Costume Party

A guest blog from our communications director Caroline Arey. Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. In the next few days, if you haven't already, you'll be seeing lots and lots of pictures of your friends' and neighbors' kids dressed up for Halloween. The costumes will range from cuddly to clever to creepy, and you may also find yourself sneaking more pieces of candy than you're handing out to Trick-or-Treaters. Halloween is a day that children and adults alike get to transform into someone else for the day - and have fun doing it. For many of us, though, especially for us women, too many of our days are spent like Halloween... trying on different "costumes" to see what fits us best. It can be hard to live authentically and to feel completely comfortable and self-assured in the skin God created for us each of us, but that is exactly what He wants for us. In fact, He has already clothed us in the only outfit that we need: His own image. No more trying to be the perfect housewife or most creative homeroom mom or has-it-all together entrepreneur. Costumes get uncomfortable quickly, but when we find freedom in who He created us to be, we can truly thrive in the various roles that we play. In fact, the only "costumes" that Scripture encourages us to wear are the virtues of Christ, ranging from the Fruits of the Spirit to the Armor of God. He asks us only to wear what is already inside of us - His perfect creations. This weekend as you find yourself unwrapping another fun-size Snickers bar or greeting an Elsa or vampire or monkey, praise God that He has unloaded the burden of dressing up and playing pretend from your shoulders. You have been perfectly cast - and clothed - in the role you play!