Church Chronicles: Ep 7: Holy Chic: Navigating Wardrobe Malfunctions and Respecting Traditions

WEBVTT

00:00:00.017 --> 00:00:04.137
Oh, hello, and welcome back to Diary of a Black Woman podcast.

00:00:04.697 --> 00:00:08.577
I'm your host, Connie Morris, and today we're continuing our series on Holy

00:00:08.577 --> 00:00:11.857
Chic, the ultimate church attire handbook.

00:00:12.097 --> 00:00:19.217
This episode, we will tackle church attire dilemmas and how to troubleshoot them.

00:00:19.897 --> 00:00:24.997
Whoa, what's that going to be about? It's the importance of being prepared for

00:00:24.997 --> 00:00:27.757
wardrobe malfunctions.

00:00:28.697 --> 00:00:33.637
Understanding the dress code and how cultural differences matter.

00:00:34.077 --> 00:00:38.377
I know you ever have one of those dilemmas where you had a wardrobe malfunction.

00:00:39.117 --> 00:00:45.677
Luckily, we got grandmas in the building that always have that extra pin or the extra needle.

00:00:46.137 --> 00:00:52.037
It's always good to know how to prepare for that malfunction.

00:00:52.657 --> 00:00:58.777
So let's go. this might be a two-part series and I'm going to see how it goes.

00:00:59.057 --> 00:01:03.677
The next part that I want to cover too is kind of our final thoughts.

00:01:04.017 --> 00:01:09.617
So I'll probably mix the final thoughts on just respecting church traditions

00:01:09.617 --> 00:01:13.277
so we can wrap this series up. So let's get started.

00:01:13.557 --> 00:01:19.777
So dealing with last-minute church wardrobe malfunctions, quick fixes can save

00:01:19.777 --> 00:01:22.697
the day when unexpected issues arrive.

00:01:22.697 --> 00:01:29.637
So keeping a small emergency kit with items like safety pins.

00:01:30.493 --> 00:01:38.433
Make a checklist, safety pins, double-sided tape, a lint roller, and a stain remover pin.

00:01:38.693 --> 00:01:42.173
These can be lifesavers when you're in a pinch.

00:01:42.373 --> 00:01:47.673
If you have a wardrobe malfunction like a broken zipper or a missing button,

00:01:48.333 --> 00:01:51.993
knowing a few quick fixes can help you.

00:01:51.993 --> 00:01:57.393
For instance, a safety pin can temporarily hold a zipper in place,

00:01:57.413 --> 00:02:02.353
and a double-sided tape can fix a loose hem.

00:02:03.213 --> 00:02:08.293
Handling dress codes can be unfamiliar or restrictive.

00:02:08.713 --> 00:02:12.193
Navigating new environments with style and respect.

00:02:12.193 --> 00:02:17.753
When visiting a church with a different dress code, do a little research beforehand.

00:02:17.753 --> 00:02:23.973
Ask someone who attends regularly or look up the church website for guidelines.

00:02:24.313 --> 00:02:28.093
When in doubt, err on the side of modesty and formality.

00:02:28.393 --> 00:02:33.693
It's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed in a church

00:02:33.693 --> 00:02:36.773
service. So we just covered two points.

00:02:37.353 --> 00:02:44.433
Malfunctions. Pretty much women, if you have a purse, pretty much get a little safety bag.

00:02:44.573 --> 00:02:47.473
You can get one of those little zipper. they're kind of a

00:02:47.473 --> 00:02:50.553
knit little bag or it can be a little makeup

00:02:50.553 --> 00:02:53.553
bag you don't use for your lipstick and you

00:02:53.553 --> 00:02:56.633
can just put some safety pins in there some double-sided tape

00:02:56.633 --> 00:03:02.853
lint rollers a little lint roller you can keep keep that one usually those are

00:03:02.853 --> 00:03:06.453
held in the church too but you can have lint roller in there and a stain remover

00:03:06.453 --> 00:03:14.993
pin those are lifesavers and you know when you know sometimes the zipper just goes and, you know,

00:03:15.193 --> 00:03:18.233
sometimes just having an extra shirt or a skirt around,

00:03:18.513 --> 00:03:22.473
especially on a special event, you know, that's, you know, it's up to you if

00:03:22.473 --> 00:03:23.553
you're really that prepared.

