No makeup needed

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