I think I just found my “uniform” for self-confidence; black & white polka-dot sheath dress, sunglasses, a scarf tied around my hair, and a convertible.
I was driving to Mike’s office to pick him up for a dinner date with some work associates and as I was zooming along the highway I realized I felt happy and confident. Maybe it was the looks people gave me. I seemed to be the only one in a convertible with the top down. The weather was glorious. I was playing a Stephen Curtis Chapman CD and the song Remember Your Chains came on. It was a quick “reality check” that even though I definitely felt confident in what I was wearing and driving, my true confidence comes from knowing and loving God.
Imagine what you life would be
If Jesus had not set you free
Remember your chains are gone
Remember all that once held you
Before the love of God broke through
Remember your chains
The definition for confidence in the Encarta dictionary is “Self assurance or a belief in your ability to succeed.” It’s taken me only 50 years to accept who I am and to improve my self-esteem. God has been patiently telling me I am loved and accepted and other people’s opinions aren’t what matter even though that’s not what the world says. Even though I’m not sure what God has planned for me to do after Sarah graduates next year, I know He’ll help me succeed.
I pulled up in front of Mike’s office building feeling pretty “hot”. He walked out and said to another guy something like,”There’s a hot chick picking me up- how did I get so lucky?” That was a confidence-booster! He also said I looked like Jackie Kennedy. Now that was a compliment! I’ve always loved/copied her style…pearls, sheath dresses, white jeans, big sunglasses. She had such a sense of style, was true to herself and always dressed appropriately. She even had Barbie dolls made to look like her!
Lesson Learned: Besides classic clothes I feel pretty in, a scarf and sunglasses (which are great for hiding wrinkles), I need to remember what is really important to put on:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:13-17
A sweet Audi convertible with red leather interior also helps bring joy and confidence…
In His Grip, Jane
You are always hot!
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