Be Sure to Wear Your Little Black Dress

I was amused when my daughter told me she was invited to a dinner with several women and the tagline was: “Be sure to wear your little black dress.” Staci remarked to me: “I don’t have a little black dress but I’ll make it happen!” And she pulled it together with a stylish black top and cover-up!

I remember last year when my granddaughter was trying to decide what to wear for her Junior Prom and rather than going with a typical formal, she chose a “little black dress” (pictured here). I loved the look and she owned it.

The fact is, we usually clothe ourselves according to the occasion. A t-shirt and shorts may mean a comfortable afternoon at home. A sportscoat and tie for guys and a silky chiffon dress for gals might mean a special night out. An athletic shirt and shorts or tights might mean we’re headed to the gym. That’s what I had on yesterday when I was headed to my daughter’s when she called to ask me to come over and see their new “Cinderella” room (that’s a blog topic for another day).

In Colossians 3:12, God’s people are encouraged to clothe themselves with five distinct attributes of Christ. Not for a special occasion, but for every occasion of every day. So when we’re asked to “come as you are” or “wear your little black dress or suit” — we can wear these clothes described in this scripture that really matter regardless how we’re stylin’ or what “threads” we have on:

~ Clothe yourselves with compassion. Compassion is a way of living that reaches others with the hands and feet of Christ in very practical and loving ways. I love that in my work at the hospital or consoling ministry.

~ Clothe yourselves with kindness. Kindness can be an encouraging word to a friend or a gesture that says, “I see you. You matter.” Kindness is a way of living that finds such great pleasure in making others feel cared about.

~ Clothe yourselves with humility. Humility is the epitome of selflessness. It’s a way of living that looks to others first because they genuinely care.

~ Clothe yourselves with gentleness. Gentleness is a way of living that expresses quiet, peaceful and calmness in our approach with others.

~ Clothe yourselves with patience. Patience a calm, peaceful endurance. It is a way of living that accepts God’s timing as perfect timing, trusting Him Who holds all things in His hands.

Just a little reminder today that when we go to our clothes closet to choose that “perfect” outfit for the occasion, let’s remember to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience . . . each and every day, then we’ll answer that question, “I’ve got my best outfit on today!”