Keep-Calm-And-Get-Dressed

So… I don’t like clothes. I don’t like shopping. I prefer not to wear makeup. My hair mostly rides around on my head on a ponytail.

And the fact that I have to put on clothes – well – it’s all Eve’s fault.

Eve and that dat-blummed apple.

Now while it may not be easy on everyone else’s eyes to have me walking around uncovered all day, it sure would make life easier on me.

Thinking about what to put on everyday can be stressful for me at times — because I don’t know half the time what I should wear…nor do I care.

But I know I should care. I should care about how I look and how my outside represents my insides. I should desire to put my best foot forward when I step out of the door. I should give at least a little-bit-of-a-hoot that I represent God well wherever I go.

So…I’m working on it.

But I’m not necessarily good at it.

I’m blessed to have a sister who loves clothes and who doesn’t mind helping me out on a regular basis. I’m so very grateful for that. But I still struggle. And I am learning not to be afraid of asking for help.

The other day I asked some friends on Facebook to tell me their opinions on an outfit I *tried* to put together. I was a little hesitant to put myself out there like that. I’ve learned to get through life as a tough cookie but I really am a sensitive soul. Knowing this, I asked them to be gentle in their responses 🙂

They were.

Not only were they kind and gentle, they actually gave me some very useful tips. They gave me such useful tips that I was able to put those suggestions to work a few days later when putting another outfit together.

So I’ve decided to share my little lesson with you…

The photo of me in the apple-red outfit is the first photo I shared with my fashionista friends.  These red pants were $6 and I figured if I couldn’t make them work to wear in front of people, I’d wear them as pajamas.  You just can’t pass up $6.  They sat in my closet for six months before I decided to make a go of it. Here’s the shot:

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I asked my friends for their honest opinions and here are a few things I was told:

“They’re cute!!!”

 “You just need a cute white tank top and  form fitting blazer to complete the look.”

“It’s cute.. I would add a big belt!! This would jazz it up”

“They’re nice…go with a less voluminous top. Like a tank or a fitted tee.”

“I love all the way red! Chunky necklace with a pop of color next time…” 

“I like! Very summery! Looks VERY comfortable! That’s always a plus.”

“I would add a funky belt or necklace if you were gonna dress them up “

“White or black top. Nice pants.”

“Chunky jewelry makes everyone look smaller and can make people go from your thighs to your eyes! :)”

 

A few days later when I stood in front of my closet, my heart racing in anticipation of having to select what to wear to church, some of those thoughts came to me and gave me ideas for what to do with pieces in my closet I’d never put together before.  Here’s the shot:

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I went back to my friends to get their opinions once again:

“I like it. The belt and jewelry are right on time.”

“Good job, Chrystal! You look fabulous, Dah-ling!!”

“YESSSSSSSS!!! I love it Chrystal The belt gives you that hour glass figure!”

“Yes, yes, yes yes..luv the look. only suggestion is if u wear a long skirt, pair with a higher heel or wedge.”

“The high bun and long skirt make you look long and lean!!!!!! SCORE!”

“So cute, I’m gonna steal that myself.”

“Really cute! Love the vertically lined shirt & colors!”

“Love the updo, the wide belt and the chunky necklace. You betta werk!”

“Looks great Chrystal Evans Hurst!! I knew you had it in you…. I love it on you!!”

Now…there are soooooo many lessons I could pull out of this little experience to share with you, but I’ll focus on this one because I think it’s the most important of them all.

It’s OK to ask for help.

 

Even after Eve messed up in the garden. God helped her.  Even though the predicament in which she found herself was her own fault, God was willing to lend a hand to assist her in moving forward despite her weakness.

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. (Genesis 3:21)

It’s OK to admit where we struggle or where we might find ourselves feeling inadequate or missing the bar.  We shouldn’t be ashamed to reach out to family or friends to speak both truth, kindness, love and encouragement into our lives.  It’s not a crime to wave your white hanky in a signal of distress so that those who want to help can to do so.

You might even find that the help you receive not only gives you a lift, but also propels you in the right direction.

And if Eve needed help to get dressed, I shouldn’t feel so bad if, every now and then, I need a nudge  in the right direction too.