THE DRESS

Depressed. Defeated. Hopeless. I had been to Macy’s to find a dress for the weddings we are going to in October for Jakes two best friends ( Jake is in one of the weddings). It had been awhile since I had gone clothes shopping so maybe that’s why it was such a difficult time. But, no matter what I tried on one thing was for sure; my body was not the same, and for that matter my face wasn’t the same, my hair wasn’t the same….truth is, I’m not the same. I felt, well, ugly. Although men may experience some disappointment of their appearance, I have found it more common for women to find themselves looking in the mirror and asking “ what happened?” Can any woman relate? I even shed a few tears at this new realization. In the scope of all that is going on in this world, with those struggling with serious health issues, loss of loved ones, financial changes….this is just vanity. And I would agree with you…but it’s still there. And then I met Sher. A friend of mine told me about this woman’s boutique and thought I might find a dress there. The minute I walked in I was greeted not only with those who worked there but also the customers! I found the style that fit my shape and found my dress ( ok, more than one dress ) for the wedding. But it was more than that. God reminded me of Psalms 139: 14 “ thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it”. It is our responsibility to take care of the temple ( our body ) that God has given us but we are also to be grateful for what He has created. What about you? Do you sometimes struggle with your appearance or catch yourself saying “ I wish….”? As my friend Celeste has shared , embrace the person you are with JOY, the beauty God has given us as His creation, and be mindful of the responsibility we have to take care of His temple. As I was leaving the boutique, I saw a little sign that said “ has anyone told you that you are beautiful ?” Maybe someone today needs to reads this and be reminded that YOU are that person…..