Watermark Blogs

“I’ve always wanted to squeeze everything out of life that it had to offer. I only had one shot, and I didn’t want to miss anything. Growing up, I thought I’d be an architect so I could leave something lasting in this world. After college, I went into the news business, so I’d have a front row seat to what was going on. But no matter what I tried, it always led to the same spot: emptiness.” — Tamara Smith

Name: Tamara Smith

Work: Professional Makeup Artist

Hair and Makeup coordinator for “Seasons of Gray”

Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in a Christian home in Jackson, Mississippi. I got baptized at 12 years old, but I’m not sure I knew exactly what it meant. I left home at 18, and went around the world from a spiritual perspective. I tried Catholicism, Astrology, Judaism and a lot of other stuff.

“After college, I pursued a career in broadcast TV. Later, I got burned out and moved into the ad agency world. I had a cool business card, a good job title and was running a pretty good race by the world’s standards. But on the inside I was dying. I had no quality of life and was hurt by failure, rejection, loss, poor choices and broken relationships. My solution was to buy something, smoke something, move, take a class, or invest in something of no lasting value. But I can see all along that God constantly protected me and drew me back in.”

What was your turning point?

“I remember one night, sitting on the kitchen floor and crying. I called my Dad, who said, “You’ve tried a lot of other things. Now, try the Lord.” So I got up off the floor, went to church the next morning and sat on the very back row. The sermon was about the Prodigal Son. At the end, the pastor said, ‘I don’t know what’s brought you here this morning, but welcome home.’ That was four years ago, and God has dramatically changed my life through the disciplines of prayer, Bible study and by living in community. But most of all, I have peace and contentment because of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. ”

Where is God using you most now?

“It’s actually in my job doing makeup. I moved into this business almost eight years ago, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Makeup brushes are tools that connect me with others. People talk to me like they would a bartender or their hairdresser. I hear a lot from strangers, and I’m able to share my story as well. God turned my job into a ministry. And now He has given me the opportunity to serve as the coordinator of the hair and makeup department for “Seasons of Gray”, the movie Watermark Films starts shooting tomorrow.

“Originally, I signed up as a volunteer for the film. Now I’m taking several weeks away from my full-time job to lead a team of volunteer artists and vendors who are donating their time and resources for the project. The message of the movie — a modern-day look at the life of Joseph — has opened doors I never expected. People who’ve never been interested in church or God’s Word want to help because a film is something they’re interested in and understand. There’s a curiosity factor with this whole project. Asking people to volunteer their time and resources has given me a natural opportunity to share the heart of this mission and ministry. ”

How has God changed your life?

“For most of my life, I looked to people, new experiences, things, or the next job to fulfill me. When I finally trusted Christ with my daily life, He showed me that I’d been thinking way too small. He gave me an abundant life – one that I could share with others. Here I am at 36 years old, and I’ve gotten my wish! In terms of experiencing life, I’m plugged in to the biggest amp I could find. I’m helping to make a movie, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to share what I know about the God I love. ”

For more information on Watermark Films, visit SeasonsOfGray.com.