It happens every morning. The alarm goes off and I stumble, bleary eyed into my walk-in closet. There I proceed to stare at my half (OK, ¾) of the closet praying for creativity to hit me. It never does, so I grab black or brown slacks and one of a handful of tops that I like and call it good. Still, every morning I can count on at least 20 minutes of my routine being spent in that closet trying to find something to wear.
Lately I’ve been really worried about my clothes. Not because my pants are getting too tight, or because my jacket might be out of style. But because I keep hearing God whisper… “What are you wearing?”
She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. Prov. 31:25
If I were honest with you I’d tell you that I’m not wearing strength or dignity. If I were honest, I’d tell you I am clothed in fear, anxiety, worry, depression, heaviness, guilt, judgment, anger… well you get the idea.
Sometimes I feel like the girl who showed up to the ball wearing sweats and a grungy t-shirt. And all I want to do is go hide in the corner. I look at all the pretty girls in their spinny dresses and I whisper to myself, “What am I doing here? I’m such a mess. I don’t belong.”
But then I remember… I do belong! I wasn’t just invited to the ball, but this is my castle! I remember whose daughter I am, and what resources have been made available to me.
If I’m wearing sweats it’s because I chose it, not because there weren’t other options available to me.
God’s story begins with the Father clothing His daughter Eve in the garden. And it ends with the Son clothing His bride in glorious white.
And here, in between the beginning and the end, He wants to clothe me too.
He waits for us, with strength and dignity in His hand. He wants to clothe His daughters. He wants to cover our weakness, our shame. The question is… are we ready? Are we ready to let go of our worn and comfortable clothes? Are we ready to be clothed by the King? The choice is ours.
He has sent me… to give them a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness. Isa. 61.
As an avid What Not to Wear fan, you are speaking my language, girl! I’d never thought about being clothed with strength and dignity as the way God covers our weakness and shame. That is so beautiful. I’m gonna feel covered in love today. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this with us!
It is so hard to take off our filthy, worn clothes and become clothed like the bride He has made us. We feel so unworthy of His love and grace, but He tells us that we are His and we are loved. Thanks for the beautiful reminder.
Oh My Gosh (my own OMG)
I am so under dressed and really needed the reminder is my choice!! Thank you!!
I’m going to carry this beautiful image around in my heart all day! thank YOU
Proverbs 31:25 is the verse I’ve been praying over myself lately. It’s so cool for God to confirm that through this post. I’m not there yet, but I so want to be that woman.
Keri,
Been there in the past. Thanks for the reminder that God clothes us in strength & dignity.
I will try to remember & carry that message in my head & heart. Most days I’m underdressed & sometimes I show it.
Keri – this was simply beautiful!!!!! I don’t know what else to say….It just came at such a time that I needed these words…..
Bless your day…..
Oh, this was good!
Nice job!
The part about spending 20 minutes in the closet each morning rang true with me. I hate that I sometimes do this but when I do I am usually debating over whether my outfit is “godly” or “ladylike” – even though I know my choice of clothing is modest. Thank you for this reminder that it is much more important to be spiritually dressed!
Thank you so much for sharing this and reminding us for whom we are dressing.
I think sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the world and daily living we forget to whom we belong.
Running to my (prayer) closet and changing quickly! I want the King to be proud!
I love this post and its message. Thank you!!!
I appreciate your heart sweet sister. I can relate. Money is tight right now and my once fashionable wardrobe is tired and wanting, but I have to keep reminding myself I am not defined by the clothes I wear, or wish I could buy, but rather by the God I serve. Strength and dignity, I love that. I need to put those on and hold my head up instead of feeling sorry for myself. I needed to remember that. Thank you. Be blessed sweet sisters out there. Love, Kathryn
Been there! Thanks for a great reminder of what I need to be choosing to wear!
I am so ready to be clothed by our King! Thank You Keri.
I love this! Thank you for sharing from your heart.