My beloved is mine and I am his.

~Song 2:16 NKJV

And that’s how the eyelashes ended up stuck to my computer camera.

What’s that? Yes, there’s a story that goes with the above. If you’re a mom or grandma, I’m pretty sure you’ll relate.

I was working with a content producer to make videos to accompany my book. I thought it best to glam up a bit. I soon realized it was going to be a challenge to transform my 63-year-old mommy frame. My chipmunk cheeks that once provided a youthful look even into my forties, drooped below my chin. My neck sagged—I could have imitated a gobbling turkey and been convincing. My hair that once featured thick, blond locks was straight, grey, and thinning. I wasn’t a pretty sight—not a model by any means—and failing at being camera ready.

Not to worry, the viewers can focus on my eyes, I thought. I decided to make the best of this one beautiful feature I thought I still had. Until I tried to doll them up I hadn’t noticed how thin my eyelashes had become.

I went to the store and purchased false lashes—not glamor-gal thick lashes—just run-of-the-mill, thin lashes—the thinnest I could find. These would make my eyes stand out, I reasoned. I decided on magnetic lashes. (Yes, they do exist. I was surprised as well.)

Delighted with the look these lashes gave, I started taping the first video. I had it all set up, having been instructed by my video coach to look into the computer camera, adjust the lighting, and press play.

Easy enough. Except I could see myself on the video . . . and to my dismay, I watched as an eyelash sprung loose. Upwards it went, tickling my lid. Tackle that lash with more eyeliner, I thought. Take Two—the eyelash fell onto my cheek. Take Three—the lash floated like a choreographed feather, touching my cheek and landing on my upper lip before traveling out of camera range. It was apparent my newly acquired lashes were not going to work out.

Lord Jesus, how are we going to fix this? I prayed. I want to make the most of this opportunity. Do I have what it takes?

Proverbs 31 came to mind. This is our prototypical mother that we should model our lives around. Nowhere in the Proverbs 31 Woman’s description do we read, “And the well-favored woman is a sight to behold.” Nowhere. Whether the Proverbs 31 Woman is a glamor gal is not recorded, nor is her age, or which body parts may be sagging on her mommy frame.

What is recorded is that she focuses on serving others. She serves her neighbors, sells exquisite handmade goods made from the finest materials she can acquire, and purchases lands. She gets up before sunrise to make meals for her domestic helpers and her family. She is a hard worker—not idle–and she reaches out to those in need. She provides for her children. Her husband trusts her, and she cares for his needs. Her family feels loved, and they call her “blessed.” This lady watches her words, making sure they follow “the law of kindness.” She isn’t a trickster, being charming but deceitful. Instead, she is a woman who emulates the values of her God.

At the close of this passage, we discover how the Proverbs 31 Woman develops these traits. She is “a woman who fears the LORD” (Proverbs 31:30b NKJV). This reminds me of the Bride’s declaration in Song of Solomon, “My beloved is mine, and I am his” (Song 2:16 NKJV). When we are in love with our Bridegroom Jesus Christ and He is more important than anyone else, we ascertain a spiritual beauty that helps us focus on the needs of others.

I mentioned my eyelashes plight to a friend. She shared that she has googly eyes glued near her computer camera to remind her to focus on others when she speaks. I knew what I should do. I took those discarded eyelashes and placed them likewise. The magnets held tight. Perhaps God planned this all along.

Have you spent quality time with the one who beautifies within?

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me a message that is beyond outward beauty, one that does not fade or sag, but gets richer as I focus my attention on You. Amen.

Genre: Creative Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Eyelash-Mommy Evolution: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved

Published: May 2022: Inspire a Fire: Senior Editor Martin Wiles; Executive Editor Cindy Sproles