Wisdom of a Man Named Joe

Last weekend, we had a business fair at our church. I had a table set up there, and it was great to share my business with the people of my parish. I was doing free, quick, wardrobe analysis and consultations. I met a very interesting and confident man named Joe. He came up to my table and said, "So, what do you think of my image, never mind, don't tell me. I already know. My image is perfect, because I am made in the image of God. In fact, we all are, which means, nobody needs to hire you."

He got me thinking. He is right, we are all made in the image and likeness of God, and when we meet him one day, we will have perfect bodies, and no thoughts of insecurity. However, we don't all have perfect bodies and/or the confidence of Joe. I heard a lady speak at the women's conference yesterday, and she mentioned the Dove "Real Women" campaign from a few years ago. The campaign statistics showed that 2% of women label themselves as beautiful. 2%!!! This is crazy to me. I look around every day and see the beauty of the women I come in contact with. So different, and so "perfect." Even though we are perfect, and God sees us that way, and is crazy about us JUST THE WAY WE ARE, that doesn't mean we see ourselves that way.

So that's where I come in. You know, when I describe my business, I compare what I do to the show What Not to Wear. I should really stop doing that, because the way I approach the whole process is very different. I don't choose to tear you down only to bring you back up. I take the person and ask them about their insecurities. I teach them to love what God has given them, and to make them look and feel beautiful, no matter what their body type or perceived flaws.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all felt like Joe about ourselves? I would totally be fine being out of business if that's how we all felt! I would find something else to do. But thanks to the media, Satan, and original sin, we don't all feel that way.

A new friend asked me about my business not long ago. She said, "So do you think that a sweet little nun with a bulky habit, and no make-up needs your services?" My response, "Heaven's No!" That little woman has given her life to God, and is probably very confident that God loves her just the way she is.

I'm not out to make a little fashionista clone army. Just as God made us all look different, I think we should all dress different. I like to help people feel comfy in the skin they are in while wearing things that make them feel good about themselves (so sue me if for me these things happen to be skinny jeans, cool boots and trendy jewelry)!

So today, I challenge you all to tell yourself you are beautiful, and mean it. And if you don't feel it, go through your closet and put something on that makes you feel beautiful. Then thank God for giving you this beautiful body that is made in HIS image!