I woke up this a.m. with typical Monday morning angst.

I didn’t have the opportunity to catch up on my sleep during the weekend (typical), I might have not showered the night before (oppsie) and I just had no desire to wear any clothing in my closet (fashion crisis).

I stared in my bedroom mirror at the sleep deprived person with pink camouflage shorts and interesting grunge hair and thought back to undergrad days when I could pull on a hoodie and yoga pants and put my hair in a messy bun. I was socially acceptable and by far not the only one dressed that way. I don’t think that would qualify as appropriate work wear for today.

Well, miracles do happen on Mondays and I managed to put together a sensible outfit, which has actually generated quite a few compliments.  *patting myself on the back*

I’ve always enjoyed fashion and shopping and anything high-heeled and sparkly, but lately I’ve really been thinking about the relationship between the idea of fashion and beauty, and Christianity. These two areas seem to be in opposition in today’s modern society. Fashion is associated with superficiality and a lack of moral values predominant in Christianity. And unfortunately there are individuals out there who reveal these assumptions to be true. However, this isn’t always the case.

I’m going to refer to “the body is a temple” reference. I know we’ve heard 1 Corinthians 6:19 again and again, but I think it’s something to really dwell on. Bodies are temples. We should value ourselves, take care of ourselves, and present ourselves in a way that glorifies God in our own beautiful way.

In a broader sense, what we pick out to wear, how we do our hair and makeup, how much value we put on fashion and beauty should all come down to one word – respect. Our clothing, our makeup, our hair all say something about ourselves, but they should do so without demoting our moral integrity. Knowing who you are and who’s you are helps create within you a strong sense of self and confidence. Practicing fashion and beauty through a filter of self-respect is absolutely necessary.

I really believe fashion portrays personality and character and, if used wisely, enhances inner beauty. An appreciation of beauty is perfectly natural. God put that desire in us to admire and reflect beauty. The dilemma with fashion and beauty today is following what others tell us is beauty and will make us beautiful, rather than making choices independent of mass media and with a strong sense of confidence and respect.

My toes are hurting as I type this. I squished them into 4-inch nude pumps today. I’m proud to be a fashionable representative of God, but the key is balance. I strive to remember the God I ultimately serve is not the one of the spring sale at New York & Company, but the God who created the world to put his beauty on display.