What's in the word.... GLAMOUR?

Glamour...

The bible teaches us that words are spirits. Proverbs 18:21 says that death and life are in the power of our tongues, so its important that we are careful of the words we use.  I’ve found the same to be true even working in the beauty industry.  As professional artists, we often use words to describe what we see in an attempt to collectively create “A LOOK.”  Whether it be a photo shoot, fashion show, or merely servicing a client, we use words to enlighten those around us of the image we’re attempting to create.  Our colorful minds sing through our words as they crescendo the passion of our thoughts.  And when our thoughts are conveyed through words, the rhythm and flow of them develops creative harmony.  Here is a great example of words being used to create a mood… At this years fashion week in London, Runway Chronicles beauty editor penned this colorful statement to describe the look of UNIQUE’s Fall 2010 collection,  “A whimsical, woodsy runway was the perfect setting for Topshop to show the furry, animal-inspired looks that made up Unique’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection. “Squirrel, raccoon, and porcupine headpieces topped off most outfits, leaving little room for alternative interpretations of the show’s forest creature theme. Most of the models were bundled in layers upon layers of neutral earth tones that looked comfy and cozy, with chunky knitted arm and leg warmers stretched over pant legs and sleeves.”

As you can see, when using the right words, all of your senses are tickled as you are able to almost feel like you were actually sitting in the front row of that runway show.  So words are not only death or life provoking, but sensory controlling.  Which is why I am so intrigued to know the meaning of words… and while writing my book (hint, hint…. COMING soon… Spring 2011) I did some research on the origin of beauty industry lingo, and was shocked at what I found…

I discovered that the word “GLAMOUR” when used in its original form meant
Witchcraft; magic charm; a spell affecting the eye, making objects appear different from what they really are. Or… to have a “glamour spell” cast by a witch was to make somebody see things in a different way by using trickery or illusion.  And this method of sorcery was often times practiced when a woman who desired a man, that under normal circumstances, she could not have or attract. Webster says it this way, A kind of haze in the air, causing things to appear different from what they really are.

Now, to some that discovery might not be important… but for me, this definition spoke volumes about the word Glamour or being Glamorous.  In a perfect world as a makeup artist/minister…  my hope is that the women I service would have an inner beauty that would permeate on to their outward appearance. And that inner beauty coupled with my finishing touches would create TRUE BEAUTY. So, the thought of facilitating a façade of enchantment to the point that a person appears to be something that they’re NOT is certainly devastating! As I sit here writing I can recall on numerous occasions spinning my client around  to the mirror and describing her completed look as Glamorous! And although my intentions were not devious, I spoke it, performed it, and it was, in fact, Glamour!  So, see… Words are more powerful than you realize. They have the power to:

Allure or Oppose
Kill or Bring life
Wound or Heal
Discourage or Encourage
Tear down or Build up…. And in my world, MAKE UP whatever I want them to be!

Several years ago, NBA star, Charles Barkley was accused of not being a good example to kids because of his personal issues off the court, and his response to the media was simply, “PARENTS are the roll models, it is NOT my responsibility to raise your kids, I PLAY BASKETBALL!”  And when that statement was released it raised major contention and discussions amongst community leaders and NBA officials.  But is it really his responsibility?  In like manner, is it our responsibility as Christians working in the beauty industry to take on the burdens of others by imparting truth and encouragement. Should we be careful of what we say so that WE aren’t being alluring or deceptive with the intent of getting the result we want?  Or should just stick to doing makeup, hair, and wardrobe, while demonstrating all that comes with it?

Here is my challenge to you…   Since you now know the power of your words, and their importance, how will you use them??  Remember people hang on to your words and live through them!  So, ask yourself this question, are you speaking LIFE or DEATH?  More specifically, when you use the word GLAMOUR to describe a look you’re creating, are you developing a facade thru your clients in hopes of allurement, trickery, or illusion?  Some would argue, “not to that extreme, Kym”… but again, now that you know… what will you do with the POWER in your MOUTH?!

**This is a thought provoking commentary…. It is not to pass judgment or to be accusatory.  Please read with an open mind while taking heed to this GOD GIVEN challenge.  Much LOVE!

Where in the world is Kym Lee…. Cleaning and reorganizing my makeup kit, while listening to Marvin Gaye’s classic hit… “What’s going on”