About a week ago a friend of mine visited her old work place, when she got there she saw a former colleague and was shocked by her appearance. She looked drawn, sick, and bland, like someone whose life had been sucked out. Someone who had formerly taken joy in wearing makeup, nice clothes and generally looking and feeling good now looked like a shadow of herself. In a later conversation she found out that the woman in question had “given her life to Christ” and that was the reason for her new appearance.
When I heard this story I was deeply saddened, my friend who was just generally giving me “gist” was surprised by how personal I seemed to be taking the whole story, but I couldn't help it. All I could imagine was that if these were the kind of examples I had seen when I embarked on my spiritual journey I would probably have just jumped ship.
I remember tweeting a long time ago “A long time ago, someone lied to me about God, I’m still trying to fix it.” I still find this true today. Here are some things I know for sure- God doesn't want you to stop being YOU. He wants us to have joy in our lives, to live full lives, lives that are abundant in love, kindness and happiness. God cares so little about our outward appearance; he cares that we love him and others.
All those little quirks about you, your funky fashion, your crazy hair, your several colors of nail polish, your explosive laughter- they make you special and as long as what is inside you is good character – love and kindness; God doesn't care if you dye your hair blue. So you can understand why I was so sad to hear about this lady who stripped herself, of herself in the name of “God” , I just hope her character was given an overhaul too- otherwise it was all for nothing.
I'm not saying your belief shouldn't have an effect on your outward appearance- depending on who you are it might- what I'm saying is that the inner work should begin first and be focused on more, then it may now start reflecting on the outside.
God has given us the gift of life and we better enjoy living it.
(I rarely talk about my spirituality as it's a deeply personal journey for me so I ask that whatever your beliefs are you keep your comments polite. Thank you for keeping this a safe space)
Love always,
Sabirah.
