I don’t think I’m ever going to look like I have it together. Some version of the Christian woman I had in mind when I was a girl. I swore to myself I’d resemble some type of perfect aesthetic when I grew up. Oh, how wrong I was. I live and love and do daily life in leggings. I could pass for someone lounging her life away in an oversized sweatshirt paired with them or look as if I’ve been working out to the public… which did not happen, by the way. Or I pair them with boots and a knee-length dress. Most of the time I look like a mess in them with my messy bun hanging at the side of my head and not on top of it. While others buy shoes, bags, makeup, or perfume, I’m scanning Kmart for more leggings to add to the drawer. They are not quite beating my sock obsession… but still.
And that’s where God meets me. In the everyday, just as I am, complaining, crying, singing, laughing, frustrating moments… all while wearing leggings. He meets me where I’m at in all my chaos, in all my questions because that’s how good He is. He didn’t ask me to be anything other than who I am. In the comfort of what makes me feel good, safe, peaceful… content.
And that’s the beauty of it. God’s love and grace aren't contingent on us having it all together or fitting a particular mold. They’re about embracing us in our authenticity, in our messy, beautiful reality.
I’ve realized that the perfect image I had in mind as a girl isn’t what makes me valuable or loved. It’s in my authenticity, in my everyday life, that I find connection with Him. When I look at my life now, it’s not the polished perfection I once envisioned, but it’s real. It’s full of genuine moments and heartfelt experiences that bring me closer to God and to myself.
So, I’ll keep living and loving in my leggings, in my oversized sweatshirts, with my messy bun and all. I’ll continue to seek out those quiet moments where God meets me, right where I am. Because that’s where true peace and contentment lie—not in striving for a perfect image, but in embracing who I am and knowing that I am deeply loved, just as I am.
Here’s to all the women out there who feel like they don’t have it all together. You are seen, you are valued, and you are loved. Let’s celebrate our imperfections and find beauty in our everyday lives, knowing that we are enough, just as we are.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." — 2 Corinthians 12:9
May we all find strength in His grace, in our leggings, in our mess, in our beautiful, authentic lives.
Love Sarah xx.
I'm the worst. I was in an Independent Fundamental Baptist church for 20 years. I nearly lost my faith there. I wore skirts and dresses for 20 years. We recently started supporting a really tiny local church after attending a large church (1,000+) for 16 years that was pretty informal in dress codes. At the tiny church, the mostly elderly congregation dresses up. I show up in ripped jeans and t-shirts. I may have to dress up a little for them. But for me, I meet Jesus on the street. When other Christian groups hand out snacks and drinks, I circle their group, handing out smokes as they make a circle and join hands for prayer. I pick off the ones standing outside the circle. I sit on curbs with street workers and drive dealers around. Those are my best opportunities for spiritual conversation. I imagine the threadbare, filthy throngs that Jesus walked through. The destitute, sick, infirm, mentally ill. They need to be able to approach us. They need to see Jesus.
the inner beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle
and peaceful spirit, one that is calm and self controlled, not over anxious, but serene and spiritually mature, which is very precious in the sight of
God.’ 1 Peter 3:3-4