Today is February 29th, otherwise known as "leap day".
I figured today would be as good a day to take a leap of faith, so I did!
I leapt in a direction I would have never expected myself to go:
I became a Mary Kay consultant.
To be honest, when I have thought about Mary Kay in the past I have visualized rosy-cheeked, bouffant-haired old ladies driving around in pink Cadillacs. I could certainly never picture myself being a powder pusher, but I have recently had an encounter with this company that changed my perspective...so much so that I've signed on!
A friend of mine from college days invited me to come to a facial party to be pampered. I enjoyed the pampering but was worried the pushing and propaganda would soon follow. I did learn a lot about the company, but was in no way interested in signing up for ANYTHING.
Instead of feeling pressured, my friend gently assured me that she had no ulterior motive and just wanted me to enjoy some girl time. She wanted to know how I had been and asked how she could specifically pray for me.
I also observed another guest at the party as we went around the room telling a little about ourselves. She was quiet and unassuming, then she broke into tears as she told us, a room of strangers, that her husband had recently left her after over 20 years of marriage. I could see her insecurities, her self doubt, her worries, her feelings of inadequacy. I could see it because I have been there and, am honestly, still there some days. All of the women were extremely loving and supportive of her. When we began applying make up, she tried on a brighter shade of blush than she was used to using. She hesitated as she looked in the mirror because the truth is, that blush brightened up her whole face and instantly made her look younger and happier. One of the other ladies comment on how beautiful she looked. I noticed her smile at her reflection when she thought no one else was looking. After that, we had snacks and small talk and she was instantly more open to communication and her demeanor was much more light and pleasant.
God has whispered to me that He wants to use what I've been through, both my illness and my divorce, to help other women. I recently told my mother that I feel like my life is an open book, but its okay because I would rather be honest with people then try to make them think I've got it all together. I have an answer for how I've made it through...His name is Jesus!
I want to help women who feel beat down, unwanted and unworthy to realize that they are loved, they are valued, they are BEAUTIFUL in the eyes of God.
All women want to feel beautiful, but beauty is so much more than cosmetics. I discovered the heart of the Mary Kay company is to empower women and that strikes a chord with my heart. The MK Foundation gives millions of dollars each year to charitable organizations that help women in crisis:
Here is a list of their donations in 2015:
- Granted 150 domestic violence shelters $20,000 each – a total of $3 million
- Awarded 13 respected doctors and medical scientists $100,000 each in cancer research grants – a total of $1.3 million
- Donated $21,260 to Polaris Project, a nonprofit organization committed to combating human trafficking and modern day slavery
- Donated $421,260 to CancerCare®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free professional help to people with cancer, for its Touching Hearts program
- Underwrote the Conference on Crimes Against Women held in Dallas, Texas
The prospect of being a part of something like this is exciting to me!
I want my life to be useful and full of impact. I want to help other women see themselves through the eyes of a Savior full of love and full of grace. I want to minister to those that are alone and hurting. I want to be an encourager, a cheerleader for those who feel rejected and help them find their light so they can shine again..and feel beautiful.
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