A recent comment in an online sewing group made me think. The person commenting said that she wanted to make and wear so many different things, but that in the “casual” world we live in she was afraid to stand out like a sore thumb by wearing something outside the norm. Those responding to her were of the mindset of that she be herself and wear what makes her happy. Those of us who sew often think that way because we strive to follow our own fashion sense. Still, if we really think that, why do we fall into the trap?
Why do we feel the need to conform to what others think or do? Why do we let community, or culture, or fashion dictate how we look? Why are we reluctant to be different?
Have you every watched a toddler dress themselves? They put on the things they like. They wear rain boots with tutus…Christmas dresses on the 4th of July…polka dots with stripes! They have creative minds and are learning who they are and what they like. But we stop them and teach them to conform to what is acceptable to everyone else.
Why are we afraid to let them stand out? Why are we afraid to stand out? We weren’t created to be carbon copies of everyone else!
Years ago, I loved sewing for a lady who was short and fluffy. She said her friends told her to wear dark colors to make her look thinner. Instead, she wore what she loved…tropical prints and colors…yellow and orange and aqua! She felt good about herself and it radiated in her personality and her style. She walked with confidence.
Dare to be different! Dare to be what God created you to be! Dare to stand out in a crowd!
“For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14
No Body's Perfect 