Happy October, friends!
Autumn is easily my favorite season. Until Spring rolls around..then Spring becomes my favorite season. But in all reality, fall brings with it the gentle breeze of newness to me. Maybe it is because my years are marked by school years and the school year begins in the fall. Maybe it is because the days are broken up by beauty and colors falling from the trees. Who knows.
Whatever it is, though, it has given me to perfect opportunity to begin something new over here at "For Every Season." It is no news to those who know me that I love fashion and all things beautiful. I am passionate about being wise financially while still having a lovely closet.
Taking the next step in a lifestyle blog to sharing style tips, bargain hunting, and beauty hacks seems natural. And I am so excited to use this outlet for inspiration!
However, I have a far bigger hope for this branch of my blog. Last holiday season, I remember a conversation happening that made me sick to my stomach. I was sitting in a circle of people with a young girl on my lap. As we listened to the conversation, it took a turn to discussing someone's weight in a more negative view. I sat there suddenly aware of my size..beginning to feel uncomfortable as I wondered if these same people discussed my extra weight when I wasn't present. And then it got worse. I could feel this young girl WILT in my arms. She had a brave face. But I remember her looking at her dress and pulling it out around her belly. She shuffled her legs to hide what she probably was deeming chubby. Her face still brave, eyes a little duller, she eventually got up and moved to a different room. I was sick. At 22, my insecurities are easily conquered. But for this little girl...a little girl no older than 8? That memory might stick with her for ages. It might shape who she will become. It might even lead her to despise herself.
It was in that moment that I decided to do something about it all. I decided, instead of allowing her to feel ugly or worthless because she isn't all skin and bones at eight years old, that I would step up and show her something different. I know that she and her sisters look up to me. I won't deny that. So I decided to show her that beauty is not dependent upon size. I decided to show her that strength is beauty. I decided to show her that fashion and style and all things pretty that little girls dream of is not only for the skinny girls. I decided to show her what it means to be so sure of who God has made you to be that the words and expectations of others are but a shadow.
Whatever it is, though, it has given me to perfect opportunity to begin something new over here at "For Every Season." It is no news to those who know me that I love fashion and all things beautiful. I am passionate about being wise financially while still having a lovely closet.
Taking the next step in a lifestyle blog to sharing style tips, bargain hunting, and beauty hacks seems natural. And I am so excited to use this outlet for inspiration!
However, I have a far bigger hope for this branch of my blog. Last holiday season, I remember a conversation happening that made me sick to my stomach. I was sitting in a circle of people with a young girl on my lap. As we listened to the conversation, it took a turn to discussing someone's weight in a more negative view. I sat there suddenly aware of my size..beginning to feel uncomfortable as I wondered if these same people discussed my extra weight when I wasn't present. And then it got worse. I could feel this young girl WILT in my arms. She had a brave face. But I remember her looking at her dress and pulling it out around her belly. She shuffled her legs to hide what she probably was deeming chubby. Her face still brave, eyes a little duller, she eventually got up and moved to a different room. I was sick. At 22, my insecurities are easily conquered. But for this little girl...a little girl no older than 8? That memory might stick with her for ages. It might shape who she will become. It might even lead her to despise herself.
It was in that moment that I decided to do something about it all. I decided, instead of allowing her to feel ugly or worthless because she isn't all skin and bones at eight years old, that I would step up and show her something different. I know that she and her sisters look up to me. I won't deny that. So I decided to show her that beauty is not dependent upon size. I decided to show her that strength is beauty. I decided to show her that fashion and style and all things pretty that little girls dream of is not only for the skinny girls. I decided to show her what it means to be so sure of who God has made you to be that the words and expectations of others are but a shadow.
Every little girl dreams of beautiful things: rainbows, princesses, flowers, art, glitter, etc. It is what they are most drawn to. I want to show each little girl I come into contact with that beauty is in the heart. And that each girl is worthy of beauty. In their world, beauty is defined by size. Role models are only the 'beautiful' ones. And they are beautiful, don't get me wrong. But in their world, I will change that narrative. I want to be the role model that stands for so much more. I choose to be the role model that stands for love, faith, strength, knowledge, adventure, leadership, and kindness...but the role model that doesn't make them choose between those things and beauty. I want to be the role model who teaches them that working out isn't for losing weight: it is to take care of what God has given to me so that I can minister to others. I want to show them Christ.
God has granted these girls a beauty that they do not yet know. And I will do all that I can to show them how valued they are by Christ..and that basking in that is the most beautiful one could feel. I will show them that so many things are worth more than the latest trend or the most recent diet fad.
This branch of "For Every Season" is not just for them: it is to share a passion God has given me with the prayer that I can empower others as well. Welcome! Thanks for joining this new season of life!
God has granted these girls a beauty that they do not yet know. And I will do all that I can to show them how valued they are by Christ..and that basking in that is the most beautiful one could feel. I will show them that so many things are worth more than the latest trend or the most recent diet fad.
This branch of "For Every Season" is not just for them: it is to share a passion God has given me with the prayer that I can empower others as well. Welcome! Thanks for joining this new season of life!