She glanced in the mirror admiring the dress. It is pretty.
It would never make it to a clearance rack. It was not the kind of thing she could hope to buy unless it showed up in a second hand store.
This is what I see window shopping.
Hesitation crept in thoughts.
What if people knew where I got it? What would they think?
What do I think?
The clock read 8:15am. Church was starting soon. They were gonna be late as it was.
Ahh! No time -gotta go.
Conspicuously easing into an open row she held her husband’s hand.
Jesus, what do You think?
She listened for His voice as the drums beat and the band played. It was loud and ALIVE with passion for the King.
Her heart lifted in a posture of freedom and adoration. She was fully aware of His presence.
He understood her hesitation wearing the dress. He knew the story behind it.
Thinking about the woman again she wondered. So sad Lord…
The dress was one of hundreds of beautiful clothing pieces another woman had collected. The collection was exceptionally large. So much so, it was obvious that it had been a problem.
Lord, she wore a lot of shame didn’t she?
Most of it had been stored away in storage. Hidden and collected, much of it never even worn. There were dresses, blouses, sweaters, coats, shoes, purses, jewelry and scarves.
I’ve never saw so many scarves –even in one store.
It had taken days preparing the garments to be sold in the estate sale. She wanted to protect the identity of the woman, carefully rearranging articles as customers picked thru them.
Did she know You Lord?
There had been Bibles and devotionals throughout the home.
She waited for her shift to end and picked out pieces to purchase. A wave of sadness ebbed by her as she tried them on.
The woman had ended her own story.
Lord…
Would I have seen her? Not just her clothes – her?
Such nice clothes. So many clothes.
Recollections raced thru her thought stream. How many times had she looked at others, admiring their clothes, “Oh! I love that!”?
We spend a lifetime working to cover up emptiness.
Jesus. You provide much more then clothes…
How many know of You, but miss You in their darkest hours?
The singers transitioned to another song. She was aware of people near her.
Lord, don’t let me miss anyone. Help me to see beyond appearances.
“It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:8 (New American Standard Bible)
Concern yourself with My garments and you will see others, not their clothing. I have given you everlasting garments. Be adorned in kindness, peace, faith and generosity. Boldly wear righteousness and joy.”
Watch and listen. I will lead you.
“And child, -the dress is pretty, but you are beautiful wrapped in compassion and humility.”
As you pick out your clothes tomorrow, remember whose you are –who you reflect.
We have reason to step out in confidence, and beauty -not because of what we wear, but because the very presence of Christ adorns us!
“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 (NASB)
And who will you really see today?
Dressed in awareness of Him you’ll find Him leading you to action.
It may just be a silent prayer, a kind smile or a word of encouragement. It may be having coffee with a new friend or helping someone pick up a pile of books they dropped.
You never know how such a simple act can save a life and advance God’s Kingdom.