00:03:23.853 --> 00:03:29.913
Missing buttons can be saved by a safety pin, you know, so knowing how to save

00:03:29.913 --> 00:03:35.853
the day with a pin and sometimes just a needle and thread can actually, you know,

00:03:36.333 --> 00:03:39.253
I've seen someone who's good at that.

00:03:39.513 --> 00:03:42.473
My mom instantly can sew a hem real quick.

00:03:42.673 --> 00:03:47.753
And if you're really good at sewing a button on, sew a needle and thread with

00:03:47.753 --> 00:03:53.173
some neutral thread, like white is always good to have, blue or black.

00:03:53.553 --> 00:03:57.313
Those colors are always good to have forest thread.

00:03:57.733 --> 00:04:00.553
Just a little emergency kit is always good to have.

00:04:01.119 --> 00:04:07.939
And when you go visiting church, it says always good to be overdressed than underdressed.

00:04:08.139 --> 00:04:11.859
And so the best way to find out now you have YouTube, you can just say,

00:04:11.919 --> 00:04:14.539
I'm going to go visit this church. I wonder what their dress code is.

00:04:14.719 --> 00:04:20.319
You can just pretty much go to their Web page or to their YouTube page and see

00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:24.659
what everybody else is wearing and just be overdressed.

00:04:24.879 --> 00:04:29.579
Nothing wrong with wearing a suit, dress suit, a dress pants suit.

00:04:29.579 --> 00:04:33.659
Just being appropriately dressed for that event.

00:04:34.139 --> 00:04:39.259
And it says, next topic I cover was navigating culture and religious difference

00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:44.099
in church fashion, embracing diversity with respect and understanding.

00:04:44.599 --> 00:04:48.299
Different cultures and religions have unique expectation for attire.

00:04:48.579 --> 00:04:52.979
For example, some may require head coverings and special garments for worship.

00:04:53.179 --> 00:04:57.679
So if that's required at the church, you can always, you know,

00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:02.319
we don't think they make new members wear that, but if that's required,

00:05:02.559 --> 00:05:07.299
sometimes they can, they might pull you aside and wrap your head up. I don't know.

00:05:08.399 --> 00:05:13.559
Show respect by adhering to these guidelines when visiting or participating

00:05:13.559 --> 00:05:16.479
in services for different traditions.

00:05:16.799 --> 00:05:23.879
This demonstrates your respect for customs and your willingness to honor of their practices.

00:05:24.339 --> 00:05:27.579
Sometimes it's just good to go visit other churches.

00:05:27.859 --> 00:05:32.519
And you can always call ahead and ask, you know, I see that you wear head garb.

00:05:32.739 --> 00:05:36.519
Is it required that I wear head garb to attend your church?

00:05:36.619 --> 00:05:40.559
And they might say no, but if you want to wear head garb, come a little early

00:05:40.559 --> 00:05:45.559
and we can actually put head garb on you for that event.

00:05:45.559 --> 00:05:52.199
I also want to continue on before I go into the scripture reference and just

00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:56.839
offer just some final thoughts about just church traditions.

00:05:58.079 --> 00:06:04.199
Personal style is our way of expressing who we are, but it's essential to balance

00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:06.939
this with respect for church traditions.

00:06:06.939 --> 00:06:12.779
So find ways to incorporate elements of your personality into your attire while

00:06:12.779 --> 00:06:16.019
adhering to the guidelines of modesty and appropriateness.

00:06:16.159 --> 00:06:18.559
So it's not saying that you have to be so strict.

00:06:18.759 --> 00:06:23.939
So find a way that you can be yourself in your personality.

00:06:24.119 --> 00:06:30.359
Let your personality shine as you adhere to what the church guidelines are for

00:06:30.359 --> 00:06:32.039
modesty and appropriateness.

00:06:32.039 --> 00:06:36.439
For example, if you love colors, you can incorporate them into your outfit through

00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:39.719
accessories or modestly designed clothes.

00:06:39.939 --> 00:06:43.079
Now, you like color. No one tells you that everybody else is wearing dark.

00:06:43.179 --> 00:06:47.099
You got to wear dark that you can actually add some color to your life.

00:06:47.219 --> 00:06:51.899
If you prefer understated style, you can focus on elegance.

