This is an excerpt I wrote about the day of the run-through event in Nashville- 10.9.09 (so don't get confused thinking Help Portrait has already happened! *wink* ;)

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I've read several great excerpts from people who were a part of the Help Portrait event this past Friday, and I'm compelled to share my perspective as well...from a makeup artists' point of view.

My beginning with Help Portrait started several months ago while having a conversation about the upcoming event this December. I knew of the event last year and thought it was a beautiful concept... I thoroughly resonate with the idea of using your gifts to serve others. I'm not a photographer, but it was certainly something I wanted to be a part of. As I learned more about it, however, I realized it was a perfect opportunity to include something I know well- makeup artistry.

Every woman longs to feel beautiful and special. Not only do they want others to recognize their beauty, but most importantly, I believe every woman desires to have confidence in the fact that they ARE indeed beautiful. In addition, women love to be pampered- to feel special. Although this looks different for everyone, there is one thing that I've experienced over the years that makes most women feel quite exceptional: makeup.

Why? You ask. I'll be happy to share. ;) I started in the makeup industry over 12 years ago. I've put makeup on hundreds of women (throw in some men as well) and have helped everyone from teen girls, moms and fashionistas to drag queens trying to find the perfect shade of red lipstick. The one aspect I've always loved about makeup is the creativity... not only in terms of the artistic element, but also the connection with people.

The makeup industry is a complex one... and most of what you'll see at first glance is a focus on outward beauty. Its all too easy to succumb to this mentality of perfection where you're out of place if you don't have perfectly glossed lips and mascara at hand at all times. However, there is another aspect of this industry that I've worked hard over the years to redeem. Its the side that helps show women they are beautiful, valued, and special. The side that helps give them confidence, and helps shatter their insecurities. I've learned something over the years: if you care about the person you're trying to help, it becomes personal. Listening to what someone wants is key. Paying attention to their individuality is crucial. Being willing to take time and touch someone by putting makeup on them is vital. Through this process, magic happens. People begin to come alive as you invest time and care into them. Their confidence and sense of value grows.

Enter the Help Portrait event. I hesitated for a moment to be a part on Friday. I didn't feel prepared. However, what it came down to was this: it wasn't about me or what I could offer. It's simply about loving and serving people... this is what overcomes all else.

On Friday, I arrived and was immediately put to work. As I walked in, a woman was waiting for me- needless to say, she was so excited- she had never had her makeup done. In fact, a lot of the women hadn't. As I worked with her, we talked. She told me of how she came to be at the Hope Center for Women and about the daughter she rarely gets to see. When I finished she looked at herself and said with such veracity, "Oh! I look beautiful!" She continued to repeat it over and over- as if she was trying to really make it stick. I hope it did. Later when she was interviewed by the video guys she told them she had "never felt special before." In moments like that you realize that even though people don't say it often, they need recognition. Something as simple as giving someone a photo and doing their makeup CAN make a difference.

Another woman I spent time with talked about some of her insecurities. Its easy for women to be critical of themselves- this is a typical occurrence when you're doing someone's makeup. The inside story comes out and self-doubt can surface. In this instance, a makeup artist has an opportunity to be an encouragement: "Your skin is beautiful... and look at those eyes of yours, or wow, those lips!" When I finished with her makeup and handed her the mirror, it was so special to see her reaction. She teared up, and couldn't stop staring at herself. She was astonished by how she looked...and then the tears began to flow. Her reaction wasn't solely based on the makeup... it was more a result of someone taking the time to show her she is WORTH IT, which is what we are all in this for.

I also loved the young teenage girl. At first, Mama refused to let her wear makeup (with an air of mischievousness might I add)... but after I convinced her I would make her age appropriate and told her I would bring out the big guns (the sparkles) she gave in. After seeing her daughter's reaction to the makeup, she quickly jumped in to enjoy the same pampering... and mother/daughter were a happy team together.

I have more stories, but I'll wrap it up. All in all, I'm super pumped about the main event December 12th. Help Portrait inspires people to think (hopefully continually) with a serving heart, to give of their time and talents, and to think outside of their comfortable worlds. It connects people together and gives opportunity to help the lonely, brokenhearted and those in desperate need of someone reminding them they are valued and beautiful. It reminds us that we are all very much in need of these same things ourselves. I believe the more we give these things away, the more we'll grow ourselves...and the more blessed we will become.