My Birthday Dress
My Birthday Dress
Honoring Your God-Given Purpose on the Inside and Out
I have always loved clothes and dressing up. It is ingrained in my DNA. This love of fashion and “getting dressed up” was a trait passed down to me common among family members before me. It began with my grandmother who passed it on to my mother, then me, and now my daughter seems to have it too. I don’t think any of us could escape it if we tried. Now, I truly believe it is one of my many God-given personality traits.
Sometime in my early adulthood, that time right after I graduated college and started settling into my new adult job, I started a little tradition for myself. Every year on my birthday, I would wear a dress, a special one. It was always a little more fancy than the clothes I normally wore. No matter what I was doing or where I was going, I would wear it all day and celebrate me. It made me feel extra everything. Extra special, extra fancy, extra happy, and extra confident for the entire day. I had more fun in it, felt more joy, more power, more everything, and I felt like I could accomplish anything.
What exactly did that mean? Why was everything I felt taken up a notch with a mere outfit? Why did I feel more empowered? The answer was simple. I was feeling myself, as the kids say. I felt good. I felt special. I realized, the symbolism behind what I was wearing had more of an impact on my behavior, performance, and self-confidence than the actual clothing itself. The outfit was a catalyst.
Our true identity is found in Christ alone. God has designed our lives, our work, our purpose in advance. What an amazing gift He has given us. He has laid the groundwork, and our job is to walk the path. Do the things that fulfill our purpose. Whatever that is for each of us, we must find the time and the motivation to heed His calling. As we come to know who we were created to be, we must show up for God. When I show up well, with confidence and drive, I know I am much more productive. I feel this is how I can honor Him and respect the gifts I have to offer. I can serve Him and others more meaningfully.
Some might think fashion is superficial, but the point of fashion is not for others, in my opinion. Fashion is a way to express yourself on your own terms. Wearing what makes you feel like you is an important thing. I know now that when I feel good, I am capable of doing more good. Sometimes that means putting on my “birthday dress.” Everyone’s “birthday dress” is different, I’m sure. You may feel more confident in a bold lip color or more powerful in a black blazer. Whatever it is for you, wear that and channel it into honoring your God-given purpose. This is one way showing up well for God can look like in our lives.
1. What does showing up well for God mean to you?
2. What is your equivalent to my “birthday dress,” the one thing you wear to feel your best?
3. What are some habits or tools you use to motivate you in fulfilling your God-given purpose?
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
(Ephesians 2:10 CSB)
Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.
(Esther 4:14 CSB)
Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me.
(Psalm 139:10 TPT)
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