00:06:52.059 --> 00:06:56.239
You can still be you and still be elegance.

00:06:56.961 --> 00:07:01.741
You know, transforming the power of dressing for worship, how you can,

00:07:01.941 --> 00:07:06.181
how your attire elevates your spiritual experience and impact around you.

00:07:06.341 --> 00:07:08.301
I think I covered that in great detail.

00:07:08.561 --> 00:07:13.921
How when you're dressed for worship, it's not just about your outward appearance.

00:07:13.921 --> 00:07:18.081
It's about preparing your heart and mind for your sacred experience.

00:07:18.081 --> 00:07:25.741
So when you take time to dress appropriately, it's a signal to yourself and

00:07:25.741 --> 00:07:29.241
others that you value the time spent in worship.

00:07:29.461 --> 00:07:34.901
So it's not like people do come in and they have their own dressing style,

00:07:34.901 --> 00:07:39.201
but you can tell if they're dressing for worship or they're dressing for something

00:07:39.201 --> 00:07:41.381
else. Sometimes it can be a distraction.

00:07:41.661 --> 00:07:48.541
And even as I spoke earlier, it can be a distraction for you or another person.

00:07:48.541 --> 00:07:52.601
And we do not want to be the one that interrupts someone else's worship.

00:07:52.861 --> 00:07:59.021
And the mindset can transform your worship experience, helping you to be more present and engaging.

00:07:59.021 --> 00:08:04.921
It also sets a respectful tone for the entire congregation, fostering an environment

00:08:04.921 --> 00:08:08.101
of reverence and unity. Amen.

00:08:08.781 --> 00:08:12.201
So like I said, you don't want to be a distraction to others.

00:08:12.381 --> 00:08:19.821
And our mindset, you can notice when you walk into a reverence service that

00:08:19.821 --> 00:08:23.461
the atmosphere has already been set and nothing's happening.

00:08:23.661 --> 00:08:29.821
People are walking and talking and greeting each other, but yet there's an undertone

00:08:29.821 --> 00:08:32.221
of holiness happening, right?

00:08:32.621 --> 00:08:36.501
And so leaving a lasting impression in a sacred place.

00:08:36.641 --> 00:08:45.661
So you always want to leave a positive impression and be respectful of that atmosphere.

00:08:45.801 --> 00:08:51.001
How we present ourself in church can have a lasting impact on those around us.

00:08:51.081 --> 00:08:56.181
When we dress respectfully, we contribute to a positive and uplifting environment.

00:08:56.481 --> 00:09:01.101
This not only enhances our own worship experience, but also how we.

00:09:01.570 --> 00:09:06.090
It shows how we respect our fellow congregants and the sacred spaces.

00:09:06.410 --> 00:09:10.330
So a lot of times it's not really about us. It's how we honor that space.

00:09:10.330 --> 00:09:18.070
It's how we dress and how we, it's our whole tone from our inner time and what we wear.

00:09:18.370 --> 00:09:24.450
And your tower can serve as a silent witness to the importance of worship in your life.

00:09:24.690 --> 00:09:28.550
So you're speaking whether you're saying something or not.

00:09:28.730 --> 00:09:35.770
Your clothing is speaking. It can inspire others to approach their own church

00:09:35.770 --> 00:09:38.310
attire with the same thoughtfulness and respect.

00:09:38.590 --> 00:09:43.670
So whether you're saying something or not, your outfit, your clothing,

00:09:43.990 --> 00:09:50.310
the way you approach the sacred space is really saying a lot about who you are

00:09:50.310 --> 00:09:53.330
and who you honor in that space.

00:09:54.230 --> 00:10:01.910
And so let's get through some scripture. So we're not taking away who we are,

00:10:02.030 --> 00:10:04.890
but we're just honoring who he is.

00:10:05.390 --> 00:10:11.090
Be yourself. Dress appropriately. Make sure your undergarbs are tight,

00:10:11.290 --> 00:10:15.070
both male and female, so that you won't be a distraction.

00:10:15.510 --> 00:10:18.470
And then you won't be a distraction to others.

00:10:18.930 --> 00:10:22.910
So let's go through some scriptures here. It says, I praise you because I'm

00:10:22.910 --> 00:10:24.570
fearfully and wonderfully made.

00:10:25.350 --> 00:10:28.570
Your works are wonderful and I know full well.

