Small Habits, Sacred Change

July 11, 2026 ~ arisereply

By Jennifer E. Tirrell

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

I almost never leave the house without lipstick on. Not because I think makeup changes who I am, but because the simple act of putting myself together changes something in my attitude. It tells my heart “Okay now… take a breath. You’re going to be alright. Face the day.”

Why Lipstick?

Years ago, I heard the phrase, “Slap on a little lipstick and you’ll be fine,” and it stuck with me. Not because makeup fixes grief, stress, disappointment, or exhaustion—but rather there’s truth tucked inside the expression. Sometimes the smallest outward actions can help redirect what’s happening inwardly.

Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I think we often imagine transformation arriving through dramatic moments, but many times it happens through ordinary choices repeated over-and-over again. Little habits slowly pull our thoughts back toward peace, gratitude, discipline, and trust in God.

The world has a way of draining us. We carry worries, replay conversations, take offense. We overdo out of love. We grow tired. Before we know it, discouragement settles not only into our thoughts, but into our posture, our expressions, and the atmosphere around us.

One Change at a Time

Small changes in our habits can become sacred acts and lift our countenance.

• Straightening our shoulders instead of slumping under the weight of the day.
• Brushing our hair, getting dressed, or yes, putting on makeup—not from vanity, but from dignity.
• Opening the curtains to let in the light.
• Making the bed each morning.
• Turning on worship music instead of the constant noise of the world offered through various platforms and devices.
• Kneeling down to pray.
• Serving someone intentionally each day, without being asked.

None of these things replace the work of the Holy Spirit. Only God sees and can truly transform a heart. But, they can help interrupt the course overtired minds can take. They shift our focus. They prompt us to remember who we are and whose we are. Small outward habits ring a bell inside us: we belong to Him, He has a plan for us, and it is a good plan.

Practice Makes Perfect

Paul writes that when our minds are renewed, we begin to recognize God’s will more clearly. Maybe part of that renewing is learning to stop rehearsing everything the world says and start practicing what draws us back toward Christ.

Some mornings our faith feels strong and steady. Other mornings it looks more like a whispered plea for His help, putting one foot in front of the other and deciding to try again.

And sometimes, honestly, a little lipstick helps.

Prayer: Lord, renew my mind when the world feels heavy and overwhelming. Help my daily habits reflect Your peace, grace, and steadfast love.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), July 11, 2026