Fall Fashion Forecast
Since my days as a high schooler, I look forward in anticipation to the upcoming fashion trends of the fall! Heading back to school with the right “look” was all too important. The day the JC Penny catalog would arrive in the mail, boasting its 5-inch thickness of fashion insight was this young girl’s delight! I would scour the details of that catalog, teen bop magazines and then duplicate the look on my shoestring budget. Of course, abiding by the motto that “modest is hottest” didn’t always lend itself to be totally ‘on trend.’ Looking back, there are some trends that definitely deserve a laugh, and other fashions I can actually wear again now as they have resurged 25+ years later! I still love the fashion forecast each fall, but, . . .
Ladies, will you open your closet with me today and look through spiritual lenses at your wardrobe?
Proverbs 31:25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
She is clothed:
First of all, I’m glad she got dressed! And how is your outfit looking so far today?! No matter what your style is, getting dressed requires planning and a guided choice. The daily “what shall I wear?” question depends on location, setting, weather, and how bloated you are! Insert here the Fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5:22 teaches us to yield good fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). Wearing these fruits will make you more attractive and add sweetness to your life, as well as others.
She is clothed with strength and dignity:
Are you wearing Heaven’s designs? If you are, you can walk with your head held high and the confidence of Christ. We all know the icons of fashion who have been replicated over the decades, Coco Chanel, Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy, but what about Mary, Lydia, or Miriam of the Scriptures? Their clothes may not be our first choice in fashion today, but their character should be. Let the Lord’s strength be displayed in you.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him” Jer 17:7.
“You should clothe yourself instead of the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God” I Peter 3:4.
She laughs:
In the Broadway play “Annie,” Daddy Warbucks reminded his newly adopted daughter, that she was never fully dressed without a smile! It’s true! You could sport an outfit that cost hundreds of dollars, but if your face is all crabby, you won’t be able to pull off the outfit! How is your representation of Christ? When people see you coming, are they glad you have arrived? If you are clothed with strength and dignity, your outlook should be one of joy!
“You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” Psalm 16:11.
No fear of her future:
As humans, looking ahead can cause worry, fear and doubt. Unless, however, you are well suited in the right attire; the Armor of God. Fashioned for battle, you can defend your faith and His Kingdom sake with style! Just like the right accessories makes the outfit, don’t forget to put on the FULL armor of God! (Eph 6:11) The completed look is the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit. No one can fight barefoot, and don’t forget that Belt of Truth!!! With the right equipment and God as your rear guard, there’s no need to worry. Plus, worry or fear isn’t good for your complexion.
Whenever you take a minute to read this blog, I pray that you pay a little more attention in how you are clothing yourself in the spirit rather than the time it takes to put together a great outfit.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Prov 31:30
