For a recent business trip to Mexico, I thought I would google what the temperature would be and what I should pack. It was crazy how many websites came up with what to wear to Disneyworld, Hawaii, Nashville, Israel, Japan, Barcelona, and even, the hospital when having a baby!! It’s truly crazy!! How did any of us know how to dress before the internet? LOL

Remember the days when the only barometer we had for how we dressed was thumbing through a ladies magazine or a Sears Catalog? Times have certainly changed. Now, we have so many voices speaking into us about how to dress, what color lipstick to wear, how thick our eyebrows should be, whether we should wear a scarf or leggings or a barrette in our hair. Oh my! 

I admit, I love fashion. I started modeling at 15 when a Twiggy look-alike contest came to a store in my town of Alexandria, Louisiana. I really didn’t look like Twiggy, but I was tall and skinny, so I figured I would give it a shot. I didn’t win the contest, but I discovered I loved modeling. As a quiet, shy teen, this seemed right up my alley. I could dress up in the store’s clothes and walk in front of people and not have to say anything. 

I modeled all through my teen years, gladly accepting discounts on clothes. (My dad loved that part too.) It helped me learn more about fashion, but it also helped me learn more about me.  It’s amazing how many valuable character traits can be reinforced while walking down a runway.  Character traits that have helped me all through my life. I learned to stand up straight, walk tall, and smile. I learned to wear an outfit confidently, even if it wasn’t one I would pick out. I learned to have eye contact with people. I learned to stand up for me when I didn’t want to wear something that compromised by values. I learned that God would show up on a runway or behind a curtain if I was willing to let Him into that part of my life. Later in life, I continued to model for friends who owned stores and my girls did the same. 

In America and many other countries, clothes have become a luxury and we are privileged to use them as extensions of who we are. They reflect our personal style and different personalities.  In other countries, clothes simply fulfill their original meaning of covering private parts and protection against the elements. There is no money for personal flare. Still other countries use clothes to reflect status and show connections to certain tribes or communities. 

I have loved my journey with clothes, even if I never want to see shoulder pads or crimped hair again. But, there is a bigger purpose for clothes and one I don’t want to forget. 

Let’s not forget that God made clothes for Adam and Eve as a response to their sin. God killed an animal and used the skin to make coverings for Adam and Eve and, from that point on, clothes have played a part in human history. But, at that point, right there in the Garden of Eden, God let Adam and Eve know that He is the only place to turn to for redemption.  He is our covering. It is still true today. 

Clothes can cover us, hide us, costume us, protect us, change us, decorate us, but they can’t save us. Only God can do that. So, whether you are in sweat pants or a formal gown, if you have God in your heart, you are dressed in His clothing and covered in grace.