WARDROBE CHANGES
WELCOME TO NEW SEASONS! WELCOME TO A NEW YOU!
This year I believe many have moved into new normals, new positions, and new seasons. And with new normals, you might need a new wardrobe, a new mindset, and maybe even a new way of communicating.
With facing your new season, area, or chapter in life, you may have also created new routines and goals to align with all of this newness. You looked at your wardrobe and realized maybe it is time for a change. So what are you going to do? Maybe empty your closet, evaluate what to keep, take away, make the necessary adjustments, and add new items?
Working in fashion, one thing I know is that with each season, there's a new wardrobe to align with that season. Same way, when you've been promoted from an assistant position to a manager, trust and believe your outfit over time will be transformed to align with your new title. So what about when you are being elevated into a new level, position, season spiritually? Your outward appearance might look the same, but your countenance isn't, your walk is different, and your speech isn't the same. What does that look like practically?
Just like how specific action steps are needed to transform your closet/physical wardrobe, the same steps can be applied spiritually as well:
- Realized a change is needed
- Make a decision to change
- Take inventory
- Remove what is not necessary: Sometimes this step can be the hardest. Letting go isn't always easy; it can be downright painful. But when you know that the very thing you are holding unto is detrimental to your soul, you'll have to let go to be free. You have to forgive, not for them but you. You have to LET GO of what is taking up space in your life; it is time to make room for what God wants to bless you with. Like it's states in the scriptures - "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins." (Mark 2:22). You can't expect new and yet still want to keep the old habits, old friends and old tendencies. Let go of the old in order to receive the new.
- Embracing the new & Living a transformed life: This step will not be a walk in the park, more like going through a Hungers Game tournament (just being honest). When you are changing or transitioning into a new season, people will notice, some will be happy, and others will be envious. The devil will hate on you and try to keep bringing up your past by reminding you of who you once were, etc. But I am here to tell you to keep your eyes on the prize (Hebrews 12:2). To keep walking in that freedom. Don't let the opinions of others get you discouraged. When you are transformed, you look forward. Your identity is redefined. You are singing a new song and walking to a new beat.
When you change your wardrobe, there will be times when you get tempted to bring back what you took out of your closet, but it won't align with who you are anymore. Same way, bedazzled bell-bottom jeans need to stay in the past, so do your old patterns and habits. Speak the truth over yourself when those weaknesses come, and get yourself a friend that can hold you accountable to stay focused.
As you read this, I pray that you strive to make a personal evaluation of yourself in all areas of your life. You only have one life to live, be a good steward of it. Live it abundantly and fearlessly. You already have all that you need to live the life God has created for you to live. God is already doing His part; it's time to change your wardrobe to align with what He is doing in your life. Transformation begins with His word...reading it, applying it, meditating on it and sharing it.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. - Hebrews 4:12
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Be encourage and Be empowered - Makli Brand