I have often been applauded for my fashion sense. I’ve had jobs where the gals on other floors have shared amongst themselves… ‘ you should go down and see what Geri is wearing today. It’s so cute”. In the end they shared it with me , that’s how I know. I had a job where the controller- a guy – was watching what I was wearing. One day he said to me, you already wore that outfit this month. What can I say…. It was laundry week and I hadn’t got to it yet. Always commenting on my shoes and luggage sized purses. Fashion or style are just fun pastimes for me. I do like to look good no matter what size I am at the moment. It’s a creative gift I’ve been given.
I don’t dress like that anymore because I’m old and have foot problems and back issues and frankly, haven’t worked for over three years in an office, where I had to dress up. Now it’s just leggings and baggy shirts and runners for me.
Don’t get me wrong…. I still like to look stylish, I just have to find another way to do it. But I have to ask myself, is that really what I want to be known for? I’d rather be clothed in strength and dignity. I shouldn’t have to have it emblazoned on my apron (since most of my outfits include an apron these days).
I just want to put on Christ in the morning. Put on kindness. Put on bravery. If I ever find myself saying, I have nothing to wear then I can always grab the strength and dignity outfit and wear that. Of course that will never happen, the saying I have nothing to wear, because my walk-in closet looks like an Zara store. Clothing in all sizes because my weight…. Err… fluctuates. And if something isn’t working for me, I just run to my studio and alter or redesign it so it does. Folks, I’ll never run out of clothes.
But strength and dignity. That’s my true hearts cry. I’d rather be known for my resilience and my kindness. My empathy and compassion. And if I’m not known for this…. Then there’s still work to be done.
That’s why Christ uses the term to ‘put on’ because we all now how to put on things…. airs…false pretenses and deception. we can relate to ‘putting on’. We are to clothe ourselves in Christ and His character. Easier said than done. But we are to never stop pursuing this.
That doesn’t mean I’m going to give you the evil eye if you mention my outfit is cute….it really makes my day. But should it… that much? This is my issue, not yours.
And laughing at the days to come! Ah yes. This I want.
In this season of history it’s not easy to laugh at the days to come but apparently it’s possible if you’re clothed in strength and dignity. Clothed in courage and compassion. Clothes in His character. Clothed in contentment and gratefulness. That a big calling but we can do all things thru Christ who gives us strength.
Next time you don’t feel you have the appropriate outfit… reach for strength and dignity. I know a’few’ people like this. And let me tell you, I’m not attracted to them because of their fashion sense. There’s a Christlikeness about them that reels me in.
If you’ve watched the Chosen, you’ll notice Jesus wore the same outfit throughout. People were drawn to his love and compassion. His peacefulness. His humanity. His acceptance of them.
All Christ requires in our clothing is modesty, cleanliness (where possible) and respectfulness. What am I wearing?
The Red Plaid Apron 