Clothing Ourselves with Confidence
It was the early 80’s, and the epitome of high fashion in a young girl’s world was an eclectic mix of Madonna and valley girl. Yes…fashion was at its finest during the decade of decadence!
I was young and still learning who I was and what my fashion style was. As I looked around at all of the Madonna wannabe’s, I felt inclined to try the style out for myself. This is when that horrifying middle school memory begins. I studied other girls in their edgy outfits: slouchy sweaters, skirts with leggings, thick socks with cool boots; I scoured my closet for similar items that I thought would work for my new edgy 80’s look…then…I dared to dress differently one day at school.
I donned my “stylish” outfit one morning and the moment I stepped out of the car at drop-off, expecting to feel fabulous, I felt nothing but regretfully uncomfortable. As I walked the halls, I felt like a kid in a Halloween costume. This wasn’t me! I walked the halls that day sure that everyone must be laughing at my clothing that was so out of character and making fun of how silly I looked. I have never wanted my good old preppy button up with the collar flipped up back on more than I did that day!
While it can be good for us to get outside of our comfort zone sometimes, we also need to know ourselves well enough to understand the difference between trying something new and trying to BE something we’re not.
In 1 Samuel 17:38-39 we see a young David in preparation for a battle against a giant being offered a coat of armor that belonged to King Saul; But David knew that going into this battle masquerading as a mighty warrior in Saul’s armor, was not how God was going to bring victory.
David took off the armor and decided to trust that God had already prepared him for this battle. It didn’t matter what his enemy or the others thought about his appearance. David knew that it would be unnatural and faithless to present himself for battle in someone else’s clothing.
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. -1 Samuel 17:45
What confidence David had that day as he faced the giant as only a shepherd boy with a stone and a sling! He had confidence in himself despite how others saw him because he knew that God was on his side.
The same holds true for you and me. God can use us most effectively when we stop worrying about what others think of us and take off our mask to reveal our true identity in Christ. Fashion trends will come and go, but one thing that we can always wear with confidence is the love of Christ that is in us.
We can walk with the same confidence when we remember to clothe ourselves with the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience of God’s dearly loved daughters.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12 NIV
Reflection
Is there a time in your life that you remember trying out a new fashion that felt uncomfortable for you?
Have you ever found it hard to remain confident in a situation where others were judging you by your appearance? How did you continue in confidence despite those judgements?
What can we do as Created Women to build other women up and help them feel more confident in who they are in Christ?
Goals
Find 3 truths in scripture about who God says you are that help you to walk with more confidence. Keep these truths in a prominent place to remind you of your identity in Christ.
Then Saul, dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze. Helmet on his head. David fastened the sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. (1 Samuel 17:38-39 NIV)
And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. (1 Samuel 17:42 NIV)
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)