I appreciate a good accessory. You will rarely catch me without an oversized pair of earrings or a classy (not trashy) pop of leopard print. I have an affinity for neon and I just really think gold sequins are severely under used. As my sweet darling sister would say, "that’s very ‘Becca' of you.” I don’t think she means that as a compliment, but it has yet to stop me from pairing together whatever I please.
The point of my fashion monologue is this: this month cultural rules forced me to rid myself of some of my favorite things. Day 1 brought the removal of earrings, bracelets, anklets and my beloved nose ring (yes, Dad, you heard right. you can celebrate now.). During this time our team also chose to do a week long make-up fast. That’s right people – no nose ring AND no pink lipstick. Talk about letting go of my identity. Geeze.
So this is how I entered my first Malaysian prayer service – no makeup, no jewelry, a messy ponytail and clothes that should have already made their way to the dirty laundry. Hot mess, right? As I walked into the sanctuary and started to pray, I felt like God could see me – I mean really see me. There was no black eyeliner or pretty dress for me to hide behind. No sarcastic comments or jokes I could make to ease the discomfort of feeling naked before the Lord. It’s kind of a scary feeling, when all of your typical defenses are gone.
And in that moment of raw vulnerability the Lord spoke truth into my soul and told me that I am enough. That I don’t have to keep searching for ways to become a better version of myself. That me – when you take away all the fancy and pretty – is still enough. Me running around the world (ok, not literally) trying in some small way to make a difference is enough. Giving him control of my life is enough. Being the person he created me to be is enough. I don't have it all figured out and I sure as heck don't know what's coming next. But for this day, this moment – my hope and trust is in him. And that's enough.
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
I didn’t go into that prayer service seeking validation from the Lord. I didn’t even know that I wanted it. But isn't it sweet how Jesus always gives us exactly what we need? Yeah, he's pretty baller like that.
So, I leave you with the absolute cheesiest thing you will hear all day (and if it's not then you should reevaluate who you hang out with…) – let Jesus be your best accessory. I know, I know. That’s what your mom says when you’re running late for school and can’t pick out an outfit. But it’s true.
Today, try leaving at home the accessory that most defines you – your fav boots, your signature bag, your BA leather jacket. (if you’re a guy… leave your flat bill or motorcycle? Yikes I don’t know.) Abandon it for a day and replace it with Jesus. He goes with every outfit, every season, every day of the week. Let him be the one that defines you. The one that gets you compliments. The one that helps you strike up a convo with a stranger/potential new friend. Let him lead your day and see what happens. You just might find you shine brighter with him than you ever did in your gold sequin shirt.