00:10:29.570 --> 00:10:34.530
I decree that God fearfully and wonderfully made me.

00:10:34.830 --> 00:10:39.390
I decree that I praise God for his wonderfully creation of me.

00:10:39.670 --> 00:10:45.170
I decree that I recognize and celebrate the unique beauty and worth that God has given me.

00:10:45.470 --> 00:10:50.590
I decree that I live in the confidence of being wonderfully made by a loving creator.

00:10:51.390 --> 00:10:58.050
And that helps us when we think about God wants us to be feeling good on the outside.

00:10:58.610 --> 00:11:02.630
A lot of times we don't go to church because we don't feel like we have the right attire.

00:11:02.930 --> 00:11:09.930
But God looks at our heart and knowing that God says, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

00:11:10.270 --> 00:11:14.010
And that he celebrates your beauty from the inside out.

00:11:14.630 --> 00:11:19.770
Philippians 4.13, it says, I can do all this through strength he gives me.

00:11:19.770 --> 00:11:25.450
So I decree that I can do all things to Christ who strengthens me. What can I do?

00:11:25.650 --> 00:11:28.870
I can just show up boldly in what God has given me, right?

00:11:29.110 --> 00:11:33.710
I decree that I rely on God's strength in all areas of my life.

00:11:33.890 --> 00:11:38.430
I decree that I can face challenges with confidence that God empowers me.

00:11:38.610 --> 00:11:43.210
I decree that my strength and success comes from relationship with God.

00:11:43.710 --> 00:11:48.670
You know, when we stay home and we hide out because of what we have on our outside,

00:11:48.670 --> 00:11:54.650
We miss out on being strengthened by God in our inside, right?

00:11:55.566 --> 00:12:02.046
So God wants us to always just be prepared for that wardrobe malfunction. So come being prepared.

00:12:02.606 --> 00:12:05.526
Understand that dress code helps you fit and maintain.

00:12:06.886 --> 00:12:11.646
Understanding dress code helps you fit in while maintaining your style. So it's not personal.

00:12:11.886 --> 00:12:16.626
You just maintain your style and you just look good, but you're following order.

00:12:16.626 --> 00:12:21.006
I like to say, so you're not distracted and that you won't be a distraction.

00:12:21.006 --> 00:12:28.526
And that respecting culture and religion differences enhances your worship experiences.

00:12:29.026 --> 00:12:33.646
And the next two scriptures is Colossians 3.23. Whatever you do,

00:12:33.826 --> 00:12:35.466
work at it with all your heart.

00:12:35.966 --> 00:12:40.786
Working for the Lord, not for a human master. So remember, we're not dressing.

00:12:41.046 --> 00:12:44.046
We dress for God. It's a whole different thing.

00:12:44.606 --> 00:12:47.606
Sometimes we don't focus on that.

00:12:47.726 --> 00:12:52.046
We want to come in and be like, I hope you like my outfit. And it's like the

00:12:52.046 --> 00:12:55.806
man like it, but God says, I don't like it. And then we missed the whole point.

00:12:56.766 --> 00:13:00.486
I decree that I will work with all my heart as working for the Lord.

00:13:00.726 --> 00:13:04.386
I decree that my efforts will be dedicated to honoring God.

00:13:04.666 --> 00:13:08.786
I decree that I will seek to please God in all my endeavors.

00:13:09.246 --> 00:13:13.806
I decree that my work will reflect my commitment to serving God.

00:13:14.426 --> 00:13:22.186
Galatians 5, 22 to 23 says, I decree that my life will produce the fruit of

00:13:22.186 --> 00:13:25.226
the Spirit, including love, joy, and peace.

00:13:25.406 --> 00:13:31.446
I decree that I will exhibit kindness, goodness, and faithfulness in my action.

00:13:31.826 --> 00:13:38.306
I decree that I will demonstrate gentleness, self-control, and in all situations.

00:13:38.646 --> 00:13:43.986
I decree that my character will reflect the work of the Holy Spirit within me.

00:13:44.186 --> 00:13:50.566
Remember, we're working on the inside, out and then the glory covers you,

00:13:51.470 --> 00:13:54.390
And you can have on something simple. You ever had that happen?

00:13:54.610 --> 00:13:58.470
You have on something simple. It probably costs you $9.99 at Walmart.

