The Wardrobe Tales…
The Wardrobe Tales.
God can be found in all things and brings healing on all levels of life. This includes body image and confidence. In this freedom, it is possible to enjoy clothing and express ourselves fully in every day moments.
I think there is a big misunderstanding of the power behind expression of self through a wardrobe. There is so much more that goes into fashion than convenience, time or budget. Whether you have 5 minutes or all the time in the world, whether you have 5 dollars or 5 million dollars in your bank account, it is possible to feel confident and express yourself through the clothes you wear.
Throughout my childhood, I was not familiar with confidence. My wardrobe consisted of ill-fitted, dull and dark clothing, which was a reflection of how I was feeling inside. I felt lost - wanting to hide and insecure. It began to show outwardly as well. Clothing played the role of both a shield and an enemy. I was able to hide behind the dark clothing and hoped no one would notice me and yet, the other side of that double-edged sword was that I was hidden from any inner confidence as well. My wardrobe became a place of sadness because it did not hold the true me in any of it.
As I have grown in age and in my walk with the Lord, I have gained a sense of identity and a confidence that has changed the way I view myself and what I wear. The more healing I received in my heart for body image issues and fear on many levels, the more I enjoyed the details of life. I was given life itself through Him. Not only did style come from a newfound place of healing, it was also a place I could find joy in. Wearing things that made me feel like me - and for the first time, I was beginning to know who I am.
One of my favorite things to do is going shopping with friends who normally despise it. Those who either don’t know what they like or what they want. I watch as a well-made, well-fitted piece of clothing and a voice of encouragement can change perspective and bring healing. Not dressing for the sake of gaining identity, or losing it by trying to hide, rather from the place of confidence and joy. I want to live intentionally and authentically in every area of my life. This includes even the things I clothe myself in. He has knit us together in our mother’s womb. Every part of us has been fashioned by both His heart and hand, woven with intention, thought and immeasurable love. There is healing that comes from not using clothing as a mask, but a reflection of ourselves. He is that good and that kind to be found in even the smallest of details.
“For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:13-14
