Posted On: August 11th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
I wrote this about a month and a half ago and never posted it. Better late than never I suppose . . .
I recently went to the movie The Devil Wears Prada with Naomi (T1), Mrs. Rhein and Maggie. It was a fun girl's night out, and we all enjoyed the movie. The plot is simple and rather formulaic, but I think that Meryl Streep's elegantly snooty poise saves the film. Loveable, supposedly dorky, Andy (Anne Hathaway) is hired as a 'gopher' for fashion guru Miranda Richardson's (Streep) assistant, and eventually ends up being Miranda's favorite, and best dressed, employee.
The movie takes place in a world of clothes, shoes and accessories. Everyone in obsessed with 'beauty' (though, personally I'm not fond of orange gauze dresses with teal belts) and fashion - and, above all, pleasing Miranda. Beautiful, sophisticated Miranda calls all the shots in the fashion world. She is the goddess editor and chief of Runway magazine, and her opinion seems to be the only one that matters.
In the non-movie world in which we live, everyone is still obsessed with beauty and fashion. I don't think that most people fret over which teal belt to wear with orange gauze, but most of us spend quite a lot of time worrying about our appearance. It doesn't matter how "low maintenance" you are, or how little time you spend in front of a mirror each morning, we all want look nice. To some people that means a rigorous daily routine of plucking, plumping and primping and to others it means a five minute shower a couple of times each week.
We certainly have the freedom to wear stylish clothing, makeup and accessories! It isn't a sin to enjoy God's gifts of shoes and clothing, or to enjoy keeping up on the latest trends. In fact, I think that it is important to give some attention to your personal appearance. Our appearance sends a message to those around us about our personalities and attitudes. This comes into play especially at important events such as job interviews, meetings with college admissions councilors, and the Divine Service.
When you look around on Sunday morning and see those around you dressed in their 'Sunday best' it should send a message to your brain - "Wow! Everyone is dressed up! Something important is going on here!" And when you dress up you send a similar message to your own brain.
The trouble comes when we become obsessed and worried about our looks, and when your 'Sunday best' becomes the focus of Sunday morning. Minimum personal hygiene aside, is all that fuss worth it? Does it really matter if you have sleek hair and curled eye lashes? Do your shoes really have to match your purse?
Of course not! Believe it or not, Jesus still forgives you even if you wear brown shoes and a navy blue purse with a black outfit purchased at Wal-Mart (though, I'm not sure if Bethany would speak to you . . . ) , and you won't be turned away from the alter if you show up in jeans and sneakers. Our robes have been washed and made white in the Blood of the Lamb! Why worry about names on a label when you have been clothed in Christ?!
Edited on: August 11th, 2006 2:34 pm
Comments:
Re: The Devil Wears What?!
Posted On: August 12th, 2006 at 11:04 am by TripletThree
Great post, Bean! :o)
Btw, I think that clothing combination might give Bep a heart attack... ;o)
Re: The Devil Wears What?!
Posted On: August 12th, 2006 at 12:11 pm by Bethany
Jesus still forgives you even if you wear brown shoes and a navy blue purse with a black outfit purchased at Wal-Mart (though, I'm not sure if Bethany would speak to you . . . )
*wince*
I'd still speak to you- just maybe not in public. ;o)
Nice post anyway!
Re: The Devil Wears What?!
Posted On: August 12th, 2006 at 12:46 pm by Bloghardt
May I post this on the main page of the website?