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Beauty by Choice

It was 1992 when I walked into my first women’s prison, a requirement of my ministerial studies. I had no idea what to expect and certainly didn’t think I had much to offer these women, many my “senior” who clearly had experienced more “life” than I. Later that evening as the worship service came to a close the women were invited to seek a volunteer out for prayer.  One by one, each woman came asking for prayer not for herself, but for her children. I was undone. Until that very moment, I hadn’t seen the women in white for who they were, mothers, daughters, and sisters. But now I could see them. Their beauty and their wounds.

“Blessed are they that see the beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.” by Pissarro.

Prison ministry is not sexy! Well that’s what we say about something that is not easy to sell or promote. It’s not a product everyone wants, or thinks they need, and it doesn’t pull on the heart strings like child trafficking, making funding, and ultimately fundraising difficult. But that hasn’t stopped my effort to inspire vision and bring hope to our sisters in white (the color worn by women in Texas prisons). In fact, God didn’t ask for my marketing opinions when He placed the call on my life and the burden in my heart. He did however, give me a community that has a heart for what breaks His.

Beauty on the other hand, is sexy and it is something everyone cares about. Let’s face it (no pun intended) we, society (including the church) admire beautiful people. Whether that is because they are truly beautiful in appearance, or because they have a beautiful story of restoration and simply shine! 

That’s the “business” I am in ... unveiling beauty! Helping women whose beauty has been assaulted, or used against them, to risk exposure in order to gain freedom.  Freedom from their past. Freedom from hiding. And freedom to live life as their creator intended ... fully alive and purposeful... no matter what they wear or where they live.

So is it any wonder I would seize the opportunity to enter the business world of selling “beauty” products to help fund the work?

Which beauty products? I am excited to announce I chose MaryKay! (not your mother's, and certainly not your grandmother's MaryKay)

While I may have a lot to learn about skin care and will no doubt need to face some fears when it comes to selling, I am looking forward to representing a brand whose mission is to empower women, and support their dreams.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. Please know that whether your support includes the purchase of a lipstick or a full suite of skin care products, every purchase affords me the ability to continue in mission ... inspiring vision, bringing hope, and setting the captives free.

Chandra
Ways you can support the continued work behind bars: Shop; Donate direct, Like my FaceBook pages, Beauty by Chandra & Called to Change, and share all the above! 

It is the desire for change that stirs the heart
and affords an opportunity for where the real work begins. 

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