What’s in Your Wardrobe?
Putting On Christ
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Wouldn’t it be great to have a personal shopper? A shopper has no ego invested in the process. She or he can filter through all the junk and find those few jewels that just might make me smile. But a personal shopper probably doesn’t know me, doesn’t observe my interactions day in and day out, nor does she have to look at me every day. I have something better than a personal shopper: a husband with an artist’s eye. He chooses the outfits he wants to see me wear! And he has great taste! When I look good, it reflects well on him. It means so much to see that look in his eyes when he’s loving what he sees. As a child of God, Jesus clothes me FOR Himself! Just let that thought sink in! Psalm 139:5- You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. God knows us intimately! Close, connected, protected. Just picture in your mind Jesus kneeling to pin up the hem of your clothing. His head is close by, His hands gently guiding the pins to be sure they don’t prick, He encircles you on His knees. The loving humility of Jesus never ceases to surprise and amaze me! Think of the intimacy implied in the action of clothing someone: a mother dressing her infant after his first bath; a fine lady and her maid (imagine the secrets shared by Mary and Anna in Downton Abbey); a father straightening the uniform of a son he’s sending into harm’s way in time of war; a new husband helping his bride on with her robe after their first night together. It’s more than just a supportive action. It expresses closeness, intimacy, and sensitivity. The dresser is aware of his/her touch— how it can soothe, comfort, calm, and offer support. This action is engaged in only the most private and trusted relationships. It’s not ritual or perfunctory. The clothing with which Jesus clothes us is not made of fabric. These special articles are spiritual. They are gifts, opportunities and mission designed specifically to enhance our relationship with Him. No matter what the world says of or tells me, I need to remind myself that the Father chose ME for His Son! When He looks at me, He sees me through the veil of Jesus’ cleansing blood. He sees His chosen child. He gazes with a love so big only He could give it.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
I love metaphors, especially those with so much rich imagery in God’s Word. e more I read, the more references to clothing seem to pop out. It seems that the role played by something so simple is surprisingly important. We all wear clothing, too! Its presence is pervasive and unavoidable. We feel the fabric with every movement; we notice its e ect on us each time we pass a re ective surface. Shouldn’t the same be true of our Christian walk? Should we not be aware of God’s presence with us every moment of the day? Should we not be attentive to our right re ection of His image as we interact with people throughout our day? As women, we learn so much about life by our interactions and conversations with our friends. Our close friends see into our hearts and speak truth to us in transformative ways. A spiritual mentor can help us bring Christ into all the most common areas of life, the places where we truly live out what we believe. If you are up to it, I challenge you to choose a wise, godly friend to walk alongside you as you read these musings, discuss the questions, and open your hearts to transformation in ways the Holy Spirit has designed just for you. ese ideas are just a launching point for your spiritual growth.
About the Author
Dana Stewart learned to love Jesus at age eight during Vacation Bible School. She’s enjoyed the pleasure of His company and leading ever since. She holds master’s degrees in music education and Christian counseling. She began serving in ministry as a teenager, volunteering at her church and later joining the children’s staff during college. After college, she worked in all kinds of creative, teaching and administrative positions in her church including the visioning and editing of a perennial Vacation Bible School curriculum designed to provide children a solid foundation in the basic theologies of the church at an appropriate developmental level. Once her children were in school, she secured her dream job: teaching Middle School Bible for 23 years in Houston, Texas, where she was also able to use her musical gifts directing the choir and Chapel Worship Team. She has taught people from the age of 2 through 92, and she has enjoyed directing youth choirs, singing in adult choirs, and helping to lead worship. She resides in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley on the central coast of California with her husband, Craig, and their 150-pound Great Pyrenees, Otis. Together they own and manage Lavande Farm, a lavender business that brings soothing joy to people all over the country, and La Petite Maison, a quaint rental cottage nestled in the lavender field. They are privileged to spend time with their children and grandchildren who all live on the West Coast.