Can't Keep Up

Miami is known as one of the most materialistic and fashion-forward cities. I never really knew what that meant till we moved down here a few months ago. And wow is that so true! Everywhere you go, everyone, women especially, are always dressed up, wearing their high-heels, with their nails and hair perfectly done.  Even stay-at-home-moms are always "fancy-shmancy!" Blame it on the hot weather-good looking people-who knows! Knowing this before we moved, I didn't think much of it. Now that we are here, its a whole other story.


I walked into church last week, and literally thought to myself, "man I just can't keep up with all this." It's always a fashion show everywhere you go. Everyone is always striving to look above and beyond the ordinary. Looks is the focus-even in conversation. It's comments like "oh you look so great," or "wow I love your shirt," instead of "hey, it's really good to see you today." At first I was insecure because for those of you who really know me, I am one comfortable girl! I love my shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops like nothing else! I hate wearing heels and getting dressed up, unless its a fancy occasion. My first thoughts were, "ok Jess, you gotta get a whole new wardrobe and try a little harder to "fit it" and impress everyone. Then I thought, "man...that costs a lot of money and I can't even afford that"...now what?!? I've really been struggling and praying through this and this is what the Lord has been showing me. 


Looking our best, getting dressed up, wearing heels etc.., is OK!!!  (as long as it's appropriate!) If you like to do all that, then go right ahead! The bigger, deeper issue is WHY? Why are we caring so much about our looks and outer appearances? Why do we put so much time and money into things that are going to waste away? Why would we rather encourage and compliment each other on our looks, rather than on our relationship with the Lord? Why do we find our security and self-confidence in a new outfit, instead of who we are in Christ?


Personally, I really don't want to dress up and wear heels to the grocery store. I would rather wear my shorts and flip flops. I wanted to get all dressed up so that I could fit in and "feel good" about myself- not because it's something that I genuinely enjoy. I honestly really don't care about the latest fashion stuff out there or whether my hair is blonde or brown. I begin to care when my focus is on the wrong things! I was looking to a standard that I'm not even required to live up to! I was slowly getting pulled into the worldly mindset that "looks are everything." What a lie straight from the devil. I don't want to live worried about what people think of me. I want to live to glorify God above all. His standards are completely different. The Lord kept drawing me to 1 Peter 3:3-4, which says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 


Yes, The Lord cares that we are modest on the outside, but He cares even more about WHO we are on the inside. I never want to look back and see that my time and priorities were/are so revolved around my looks, rather than God's plan for me. 


So, again, I am not bashing anyone who loves fashion and style- that's great! If that is a passion that God has put in you, than go all out and use it for His glory! The challenge for myself and for every other woman is: do we care more about who we are or what we look like? Sometimes, it's so helpful to take a step back and question our intentions. I often pray that the Lord would reveal things to me that aren't pleasing to Him, and yes, this is  one of those things that I have to continue to work through.

Just because the Lord showed me His TRUTH, doesn't mean that this isn't going to be a struggle still. I still live in Miami, (and by the way, this isn't just an issue in Miami-it's everywhere!!! It's just so much more evident here) and the devil still knows my weaknesses. But praise the Lord that HE is the one who will give us victory!