i’ll be honest. i like watching award shows just to see hollywood’s starlets float across the infamous red carpet in their chic, graceful gowns… perfectly manicured from the top of their over-priced up-do’s, down to their fabulous strappy heals (man… i love shoes). as they glide down the path of flashing cameras, invasive microphones, and persistent entertainment reporters, without fail, they are anticipating the inevitable question of the evening… “WHO ARE YOU WEARING?”
that’s actually a profound question i think. not in the same sense as it is asked on the red carpet, but in a real and revealing way. it reminds me of the quote, “you resemble the company you keep.” i think that’s why God warns us to choose our friends wisely (I Corinthians 15:33 “do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.”) …over time we will start to look like them… emotionally, spiritually. so who am I wearing?
i have old friends that fit me snug and cozy like my favorite vintage t-shirt… always providing comfort no matter how many times i’ve put them through the washing machine.
some friends challenge me to improve and persevere… like that pair of pre-pregnancy jeans i tried to squeeze into a week after giving birth. those friends believe in me against all odds and i love them for that!!
then there is the “little black party dress” friend who always gives me a reason to celebrate. when i’m with her, i look my best.
unfortunately, i have had my share of “bright fuchsia bridesmaid dress” friends. you know what i’m talking about…the kind with the giant bow right on your rear end!! no matter how you try to accessorize, this friend is never going to compliment your character. sometimes those relationships only make it off the hanger once.
what about me? how do “fit” those i love the most?
am i merely a trendy hand bag? here for just a season. in a friend’s life when it’s easy and out when the newness wears off.
am i a pair of old sneakers that squeak endlessly when walking? just enough to annoy and exasperate the patience of a friend.
or am i a warm, wool coat? covering them to the floor. protecting them at all costs. sheltering them from cold winds of heartache and disappointment. reflecting the refuge that Christ provides to each of us.
who are we wearing? it matters. it determines the growth of our character and disposition.
Proverbs 13:20 “he who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
how do others look when they put on our apparel? are we the type of friends that are treasured for years to come or do we simply end up being returned before the tags are cut off?
i hope to strive for greatness in my friendships… giving and receiving.
Proverbs 31:30 “charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. but the woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.” (the message translation)
thanks to all of the vintage tees, hopeful jeans, little black dresses, and warm wool coats in my life. i’ll proudly wear you guys forever
