DRESSED TO KILL

The first time I went back to church after the birth of my oldest son I wanted to impress someone—anyone. I’d been home for weeks and, quite frankly, I was tired of the baby getting all the attention. Feeling a little invisible, I kept hoping someone would notice me.

So when I finally made it back to church, I went dressed to kill. I walked in the doors in my size four, belted, royal blue Sunday-go-to-meetin’ dress, feeling pretty doggone proud. I was so high on myself I had no place to go but down. And in fact, that’s where I headed.

During the welcome time I worked the crowd—talked to friends, laughed loudly, tossed my long curls over my shoulders—thinking I was “all that.” Then a friend whispered in my ear. I couldn’t make out what she said over the noise, so I asked her to repeat it. She leaned in … and just when the music and crowd silenced, she shouted, “I SAID YOU NEED TO ADJUST YOUR DISPOSABLE NURSING PAD.”

I looked down and there, sitting right at my throat, was a large patch of white. Red-faced and humbled, I slid the offending article out of sight and slunk back to my seat.

In my life, fashion faux paus just seem to happen. Once at a speaking engagement, I came off the platform and someone showed me the price tag dangling under the sleeve of my new outfit.

These occasions serve for a good laugh—usually. At best, they cause me to pause and examine what’s really important. What matters most, I’ve learned, is not what’s on the outside, but what’s on the inside.

So, let me ask you, are you image-challenged? I’m not talking about your outfit, but your attitude. How is your character clothed? Paul reminds us what we wear on the inside is as much a choice as how we clothe our outside.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive … as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13

Check your interior wardrobe. Make sure it’s complete with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You’ll be on the dressed-to-kill list every time!