What Not to Wear
True confession — I really enjoy watching “What Not to Wear” on TLC. Have you seen this? The two derisive hosts (Stacy and Clinton) stage an “intervention” for an unsuspecting, frumpy, fashion-challenged person, using hidden video footage to humiliate them, and corroborating statements from peers to shame the person into getting a makeover. They endure snarky remarks, a literal trashing of their current wardrobe, and lots of eye rolls and mocking jabs from the hosts. But by the end of the show, the person has received a chunk o’ change to shop in some exclusive Manhattan boutiques and undergoes a visual transformation that garners praise from their friends and family. They usually claim to love their new look, so hopefully that makes up for the initial torture.
This week, I definitely could have qualified for that show. An unlucky brush with Influenza A left me to the confines of my bed or couch for six straight days, feverish, sweatpant-clad, and unshowered. This is not the positive kind of “au natural.” This is the kind of frumpy that gets you nominated for humiliating reality television! Hurrah!
But my real moment of insight came last night, when I realized that not only my outward appearance was in decline. My attitude and spirit were frumpy and dumpy as well. While I had a golden opportunity to really dig into the Word, lean in to Him, and ABIDE in the midst of my weakness this week, I did the opposite. I sulked. I sighed. I wallowed in self-pity. And as I sat around feeling sorry for myself, I started to resent everyone around me who wasn’t as miserable. Things came to a head when I spiraled into a total meltdown, while simultaneously heaping a load of guilt and negativity on my husband. It wasn’t my proudest hour. In fact, it was the “old self,” rearing its ugly head.
The Holy Spirit can convict you in an instant, and as soon as I ended my melodramatic tirade, I realized how shallow and selfish I sounded. Debbie Downer would have been a joy next to me (and she probably would have looked nicer). I knew that everything I had just spewed was NOT me living in Christ, walking in my true identity, as a new creation “like God in true righteousness and holiness.” I had a spiritual “what not to wear” moment, and I had to quickly, desperately ask forgiveness from God and from my spouse. I had a moment of amnesia…this was not my new self…this was not Megan-as-new-creation…this wasn’t a picture of holiness and righteousness.
We’ve all been there. It’s easy to forget. We must constantly fill our head and hearts with truth just to remind ourselves of who we are, and what we have in Christ. That’s why the Bible encourages us to pray without ceasing, to write Scripture on our hearts, to spur each other on with spiritual songs. It’s how we remember to keep on our new self, and just what that new self looks like. This is my chance to challenge you. What you wear might make a statement about you, but it cannot overshadow what you “put on” each day as your spirit interacts with others, and you remember what your new self looks like. And fortunately, God doesn’t need to shame you or roll His eyes to get you to claim your inner makeover.
Been there and done that, I know we have all been through what you described about your week. It is a blessing to look back over the years and see how God has changed me. What used to take a week or two to get my attention now is a shorter turn around. I measure spiritual growth not in not sinning but in how quickly I am covicted and confess my sin.
You mentioned the show *What not to wear*. I think it appeals because of the instant *transformation* that happens. Today our culture wants results NOW. When one comes to Christ there is an instant result yet living in the new relationship takes time and work. This is were the prayer, Bible reading, and encoraging oneanother helps us grow and *trandform* into Christ followers.
Megan I hope you are feeling better, when mom is sick the whole house is not well. I pray you are on the road to recovery both spiritually and physically.
Oh Megan, I wish I would keep my frumpy, dumpy attitude at home. Unfortunately I spew mine on everyone. It’s a wonder I have any friends at all. The fact that I have many wonderful friends is truly a God thing. How thankful I am that God gives my friends (and family) grace to put up with me!
Hi Megan,
Thank you for that From the Heart.We as professing christians have come to that crossroad sometime in our life including me and I can relate to it. We as christians have to be on guard even in our lowest moments because Satan will use that to his advantage and love every minute there is discourse.We just have to remember He(Jesus)is there going through what we are going thru with us.
So been there, done that…..many times. Thanks for sharing your heart and being so transparent. One of the many things I love about you. And thanks for the reminder to keep our “spiritual wardrobe” in check. I am clothed in Christ and I want it to show both inside and out! Love you and so glad you are feeling better!
MA
I love the fact that our director of music was able to “bear her soul” as she battled the flu. It just reminds me that I need to put on my spiritual armor each and every day, and that regardless of our position in life we in our flesh are subject to a spiritual attack anyplace or anytime. However, the Holy Spirit knows exactly how to pray and minister to us when this does happen…PRAIDE GOD for his everlasting mercy and grace.
Oh, no, you could have used some of my SOUP!
Hope you are feeling better, and thank you my friend just for being who you are! Love, Janey