Joy in a Tube of LipSense?

                “Whyyyyy weren’t you listening the first five times I said you must…”

                “I know you heard me blow that recess whistle, girlfriend! Don’t make me walk out there in three feet of snow!”

                “Mrs. B, someone clogged the toilet.”

                “Ahhhhh, who dumped a glass of water all over my curriculum book that costs a small fortune?!”

                Or in Bangladesh, “Girls, stop screaming, it’s just a cockroach. Ahhh, don’t throw your desk at it! No, boy, don’t pick it up!”

                Yes, I am a teacher. I love my babies to death, but boy do I need to put on my lipstick each day.

                “Wait, are you saying this lipstick will make me joyful?” No, my friend, it absolutely has no power to make you joyful. So if it will not cause you to burst at the seams with joy, why am I calling it “Joyful Lips”? To answer that question, travel with me across the oceans to a small air conditioned room in beautiful Bangladesh.

                I was sitting in a cozy circle of women soaking in wisdom from a guest speaker. This southern sister radiated love from her charismatic presence. One phrase she shared has stuck with me over the years, “Put on your joy like you put on your lipstick!”

                Muster up a smile? No. Fake it until you make it? No. Hide behind a pretty painted lip? No. Joy is not equivalent to happiness. We will not always be happy, and rightfully so. We live in a fallen world. There is pain and sorrow, and there is beauty in acknowledging and embracing that. One of God’s most powerful and captivating creations, in my opinion, is a transparent woman. I praise God for these ladies in my life! Even during seasons when happiness is fleeting, I am a daughter of the King of glory. I am redeemed and set free from my sin! That truth strengthens me with a deep, unshakeable joy within my soul. Oh yes, that is nice, but then the crazy of life happens and I need to have a little chit chat with Jesus and my soul. Sister, I need to preach this truth to myself every day! It’s all about renewing and saturating my mind in truth, every morning. Hence, I need to put on my joy like I put on my lipstick.

                Will LipSense make your heart burst with joy? No ma’am. Are you beautiful without makeup? Gorgeous. Really, you are. My hope is that this little peak into my heart will be a reminder to you of your precious worth and God’s grand story in your life. We can be joyful women, not because of our makeup, but because of our Savior who loves us with an unconditional, everlasting love. Lipstick is just a fun way to remind us of this reality every day. Whether you only like makeup occasionally, or like me, you enjoy dolling up, let your joy and exquisiteness overflow from a relationship with the lover of your soul.

LipSense makes me feel great. We are made in the image of God and therefore get to partake in His beauty. Though there is no power in the wonderful tube of goodness, it is a reminder to me of the powerful King within me who has purchased my joy and calls me to choose that joy each day. Girl, I definitely don’t remember this lesson every time I put on my lipstick, but He brings it to mind just when I need it. LipSense boosts my confidence and, from time to time, sharpens my focus. Therefore, put on your joy like you put on your lipstick.