You have probably already heard… Taylor Swift is coming to town this weekend. Her massive “Eras Tour,” which promises to take listeners on a journey through the various eras of her career, has the Tri-state buzzing with excitement as restaurants add special menu items, hotels and airbnbs are well past sold out within sixty miles of the city, and thousands of fans without tickets are making plans to stand on the banks of the Ohio River and sing along outside the stadium.
One of the biggest considerations for attendees is what to wear to the concert. The idea is that you plan your outfit to represent your favorite era and/or album of Swift’s career.
Clothing is important. It can create an atmosphere and set a tone. It helps us express ourselves and lets others know who we are. Clothing can be protective for certain work and hobbies. Some clothing, just by wearing it, provides access to places off limits to others. It happens when I wear my black pastor shirt at a hospital or retirement community all the time.
When meeting with seminary intern Pastor Laura, one of the first things she asked about was if there was any type of staff dress code at Lord of Life. I told her, “Dress for the day.” I let her know that I don’t wear a pastor collar shirt every day and don’t expect her too, either. “Dress for the day.” When preparing to get a pie in the face at VBS, meeting someone for lunch, going to a concert or game to support a LOL kid, or building a ramp on a home as part of the Appalachia Service Project trip, she may want to wear something appropriate to the activity. And yes, it is totally appropriate to wear the pastor shirt and clergy collar underneath the Lord of Life “You are loved” tie dye for the Pride Parade.
These ideas spill into how we “dress” our space at Lord of Life, too. What do our campus and building, words and songs, visual art and signage say about who we are and what we believe? More about that in a future blog.
The apostle Paul explores the types of apparel that all of us are invited to wear every day in Colossians 3:12-14. “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… and don’t forget to fill up your pockets and hearts with forgiveness and love” (my paraphrase).
Talk about love and this Spirit-inspired attire isn’t just for special occasions. God’s inclusive and permeating love centers our whole lives together. It is God’s example of unconditional love through Jesus which provides the template and example of how we can love and care for one another. These words – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience – give us a glimpse of what this outfit will look like.
Sometimes, these words don’t fit us well. They may feel like a borrowed shirt or shoes that are too big to fill. We have to alter our lives to make them fit better or feel comfortable. The presence of God and the joy of a faith community help us suit up and join the party.
How are you dressing for the day ahead? What are you wearing? Are you putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Why or why not? This is a great season to try on something new or refresh your wardrobe. God reminds us that this is the era of love!
Putting on love,
Pastor Lowell