It’s not Halloween yet, or is it?

This is asked because these days, everyone seems to be wearing a mask—or altering their facial features into one.

Some of it traipses onto the spooky side.

Such folks could use our prayers (as opposed to ridicule).  Let us remember always Matthew 7:3-5: “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.”

But take this woman, whose husband founded Dell Computers and who, through let us say, aggressive surgery, went from this (in 2016):

To this (2026):

And this during a White House visit:

It sparked a fire on social media, with folks (perhaps indeed uncharitably) wondering if she was a “cyborg,” an “alien hybrid,” possessed by a spirit, or a robot.

“The internet trolls were later criticized by many, including conservative commentator Mike Cernovich, for focusing on Susan’s looks,” notes a report. “‘The Dell family gave 7 billion dollars directly to American children. And instead of gratitude, there’s much discussion of a 62-year-old woman’s looks.’”

If we heed the Book of Enoch (for your discernment), we note it lists cosmetics among the sins of mankind promoted by fallen angels (never mind cosmetic surgery that not just transforms how God made us but borders on self-mutilation).

The aliens are already here! pic.twitter.com/BDrJYPcTkt

— illuminatibot (@iluminatibot) October 8, 2026

Saint Jacinta Marto of Fátima passed on several statements regarding dress and modesty that were conveyed to her by the Blessed Virgin Mary before Jacinta’s death in 1920:

Offending God: “Certain fashions will be introduced that will offend Our Lord very much.”

Following Trends: “People who serve God should not follow the fashions. The Church has no fashions. Our Lord is always the same.”

Modesty: “Woe to women lacking in modesty.”

Other examples:

The issue is on all sides of the political aisle. Witness Hollywood and other “celebrities“! (The Lord rebuke you, Satan.)

Noted a social media comment: “Priscilla Presley is the saddest of them all. Such an absolutely beautiful woman and look at what she did to herself. Vanity is evil!”

Oh, let us not judge, but:

Did we say spooky?

Pray for them.

Pray this away.

We are most beautiful the way God made us.

There are spirits involved.

And it makes sense: spirits have permission to enter or otherwise afflict when we transgress, resist, or degrade God’s Creation. (Or as stated, exercise vanity.)

Psalms 139:13: “You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother’s womb.”

Let God be God, not a tattoo artist or beautician or plastic surgeon.

–MHB

[resources: Michael Brown online retreat, November 7]