foreveryoung 10/26/10
According to New York Fashion Week, the hot trends for fall 2010 are conservative glamour, chick urban warriors, and eccentric color combinations.
While fashion trends come and go, true style is generated from an inward beauty that emanates inside out. After all, how can you really be a chick urban warrior on the outside if you’re torn up inside?
A few weeks ago, I read that by the time teenagers reach age 16 only 5 percent feel good about themselves. Maybe you're one of them or perhaps you know a young person whose self image is sagging. If so, you can relate. You understand that poor self-image and the fear to be uniquely you chokes confidence and stifles happiness.
During my teen years and early twenties, I filled journals with my inward struggle between faith and fear. I wanted to succeed wildly, but too many times worry stifled my sense of savoir faire. I sought after the ability to say or do the graceful thing, but many times I couldn’t vest up. I feared that if I stepped out, I wouldn’t be good enough. Rather than grasping God’s view of myself and my true beauty, I fell into the trap of gauging my worth by the ever-changing opinions of others.
Through these struggles, I discovered God’s love provides peace and overcomes fear. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." God has overcome all your awkward feelings. He has overcome rejection. He has overcome insecurity. You are good enough.
When fear says, “You aren’t cool. Don’t try out for the ______ (the band, the team, etc.).” Choose faith that exclaims, “I will put a new song in your heart” (Psalm 40:3). When fear whispers, “You’re going to make an idiot of yourself. You were made for the background.” Faith pronounces, “I have called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
What are you struggling with today? It may be fear of failure (not getting in to the right college or finding a job) or fear of the future (not being sure of who you are and what to do with the next few years) or even fear of letting someone you love down (not meeting expectations). You’re not alone; we all deal with these issues. Fear is subtle. It sneaks in, dampens your spirit, and ruins what would otherwise be a great day.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? If you’re one who is fighting fear (as I did), I have some tips that can help you.
Fall Fashion Guide
F-E-A-R no longer has a place in your closet. Go ahead; try these Scriptures on for size. God isn't a respecter of persons. The faith He’s granted another, He'll give to you too! Here are four faith-filled garments no one should leave home without.
1. Favor and the fuchsia scarf
You’re wrapped up in God’s favor. How can anyone as beautiful as you doubt their true worth? The next time you tie a scarf around your neck remember God's favor is with you. "You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit." (Job 10:12, NKJV)
2. Endeared in your embroidered jeans
Anytime you step out in your skinny jeans, remember God's got you covered. You are endeared by Him today. "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." (Isaiah 49:15-16, NIV)
3. Acknowledge the ankle boots
Your boots were made for walking from sin straight into the sanctuary. Kick up those heels knowing that your steps will be firm as you walk the way of salvation. "Stand therefore… having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (Ephesians 6:14-16, NKJV)
4. Restoration and the ravishing headband
Headbands are in. (Right now as I type this, I’m wearing a cute black velvet one.) Whenever you slip on a headband, remember that God is your restorer. It doesn't matter what you've done, He stands waiting to forgive and forget. You’re always on his mind. His will is for your good. "The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us." (Psalm 115:12, NKJV).
God's view of you is what matters most. When you get that, true beauty shines from the inside out. This is your season to break free from the fears that have held you back because Christ has given you all faith. With this panache principle in tow, you'll never doubt that you are clothed in His love. So be fashioned full of faith rather than fear!
Fall Fashion for the Fearless
According to New York Fashion Week, the hot trends for fall 2010 are conservative glamour, chick urban warriors, and eccentric color combinations.
While fashion trends come and go, true style is generated from an inward beauty that emanates inside out. After all, how can you really be a chick urban warrior on the outside if you’re torn up inside?
A few weeks ago, I read that by the time teenagers reach age 16 only 5 percent feel good about themselves. Maybe you're one of them or perhaps you know a young person whose self image is sagging. If so, you can relate. You understand that poor self-image and the fear to be uniquely you chokes confidence and stifles happiness.
During my teen years and early twenties, I filled journals with my inward struggle between faith and fear. I wanted to succeed wildly, but too many times worry stifled my sense of savoir faire. I sought after the ability to say or do the graceful thing, but many times I couldn’t vest up. I feared that if I stepped out, I wouldn’t be good enough. Rather than grasping God’s view of myself and my true beauty, I fell into the trap of gauging my worth by the ever-changing opinions of others.
Through these struggles, I discovered God’s love provides peace and overcomes fear. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." God has overcome all your awkward feelings. He has overcome rejection. He has overcome insecurity. You are good enough.
When fear says, “You aren’t cool. Don’t try out for the ______ (the band, the team, etc.).” Choose faith that exclaims, “I will put a new song in your heart” (Psalm 40:3). When fear whispers, “You’re going to make an idiot of yourself. You were made for the background.” Faith pronounces, “I have called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
What are you struggling with today? It may be fear of failure (not getting in to the right college or finding a job) or fear of the future (not being sure of who you are and what to do with the next few years) or even fear of letting someone you love down (not meeting expectations). You’re not alone; we all deal with these issues. Fear is subtle. It sneaks in, dampens your spirit, and ruins what would otherwise be a great day.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? If you’re one who is fighting fear (as I did), I have some tips that can help you.
Fall Fashion Guide
F-E-A-R no longer has a place in your closet. Go ahead; try these Scriptures on for size. God isn't a respecter of persons. The faith He’s granted another, He'll give to you too! Here are four faith-filled garments no one should leave home without.
1. Favor and the fuchsia scarf
You’re wrapped up in God’s favor. How can anyone as beautiful as you doubt their true worth? The next time you tie a scarf around your neck remember God's favor is with you. "You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit." (Job 10:12, NKJV)
2. Endeared in your embroidered jeans
Anytime you step out in your skinny jeans, remember God's got you covered. You are endeared by Him today. "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." (Isaiah 49:15-16, NIV)
3. Acknowledge the ankle boots
Your boots were made for walking from sin straight into the sanctuary. Kick up those heels knowing that your steps will be firm as you walk the way of salvation. "Stand therefore… having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (Ephesians 6:14-16, NKJV)
4. Restoration and the ravishing headband
Headbands are in. (Right now as I type this, I’m wearing a cute black velvet one.) Whenever you slip on a headband, remember that God is your restorer. It doesn't matter what you've done, He stands waiting to forgive and forget. You’re always on his mind. His will is for your good. "The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us." (Psalm 115:12, NKJV).
God's view of you is what matters most. When you get that, true beauty shines from the inside out. This is your season to break free from the fears that have held you back because Christ has given you all faith. With this panache principle in tow, you'll never doubt that you are clothed in His love. So be fashioned full of faith rather than fear!