transformation (noun): the act of one changing in form, appearance or nature
When lost for words, one can always rely on dictionary.com.
On May 18, 2022, a transformation occurred. A bunch of average-looking students, suddenly changed in form, appearance and nature. The staff blinked and standing before them were suave young men and elegant young women ready to hit one of Perth’s premier pop-up restaurants, Masquerade. It was out with the old masks, and in with the stunningly new.
Upon arriving at Madame Gabrielnelson’s restaurant, an establishment frequented by the likes of Mark McGowan, Ash Barty and Jungkook, the transformation continued. Guests quickly adjusted to the etiquette requirements and dined like civilised VIP’s, their usual piggish eating habits cast aside. Backs were straight, elbows were off tables, conversations were confined to one’s table and some young men even pulled out chairs for ladies as they left to look at themselves in bathroom mirrors.
After 4 courses of food, 3 awards recognising customer performance and a host of media commitments fulfilled, another transformation occurred. In a move the toffee-nosed restaurant hostess didn’t see coming, the guest speaker, Dr Dougalian Stevanavanovich, cranked up the music, demonstrated some poorly choreographed 80’s dance moves and instructed everyone to ‘lose the masks’ … it was time to stop the pretence!
He then delivered a message: We all wear masks, things we hope will hide the reality that we fall short of God’s standards. Lose the masks and receive an inner transformation … the gift of Jesus.
