Dress to IMPRESS, Not DISTRESS

“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10 NIV

What Do Your Clothes Say About You?

Everyone takes notice when a stylish woman enters a room. Her outfit is tasteful, her hair and makeup are impeccable, and her shoes are polished and scuff-free. In other words, she’s got it going on! Although the Lord wants His daughters and sons to look presentable, we have to be mindful not to overdo it. Some jobs may have a more relaxed dress code, while others, such as sales, require a wardrobe that reflects success—expensive suits and shoes, manicured nails, and expert grooming. In sales, first impressions are lasting, and presentation is vital. Though dressing to the nines in Prada and Gucci is nice, the Lord has a better wardrobe plan—to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

I’ll never forget the time I wore black leather pants to work, where I was a project manager at a major newspaper. I was in my twenties and had an hourglass figure, and I remember exactly what I wore that day—butter-soft leather pants, a cashmere turtleneck sweater, and black designer pumps. But I’ll also never forget the reaction I received from one of my colleagues who knew I was a Christian. Joel (not his real name), a middle-aged Jewish man, couldn’t help but “admire” my outfit and fixed his gaze on my hips. “Hmm, hmm, hmm, Carol. I bet you drive those deacons crazy on Sundays when you wear those pants.” Flattered (how dumb was I?), I simply smiled and said, “Oh, silly! I don’t wear these to church!”

We had a good laugh, but later that day in the cafeteria, one of my dear sisters in Christ pulled me aside. “Carol, you know, you really shouldn’t wear those to work. They’re pretty revealing,” she said, motioning with her eyes toward my rear end. I got the picture. And I never wore them to work—or anyplace else—again. If a simple thing like wearing leather pants could change the way a co-worker looked at me, then I was willing to retire them.

Looking back, I can see that those leather pants represented my life “BC” (before Christ) of clubbing, drinking, and partying with my single girlfriends. Maybe this was the Lord’s wake-up call for me to retire those pants—and their connotations—for good. I like looking my best and feel more confident when I’m well dressed.

Although God wants us to represent Him well physically, I think He’s more concerned about our spiritual condition. A harsh, critical spirit isn’t flattering on anyone!

POWER MOVE

Wardrobe choices are always personal, but remember that when you’re in a place of business you will have limitations, even in the most casual settings. Clean, pressed, and neat clothes never go out of style. Most of all, remember that you are in essence “working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). And He’s One Boss you don’t want to disappoint.

MY CONFESSION

“I will be sure to represent the Lord well, even in my clothing choices. He is my ultimate Boss.”


~ Carol Mackey is the author of Sistagirl Devotions which is a GREAT book for Winning Women. For More Information about Carol visit www.CarolMackeyOnline.com.

NO LONGER "STUPID"

I have been called “forgetful” and “absentminded” from different folk, since childhood. As time passed, all of my minute mistakes had formed into a big, stinking blob of dumbness. The funk had enveloped me and strangely morphed into a form of acceptation. I began to accept those insults and saw truth in them, rather than seeing them as solely being areas of improvement. Irresponsibility had spilled over into adulthood and gave me struggles with timeliness, punctuality, and management. I have accomplished much, but my accomplishments came with possibly unnecessary hard work. My excellence was not obtained easily and I dealt with both negativity and positivity to get to where I am today. Through it all, I made it and am still making it. Because of choice to accept Christ, I am no longer “stupid.”

My story is just like yours. I worked for what I wanted. I pushed myself to get to where I desired to be. I had to create something outside the visible when I thought that I was incapable of doing the unthinkable. I had to lean on something much bigger than myself, the trees, the buildings, the world. I needed to confide in a Higher Power, one that could not be created by the human mind or have a specific face.

I reached within my soul to find it. My heart and mind helped me, too.

Because I’d started going to church at a young age, I was more receptive to the Lord. Jesus was not that complicated to understand because I had gotten years of Sunday morning lessons where I learned about who God was, is, and will always be. I learned about His son, Jesus. I learned about the Holy Spirit. I learned that all three are a whole trinity, or an amazing, powerful 3-in-1 force. I learned about the benefits of accepting Jesus and the detriments of avoiding Him. Everything made sense to me in my maturation. As a result, I knew more about the Lord by adulthood. I knew about what He could do. As time evolved, I made choices to spend time in the quiet of my home to speak to my Creator because I knew that He was accessible. I knew that He was everywhere and available (because He is so great).

Because of my decision to accept and confide in Him, my “flaws” made sense to me. I realized that through all of my confusion, I was still capable of succeeding. My setbacks, as we all have, reminded me that I needed to stay in touch with the Lord.

I could not help but to grow when I knew that I could direct my frustrations to my Creator. Not only that, I saw results after my prayers. I heard the insults less. Mistakes are still being made today, but I am more encouraged. I feel less downtrodden. And whenever I do feel guilty for slipping or “forgetting,” I run to the Lord through my heart and mind. I tell Him that I am upset with myself and I let him know how I truly feel.

So stop calling yourself bad names and stop allowing people to ruin your happiness. Just as I tell you, I tell myself. We need to remain encouraged and keep one another empowered to stay focused on our life’s mission. The Lord has given us all a spirit of power, but some of us aren’t even willing to use it.

You are intelligent and you are capable. Don’t accept “stupid,” “forgetful,” “dumb,” or any other negative term. You make mistakes, but you are still ABLE. The Lord is giving you breath. Not man.

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Aricle by Neely Terrell

Author - Editor- Librarian
Twitter: @TheBrownOrange
"Know Your Worth"