00:13:58.670 --> 00:14:00.350
You picked it up while you were making grocery.

00:14:00.610 --> 00:14:03.670
And they go, girl, that dress is beautiful on you. And you'd be like,

00:14:03.870 --> 00:14:10.170
dang, this dress only cost me $9.99. I just put on this $20 jewelry and God

00:14:10.170 --> 00:14:11.750
had made it look good on you.

00:14:12.510 --> 00:14:17.390
Because the fruit of the Spirit is at work in you. And the last scripture is

00:14:17.390 --> 00:14:19.830
do not merely listen to the word.

00:14:20.530 --> 00:14:23.730
So deceive yourself. Do what it says.

00:14:24.290 --> 00:14:29.810
So I'd like to end it with this one. Do what the word said.

00:14:30.470 --> 00:14:37.450
I decree that I would not just listen to God's word, but I will put it into practice.

00:14:37.890 --> 00:14:42.310
I decree that my actions would align with the teachings of the Bible.

00:14:42.610 --> 00:14:47.870
I decree that I will be a doer of the word, living out my faith daily.

00:14:48.590 --> 00:14:54.330
I decree that my life will be a testimony to the power and truth of God's word.

00:14:54.570 --> 00:14:58.190
How would that show up when we're just talking about holy attire?

00:14:58.530 --> 00:15:03.030
We're just talking about what we wear to church. We're talking about just showing

00:15:03.030 --> 00:15:05.270
up in a holy space, honoring God.

00:15:05.550 --> 00:15:12.170
How does that wrap up into do what it says, do what the word says?

00:15:12.730 --> 00:15:17.450
I love that. How does it end with such a glorious ending?

00:15:17.870 --> 00:15:21.650
That we will listen to the word of God, put it to practice,

00:15:21.890 --> 00:15:27.370
that we will align our actions with the word of God and the teachings of the

00:15:27.370 --> 00:15:30.390
Bible, that we will be a doer of the word,

00:15:30.530 --> 00:15:36.170
that we will walk in our faith daily, and that my life will be a testimony of

00:15:36.170 --> 00:15:38.390
the power and the truth of God's word.

00:15:38.730 --> 00:15:43.330
How does that all fit in with how we dress for church?

00:15:44.050 --> 00:15:47.890
It all goes together, y'all. It all fits in.

00:15:48.832 --> 00:15:53.632
That we can embrace our personal style while respecting our church tradition,

00:15:54.052 --> 00:15:58.972
that we can dress for worship and enhance our spiritual experiences,

00:15:59.632 --> 00:16:05.692
and that we can present ourselves well in church and have a positive impact.

00:16:06.612 --> 00:16:12.512
And guess what? People's lives will be changed. Our lives will be changed. Why?

00:16:12.692 --> 00:16:16.452
Because we reflect the glory of God.

00:16:17.232 --> 00:16:21.872
Thank you. for joining me on this journey through Holy Chic,

00:16:22.192 --> 00:16:25.152
the ultimate church attire handbook.

00:16:25.392 --> 00:16:30.292
I hope these episodes have provided valuable insights and practical advice on

00:16:30.292 --> 00:16:35.452
dressing for church in a way that's both respectful and stylish.

00:16:36.112 --> 00:16:41.252
This is your host, Connie Morris, with Diary of a Black Woman podcast.

00:16:41.832 --> 00:16:47.092
This is the end of the Holy Chic series. I don't know about you,

00:16:47.252 --> 00:16:49.452
but I've really enjoyed this series.

00:16:50.092 --> 00:16:52.992
I've learned some things myself even though I wrote it right.

00:16:54.092 --> 00:16:59.752
Don't forget to get your free copy on the website, Diary of a Black Woman,

00:16:59.892 --> 00:17:06.492
LLC.com, of this book, Holy Cheek, the Ultimate Church Attire Handbook.

00:17:06.492 --> 00:17:12.952
It's a guide that's going to help you walk in holiness and bring holy back to

00:17:12.952 --> 00:17:18.472
your attire, holy back to your church, holy back to your tabernacle.

00:17:18.972 --> 00:17:25.552
Got other fun topics coming. But until next time, God bless you.

00:17:25.952 --> 00:17:28.772
Stay holy. In Jesus' name, amen.