God cares about our #selfie
I've been praying for a long time now that God would show me ways to use my talents to glorify Him. It's hard enough figuring out what your talents are, let alone what you should be doing with them. It's normal to strive to make a difference, or to be known or recognized for our gifts, but is this enough?! If I could be remembered for one thing I would want it to be that I loved Jesus, not that I had great hair, a beautiful home, or a pretty news feed. I want others to see Christ through me daily. My struggle has been figuring out how to do this in a social media based, highlight reel world.
Being a makeup artist is a great passion of mine. I love making other women feel beautiful. I love teaching and showing others new options that are as simple as a new shade of lipstick. However the fashion industry can be very vain. It would be easy to fall into the trap of the impossible beauty standards that the media produces. It makes me sad when girls come in wanting to look like a certain celebrity, or an airbrushed picture on a makeup add. It's impossible! If we look at ourselves only for the beauty that is on the outside we will never actually feel beautiful. I have to pray constantly that God would keep my focus in check and keep me doing things for the right reasons.
How appropriate that this past sunday at church the message was a play on social media and our life's "news feed". So many times it seems people keep God totally separate from their Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. I mean it seems like a silly thing to involve Him in right? But really, if we are honest with ourselves, our news feed is a direct indication of what is actually on our heart.
Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
I'll admit I love me some Instagram! You could say I'm borderline addicted to it. At some point each day I find myself browsing it to check in on my friends, snapping shots to upload an artsy picture, or going to it for inspiration. It has become a place of art for me. I love how a picture can tell a story and I love how we can share our creativeness together through social media. What I don't like is the "shrine" I have somewhat created. The intent behind all of my posts are to inspire others. If that is not what I'm doing then I need to shut it down, because in no way do I want to build a page focused on look at me!! Trust me I'm not that cool. I struggle with self confidence, self acceptance and the fear of failure all the time. What I always know is I have a God who loves me, a husband who adores me, and children who think I am simply the best and that is a truth I can rest in.
Philippians 2:3 "When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves."
So the focus has to be about others! As much as I love documenting the great times in life, showing my kids when they are cute and behaving or my husband when he actually sends me flowers ;), I must continue to pray for focus. This is something everyone in every career should be doing. Praying that God uses them each day to serve others with their talents. I am getting ready to walk through wedding season, where I will be dealing with lots of brides. This can be a fun or a stressful time. My goal is to make these women feel as beautiful as possible and for them to see a difference in my heart and behavior. For that hour time slot I want to pour my energy into these ladies lives and be a shinning spot of their day.
I started my instagram page just over a year ago after praying for God to give me some sort of outlet for my makeup and styling talents. A task that had always seemed so impossible or time consuming suddenly seemed so simple. God gave me a dream and a vision that day. I started out so encouraged and focused and like anything have had emotional dips throughout the journey. But God is always there putting me back on track. Giving me a little tap on the shoulder when I start to give myself glory, or rejoicing with me when a new friendship is made or a new ideais sprouted. There are great things that can come from social media and my prayer is that my feed can reflect the love and beauty I feel because of Christ alone! I hope to be a source of truth and inspiration for you. And I love feedback and accountability. If I'm ever seeming out of line I would not be offended if a friend in Christ sent me email to put me back in check. Also I want to produce fruits that are helpful to all of you. If there are specific things you want to see more of let me know! Thank you to everyone who has followed me this journey of self growth and creativity. You're just the best!!!
Romans 12:14-16 "Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody."
xo,
Mandy