On October 8, 1993 I was born into this world of beautiful brokenness. God clothed me with a white dress and that was all that I needed. As I got older I became more aware of the world I was living in and I noticed not everyone had on a white dress.
In elementary school all the other girls were wearing big pink jackets, and I began to feel left out. One day a girl handed me a pink jacket so I could fit in with the rest of the girls.
In Junior High I started to receive grades for all of my school work. Each day I worked hard because all the smart students would earn sunglasses at the end of the year for their perfect performances.
In High school, people walked around in all sorts of clothing. It was hard not to compare myself with the other girls who knew how to do their make-up well, and wore the right clothing. To make up for my comparison, I wore a pretty green headband.
All four years I ran track and found out I was a decent runner. I bought my first pair of legit running shoes and felt pride for winning a race from time to time.
High school was the first time I had a serious boyfriend and I had so much fun going on dates, learning about love, and spending most of my time with, or thinking about this person. I started to wear a blue scarf.
In College, I was introduced to some new fears of mine, but I found some earmuffs that helped me feel more secure.
One day, I began talking to Jesus and said, “I want to know you more, I want to be your friend and I want to walk in your presence.” He responded with, “I have been here the whole time, but you have so much clothing on, you cannot feel me, see me, or hear me very well.” One by one, Jesus began to remove everything that was in the way of embracing his presence to the fullest.
With a sweet smile he took off my big pink Jacket and said, “You belong to my family, do not give up who you are to belong to someone else” (1 Corinthians 12:27)
With his right hand he brushed my hair and removed the green headband. “Stop comparing yourself, for you were made perfect in my image.” (Genesis 1:27)
He knelt down and untied my shoes. “Be humble my child, for then you will be raised up.” (James 4:10)
Before I knew it, my scarf was falling to the ground. Jesus said “Do not be distracted, for I am your first love.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
I knew what was coming next, but I was reluctant. I have felt so comfortable with my sunglasses on; after all, I earned them. “But you cannot see me clearly with them on.” He said. “For I AM made perfect in your weakness, let your weakness show, so my strength can be revealed.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) When those glasses were removed, Jesus’ face was so much clearer.
Lastly, I realized what was next. My ears were comfortable and warm under my earmuffs, I was scared to take them off and feel the cold. But as I thought about it more, I remembered the joy I had when my sunglasses were removed and I could see Jesus clearer than I ever have. The next moment, with my own hands, I removed my earmuffs and put them in Jesus’ hands. With a big smile he received them and said, “hand over all your anxieties to me, for I care so deeply for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) I was almost startled by how clear, warm and kind Jesus’ voice was…I could get used to this.
I looked down and all I could see was the clean white dress that He put on me at the beginning of my life. With all my other clothes removed, I embraced a hug with Jesus like none other before, one where I could feel the warmth of his skin, see it in his eyes, and hear it in his voice. I am free.
Are you wearing something that is keeping you from experiencing his embrace to the fullest?
