That's Not What I Saw

You are probably well aware of the scene and have one similar every morning at your house. You're bopping around, making yourself presentable for being out in public. You've considered your outfit and often tried on a couple of items in an attempt to make the best decision for the day and your comfort. Then there's the hair, the make-up, and the accessories. You do a double-take one last time in the mirror and, on a really good day you think, Yep, this looks cute. On a not so great day, it may be more like, Well, this will just have to do. And you're out the door ready to get on with your day.

Until you get into the sunlight and you notice that things were not quite the way you saw it in the mirror just before you left. As a single lady without someone to check my outfit and appearance before leaving (I realize this could be a good thing and think about things my students used to say about whatever I was wearing. Kids and their brutal honesty make me laugh), this has now happened twice in a matter of days.

Take 1: I was off to run errands with a friend and made the dreaded mistake of looking in the mirror in my car. Ladies, I am sure you can attest to the fact that this is never, NEVER, a good idea, especially on a sunny day. It was in that moment I realized my eyebrows had taken over my face. Literally. Imagine, the start of a Chia Pet. As I searched frantically for my tweezers, I began to wonder how my friends hadn't clued me in on this lovely growth, but that is for another day. It then dawned on me my tweezers were in my mother's car because I was afraid they would be considered a weapon as I went through security at the airport. We all know how pricey a good pair of tweezers can be. Off I went, furry face and all. 

Take 2: This morning, I decided on one of my new dresses from Loft. Dresses and leggings always prove to be comfortable and cute. In my last check before leaving, I was pleased with my outfit and was ready to go. All was great in my not-so-awesome lighting in my apartment. In the sunlight, not so much. What I saw as black in my dress was actually navy. This doesn't prove to be a problem unless you are wearing black leggings and black shoes, of course. I sat in the car and debated on going back upstairs to change. No leggings would have been an option if I had taken the time to shave my legs but I hadn't. Changing altogether involves thought and ironing. Off I went, not matching and all, thankful I would be working in lighting that might hide my mismatched selection. 

Funny, how when we take a closer look at things by just walking into the light, we see something we may not have seen before. This can go either way. Things can look better or not seem so heavy as they did in the darkness. Or what we thought looked pretty good, has some parts that aren't so pretty. I know for me, if I find that I want to hide something- often the stories of shame and unworthiness I have created in my head or sin I just don't want to let go of yet, then I need to bring it to the light. 

There's something freeing in the light. Scripture is filled with references of Jesus being the light in the darkness and turning our darkness into light. Something happens when we are able to see things clearly. Stories of shame and unworthiness seem like absolute truth until I speak them to a close friend and voice them to God. What once felt like truth becomes exposed as a lie, losing its power to hold me captive in the darkness. I have also found myself justifying sins not yet exposed and giving myself excuses for why it was okay... Until it is brought into the open. Then, it is exposed for what it is and whatever justification was once bouncing around in my head, no longer seems like a good excuse. I am beyond grateful for friends that sit, listen, and pray as I have cried and shared my darkness with them. These friends lovingly guide me back to truth through His word and continually shine light into my life. 

The lyrics to "Great Are You Lord" by All Sons and Daughters gets me every time. God gives life. He gives love. He gives light to my darkness. 

I am not sure where you might be today. Maybe you find yourself holding something into the dark for fear others will look at you differently or fear that you know you will need to make changes. I have been in both places. But, I can tell you there is light in the darkness and the light brings about a freedom to be just me, without the lies I tell myself. Maybe you're walking through the darkness with a friend. Keep walking. They need you. Or maybe, you just realized you need to go take care of your eyebrows. Wherever you find yourself, know you aren't alone, darkness doesn't win, and tweezers can work wonders.

And, if I text you a picture of my outfit asking for a second look, please help a sister out and be honest.