the pit
of my stomach I could feel the butterflies tango like they were trying out for the
next season of So You Think You Can Dance.
It was the day before when my News Director, Doug, called me
into his office and we shared a conversation that scared me to death. He sat me
down and said, “Chase, you are a professional now. You need to wear makeup when
you’re on the air.”
I was fulfilling my dreams working as a weekend sports
anchor. But, this new wrinkle in the plan sure sent my expectations in a
different direction.
I tried to keep a low profile as inched across the pavement
toward the glass doors of the department store. I was new in town and had only been on TV once. So, I thought
at least half of the people in Victoria, Tex. wouldn’t know who I was.
Dillard's at the Victoria Mall
Walking past the spring dresses, I spotted the makeup
counters, each one displaying various kinds of makeup I knew nothing about. I
wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge. So, I walked past the makeup area
keeping an eye on the situation so I would be better prepared when I actually
stopped. It was only a stalling technique to make me feel better. It didn’t
really work.
The reality remained: I was about to buy makeup.
“Man up” I told myself. But, is that really appropriate when
you are headed to a section of the women’s side of a department store labeled
“cosmetics”?
The lady behind the counter gave me one of those half-smile,
this-is-a-little-creepy looks when I shared my objective. As she sat me down in
one of those makeover chairs, I explained that I wasn’t auditioning for the
weekend’s drag show. I was on TV, I told her, and my boss was making me go
through this humiliating process. She laughed and said she understood.
I got some funny looks as what I later learned was "Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder" foundation was being applied to my cheek. I don’t imagine there are many men
that take a seat next to the Estee Lauder counter. The associate went through
several shades before settling on one she thought matched my complexion. Turns
out God made me Ivory Beige.
Makeup is a funny thing. The basic idea is to cover flaws
and enhance beauty. Our culture goes to great lengths to put its best face
forward.
This is nothing new. Did you know sixth century women made
their faces paler by bleeding themselves with leaches?!?! Ouch! During the Italian
Renaissance, women put arsenic, lead and mercury on their faces. Those are
toxic chemicals!
I guess a little foundation isn’t so bad after all.
I sure am glad we don’t need makeup (or leaches and toxic chemicals for that matter) to approach God. Not
only do we avoid those awkward moments at the makeover chair, but we get to
bring all we are to him and allow Christ’s blood to make us pure.
There is an old gospel song that every Church of Christ song
leader is required to lead from time to time including all 28 verses. Here are
a few verses of "Just As I Am" from Charles Elliot.
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to
Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse
each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within,
without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
The message is simple and yet so powerful at the same time.
The Lord accepts me just as I am.
A couple of years ago, Travis Cotrelle took this old classic
and added some new lyrics. His words resinated this idea of getting past
superficial beauty and depending on God’s love.
I come broken to be mended
I come wounded to be healed
I come desperate to be rescued
I come empty to be filled
I come guilty to be pardoned
By the blood of Christ the Lamb
And I'm welcomed with open arms
Praise God, just as I am
