Yesterday at Costco, my friend Holly called down the snack aisle, “Hey, Shannon!” I had secretly slid around two corners without her noticing, back when I spotted her in produce. But now, turning toward her sheepishly, I told her, “I said goodbye to all my pride when I came in here looking like this!”
I had stopped on the way home from the gym and my frizzy hair and sweaty clothes were quite a contrast to Holly’s cute little outfit and perfectly coiffed hair. But Holly laughed and assured me that I didn’t have to be presentable for her sake.
I read about a woman this morning who was said to be ‘clothed in dignity’. I think the writer meant that dignity is typical for her—the way a stained tee shirt and gym shorts are more typical for me than I’d like to admit. I’m pretty sure I’m not a picture of dignity when I holler at my kids or scarf down a bag of licorice, either.
I’ve always been wary of all the talk about self-respect. Just a hair too much self-respect and you’re at the tipping point to pride. But what about too little self-respect? Do Christians, striving for humility, have to concern themselves with this, too?
Well… yes. If the lady I was reading about in Proverbs 31 was clothed in dignity, it should be in my wardrobe, too. Dignity is the variety of self-respect that says, “I want to represent my Maker well.” Now, I’m not saying it’s a sin to run in Costco after my workout. But I am saying that my typical demeanor and attire should be dignified. After all, I represent the most majestic King that ever was.
Thank you Shannon. I think I will write that quote on my fridge calendar “I want to represtent my Maker well”. Something I need to remember at all times.
Hayley
Hayley, I think I need to write that on some masking tape and tape my fridge SHUT! 🙂 Love you!
This was encouraging, thanks!
I had a similar discussion with a friend a bit ago and she seemed to think this topic was odd or insignificant. Our conversation was more about trying to make sure my children are nicely groomed -esp. when we go out, as well as myself -out of the motivation you write of. I want to represent my Maker well to all those that come in contact with my family, not just those we are able to talk with.
Like you said, running an errand looking less than our best is definitely not a sin, but making a habit of being sloppy, sticky & dirty is definitely NOT clothing ourselves(or our children) with dignity!
Well said, Jennifer! Thanks for the comment.
The article and the comments were nicely said. I think we as moms, at least ME as a mom, lol, tend to give up on our appearance a lot of times, since any attempt we make at looking nice seems to get ruined–hair falls down running after kids, makeup fades by noon, nice clothes get spit up on, drooled on, spilled on, twisted around, untucked, and it's just all we can do to GET to the store, much less look human by the time we get there. It's easy to think, “Sigh, everyone will know I'm just a mom, who cares, they'll understand.” But, it is important to keep trying and not give up on ourselves, because we DO represent Jesus, the King of Kings, and we are His daughters, right? Thanks so much for this post and the reminder. Well written, all of you. 🙂
Rachel, thanks for the comment! Oh, how I remember the spit up on all of my clothes. I got in the habit of wearing washable only, and haven't stopped! But thank YOU for the reminder of what I wrote back in July (as I sit here in Oct. with my sweatshirt, shorts with bleach spots, and messy hair.) I need to remember who I am and clean up today! (But not till after I clean this messy house!)