Comment of the Day

By Wintry Mix,

… understanding how to create one’s image and presentation–whether through cosmetics, clothing, hairstyle, voice, demeanor, or whatever else–is an important skill. In life, and certainly in ministry. Does God require us to be fashionable? No. Does understanding how to communicate through our own image, of which fashion is a part, help many of us be more effective in the work that God has called us to undertake? Yes. A thousand times, yes.

For me, this is all about communication. Just as we don’t get to control how others interpret what we say, and we don’t get to control how others interpret the way we look. If I decide to stop putting effort into my appearance because doing so is shallow and vain, I might WISH that others would read my unadorned appearance as a rebuke of our culture. But how they will actually interpret my appearance has nothing to do with my wishes and everything to do with their own cultural associations. And the simple fact is that in our culture, looking polished and put-together carries associations of vitality, energy, and relevance. If you can look polish and put-together without the benefit of cosmetics, how wonderful! I congratulate you. But I myself cannot. And thus, cosmetics help me in my ministry.

Beautifully said, dear. Thank you.

3 Replies to “Comment of the Day”

  1. totally get it- I look washed out and tired without makeup…..pale and pasty all year round- but here’s the thing- I worked the food pantry today- and was totally accepted because, in our economically stricken area, I looked like “one of us”- because I had no makeup on and haven’t had time to touch up my grey roots- context is everything

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