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my spiritual makeup
I remember looking approvingly at my reflection in the bathroom mirror at school. I had "borrowed" my older sister's eyeliner, and I probably looked more like a raccoon than a seventh-grade girl. But at the time, I felt absolutely beautiful. My mom eventually yielded in our battle about wearing makeup, predicting that I would learn moderation in my own time.
In junior high, I was horrified at the thought of someone seeing any sign of a blemish or acne on my face, so I covered up with foundation and powder. And if I happened to spot a friend on a Saturday at the library or the grocery store, I would often duck into a random aisle just to avoid being seen without makeup.
By the time I reached high school, I had figured out the "less is more" strategy of makeup application. But I grew increasingly uncomfortable with my continued dependence on cosmetics for a feeling of beauty.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
About the author
Hillary Moser is currently an intern for the Sentinel, The Christian Science Journal, and spirituality.com.

July 20, 2009 &
July 27, 2009
double issue
View Issue
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LETTERS
with contributions from JEANNE ROBBINS, JANE CAREY, MARALEE BURDICK KNOWLEN, JODIE SWALES, EVA BOONE HUSSEY
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A LIGHT IN THE HEART
PATRICIA KADICK, STAFF EDITOR
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ITEMS OF INTEREST
with contributions from G. Jeffrey MacDonald, Julia Duin
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A spiritual eye for beauty
BY FENELLA BENNETTS
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beyond facades
Kim Shippey with contributions from Cameron Martindell
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what the cathedral says to the garden
BY SUSAN ELS
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'To God, you are the most beautiful thing that exists'
BY DANIELA WILBERT
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The beauty of healing
BY BARBARA "BRE" COSSEBOOM
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my spiritual makeup
BY HILLARY MOSER
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a close-up look
BY MOLLY MOSER
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poetry landscape
with contributions from Steven Ryf, Isabel Ferguson, Julie Mosheim, Gwenn Gurnack
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Sri Lanka rebuilds trust after years of civil war
BY MAYA DIETZ
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LOAVES, FISHES, AND... CHERRY TOMATOES
BY RACHEL CRANDELL
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FOLLOW THE ANGELS
BY MEG WELCH DENDLER
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silent beauty in the desert
BY JESSIE LEWIS
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Be (good and happy) attitudes and how they helped us
Ann Bennetts with contributions from Elena, Megan, Anna
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LIFTING THE BURDEN OF MENTAL ILLNESS
ROSALIE E. DUNBAR, NEWS EDITOR
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PLACE OF QUIETNESS
PETER BARKER,
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FACING DOWN THE TRAP OF EVIL
GAIL GILLILAND
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TO WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF TRUTH
JANET HORTON
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UNIVERSAL LAW OF LOVE
CHRISTA KREUTZ
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MEASURING UP
MELISSA HAYDEN
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LUNCH ON A TINY TUGBOAT
STEPHANIE JOHNSON
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A POWERFUL SPIRITUAL ANSWER TO EXTREMISM
RON BALLARD
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SCORPION STING HEALED
UCHE CHUKWU NWAFOR
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ANKLE HEALED QUICKLY
DIANA LIVINGSTONE
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PRAYER BRINGS PROOFS OF GOD'S CARE
JUDY CONLON
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RELEASING RESENTMENT HEALED ME
JEN MCLAUGHLIN