An Unlikely Story of Beauty: Pain

Before I share this story I have to say thank you so much to the photog Kolby Schnelli, the model Amanda (who somehow manages to show hard emotions while still looking gorgeous), and Ashley of course for doing hair. These pictures tell a story, a story that’s been in my head for a long time. It’s so amazing to see it come to life finally.

My life has a lot of “pretty” in it. But I would be lying if I said it was all lipstick, nail polish and fashionable clothing…and there is a difference between “pretty” and “beauty.”

So I’d like to use these pictures to tell a story. It is a story of pain. Not all times in life are pretty or easy to stomach. And I think it’s healthy to acknowledge those times too…

We all experience pain. Whether it’s loss, physical ailment, or emotional hurt…

And no one’s pain diminishes someone else’s just because it may differ in intensity or situation…

It is ok to feel pain, to acknowledge our situation for what it is, and to live through the pain…

We cannot always control our circumstances. But what we do with our pain is the true test…

I had the privilege recently of doing prom makeup for a couple of young girls. It was different from my usual prom gigs though, in that these girls were victims of sex trafficking. They are currently at an undisclosed safe house where they are “able to heal” as one girl put it.

As one of them was admiring her reflection in the mirror when we finished makeup she said, “I’m so excited for tonight!! I’m going to wear high-heels! I haven’t worn heels in a long time. I mean, I wore them before, when I was on the streets. But this time it’s different, this time…it’s like…redemption.”

If that isn’t beauty I don’t know what is.

Cheers to Feeling Pain, Time to Heal, and most of all to Redemption,

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