As a former style blogger, a Certified Image Consultant, and a lover of shopping, I can say unabashedly that I am drawn to the shapes and silhouettes, the tactile fabrics, and the appealing colors that accompany fashion. I am over the moon that we are finally coming out of the drab and baggy stage of COVID’s anything-goes attire. The local storefronts and online boutiques are offering us trendy pieces like bubble skirts and halter tops, and are replacing dull, monotone colors with cheeky prints and vibrant palettes. Even the shoe department has a fresh joie de vivre that includes platform slippers, colorful sandals, and sassy stilettos.

Men’s attire has gotten an overhaul as well, but us girls have so many more options to add our creative flair. Our figures are less about measurements and more about silhouettes – from hourglass, to apples and pears, even beautiful, slender trees. We have much to celebrate!

I love dressing with a feminine flair. I enjoy clothes tailored to my curves, with an added ruffle at the bodice, a puffed sleeve, a waist defining belt, or even adorned heels. I much prefer dark denim with a silk blouse, over athleisure wear, and a spritz of perfume and a splash of lipstick are a must with both outfits!

Yet, with all these options we have, there is one accessory we don’t want to miss. Regardless of age, there is one item that is our greatest adornment, our greatest provider of confidence, and the real swagger to our step.

The Holy Spirit.

Please don’t laugh, as I know many won’t believe me, but think about it this way: many of us have a strong desire to stay young and beautiful, and as years pass, we begin reaching for anti-aging, weight-reducing, and youthful elixirs. We desire to stay fit and thin, seeking new exercises and miracle supplements. Yet we need to check our hearts and our motives so that we don’t “idolize” body parts more so than God. Again, some readers might be laughing, but it wouldn’t be the first time beauty, pride, and ego got in between God and His beloved child.

Look at what the Sovereign Lord says to Satan: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” “Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.” (Ezekiel 28:12-13, 17). Satan thought of himself as equal to or better than God. And he was cast out, so now, he uses his same tricks and insecurities to attack us in the areas of beauty, pride, and ego, to separate us from God, just like him.

I’m sorry if this sounds like “What Not to Wear.” But wouldn’t we prefer a girlfriend to pull us aside than to show up with our teeth full of spinach or bad panty lines?

So, as your stylist (and evangelist) who wants us all to shine from the inside out:

• How can we be most comfortable in the skin, hair, and body that God gave us?
• How can we draw on the Holy Spirit to be the inner confidence we most desire?
• How can we be aware of which areas trip us up the most?

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Ask God to reveal how He sees you, instead of seeing how you reflect in the mirror. Examine the inner qualities that are uniquely yours, and that set you apart in a beautiful way.

Stop and reassess what God says is beautiful. The Woman of Noble Character described in Proverbs 31 is a hard worker, generous, and speaks kindly. She keeps herself healthy, strong, and dresses attractively. Yet it’s her reverence of the Lord (v30) that makes her the most attractive.

 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

If the Holy Spirit resides inside us every day, how can we be His gracious hostess? How can we  draw on the intimacy and strength that the Advocate, Comforter, Teacher, and Intercessor provides? We are given the Holy Spirit as our Seal of Salvation, isn’t this covering better than any layer of makeup we can buy?

As believers, this is part of our “it” Factor. Yet many overlook the power we have within. The indwelling of the Spirit gives us direct access to the Lord. When we seek and know Him, there is a lightness and joy that no workout can provide.

And for the third question of being aware of what causes us to sin, the Holy Spirit acts as an internal alarm system who alerts us of danger and morally shady decisions. His warning system is for our protection. We should heed it, because it is designed perfectly for each of us.

Ten years ago, on the eve of my first mission trip, my friend Lori Valentine shared Truth with me that is just as relevant today. She said “What is the better alternative to living for Christ? Beauty fades, youth ages, and you cannot take wealth with you, but God can provide all we need, here and into eternity, why miss the everyday joy He can provide?”

Please pray with me:

Lord, Thank You for creating us each uniquely and beautifully. Help us open our eyes to the special aspects and giftings You have given us. Thank You for loving us exactly how we are and how we look. You don’t ask us to wear a disguise or a costume, but to step out in the world clothed in love, and to be exactly who You intended us to be. Strengthen us through Your Holy Spirit and use our laugh lines and wisdom to draw others toward You. Amen.