September 23, 2021 – Click here to listen
I once had a training office in Las Vegas and thus spent considerable time there. One day I was in Caesars Palace and was killing some time by checking out one of the most expensive stores located there, and a salesperson came up and told me I would have to leave for a little while.
Why? I asked. He said that they had a “VIP” coming through and had to close the entire store down while he shopped. I was a little annoyed at this and asked the guy if I looked like chopped liver or what, I was there to shop and buy too. Just then the singer Michael Jackson came walking in and breezed right by me. I could see why they closed the store for him as he was walking through aisle after aisle saying I’ll take that, and that, and that, and that.
His extravagant buying was not what held my interest however, it was the extensive plastic surgery he had undergone. This poor guy looked ridiculous. He kind of reminded me of Frankenstein. His eyes, nose, lips, and cheekbones were terrible looking. He was a tiny little guy and dressed like a clown. I really felt sorry for him, because I could sense that he was trying to find something in life that was missing and fill it up with “things”.
I’ve never understood the plastic surgery thing, but the word “plastic” seems like the proper nomenclature or better plastic delusion. I’m sure you have heard the word plastic as a descriptor for people who are trying to be something they are not. Being in a room with someone who has gone through the plastic surgery regime is like being in a room with a big elephant. No one wants to say anything, but everyone notices big boobs where there were once none. (Where did those come from?) Without being obvious you sneak a look at wrinkles that are gone only to be replaced by an over-stretched face, lips like blubber, not a trace of gray in the hair, the list is long.
It is a multi-billion-dollar industry and Hollywood leads the way. Perhaps it is necessary in some cases in Hollywood to stay young looking to keep getting parts in movies. And surely it is warranted in cases of breast cancer-related mastectomies, or some sort of accident, dermatology surgery, or deformity, but trying to stay forever-young seems pointless to me, not to mention that it is a losing battle.
Most of those whom I’ve personally known that have had extensive work done seem unhappy with just being who they are. Some seem interested in staying attractive to men at any cost and not necessarily their husbands. I would think this notion through.
My Bible study partner pointed out the below verse in his commentary concerning chapter 3 of Isaiah where Isaiah was prophesying concerning the Latter Days: “The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.”
He continued with his analysis: “And the chapter goes into great detail about how these women will be punished and all of these things that they deem important will be taken from them. Judgement day – not a happy time for these people!”
It seems these women delighted in immodest exposure highlighting the excesses of life and evidencing the pride and opulence of their wealthy husbands.
I can understand someone trying to look their best, but it is simply an unwinnable battle to try and stay young looking as one advances in age.
So what alternative is there? Exercise and eat right and be happy with yourself. Wrinkles to me are evidence of living a life filled with laughter and good times. One’s eyes do not need distractions of being stretched out of proportion. Allow them to remain beautiful and a window to the soul that expresses confidence, love, and kindness.
God designed you to be you. Be content and grow old gracefully.
Forget the plastic surgeon working his magic. If you go under his scalpel, you will need a photograph to remember how you really look. I can’t speak for all men but as for me, I want the real deal, not some plastic representation.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”