*Note: This blog post contains Faith discussions and Bible scriptures.
I’m really not sure if it’s the winter blues getting to me or the weight of my personal struggles, but lately, I’ve been feeling pretty down.
So, I turned to prayer and grabbed a devotional for some guidance. The title of the reading was “Beauty,” and it started talking about feeling beautiful. And honestly, in that moment, I couldn’t help but think,
“Really? Because I definitely don’t feel beautiful right now.”
I kept reading anyway. Then, the author mentioned a Bible verse that somehow resonated deeply within me:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
In that moment, I saw myself in a new light and reflected on the rhythm of my mornings. From the moment I wake up, praying for guidance, to making that cup of tea (with collagen and coconut oil) that somehow fuels my day, and then sitting at my desk, meticulously planning and organizing every detail of the day. Also, worrying about how to keep my daughter entertained and engaged with learning activities during wintertime.
There I was, jotting down tasks in my planner, strategizing new content, and addressing the myriad of responsibilities that come with managing an Etsy shop and an online biz. It’s a relentless cycle of responsibilities – from managing household chores and meals to tackling customer complaints and shipping delays.
And then it hit me. This is how my day always begins, long before my daughter even wakes up. It’s a constant juggling act, balancing the demands of home and work, all while trying to create a nurturing environment for her.
I realized the immense strength it takes to be a stay-at-home mom, carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders, yet still finding the resilience to keep going, day in and day out.
No wonder why I felt down.
Yes, it was like a light bulb went off in my head. Deep inside I actually felt weak, not strong…
I’m actually CLOTHED with strength.
What does it mean to be clothed?
Being clothed typically refers to wearing garments or clothing items that cover the body. Beyond the literal sense, being clothed can also carry symbolic or metaphorical meanings such as:
- Physical Protection: Clothing provides protection from environmental elements like cold, heat, and physical harm.
- Modesty: Clothing can serve as a means of modesty, covering certain parts of the body for cultural, religious, or personal reasons.
- Identity: Clothing can reflect personal style, cultural heritage, or societal status, serving as a form of self-expression and identity.
- Authority or Uniformity: Certain types of clothing, such as uniforms or formal attire, may symbolize authority, professionalism, or belonging to a particular group or organization.
- Spiritual or Metaphorical Meaning: In religious or spiritual contexts, being clothed may symbolize righteousness, purity, or spiritual protection. For example, being “clothed in righteousness” might denote living a morally upright life.
Regarding this Bible verse, being clothed in strength is a metaphorical recognition that despite personal struggles and doubts, God’s strength envelops us and sustains us through every trial and tribulation.
So, how can we be clothed?
- Trusting in God’s Provision: Being clothed in strength involves entrusting your weaknesses and fears to God, believing that His grace is sufficient to carry you through every trial and tribulation.
- Walking in Faith: It means stepping forward in faith, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness, and that He will equip you with everything you need to face whatever lies ahead.
- Embracing God’s Promises: Being clothed in strength is about anchoring yourself in the promises of God’s Word, which assures you that He will never leave you nor forsake you, and that His strength is made perfect in your weakness.
Being clothed in strength isn’t about mustering up courage or summoning willpower; it’s about acknowledging our limitations and trusting in His limitless power to sustain us. When feeling weak internally, we can rely on God’s strength to sustain and uplift us, even in moments of vulnerability.
Oh so beautifully dressed..
Suddenly, I saw myself from a different perspective. Not naked with weakness and fear anymore, but clothed with His strength.
It reminded me of the tender moments I share with my little daughter each morning. As she wakes up, I greet her with a kiss and help her into her favorite clothes, all the while teaching her each piece’s name and color in English and Spanish.
And just like her… tomorrow, I’ll wake up, embrace my heavenly Father’s love, and I’ll intentionally name and “clothe” myself with strength, faith, love, and grace to face the challenges of the day.
I would like to finish with a prayer.
Father,
Thank You for clothing me with Your strength. In moments of weakness, help me to lean on Your power and trust in Your grace. May Your strength be my refuge and my fortress, guiding me through every trial and tribulation. May I rest in the assurance that with You, I’m safe and loved. Also, thank you for seeing me as your beautiful daughter, clothed with strength.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Always remember… you are YOUnique, you are amazing, you are strong, and you mean the world to your children.
Love,
Jackie.
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