“Garment of Praise” by Chidi Okoye

Clothessians 3:5 “Therefore, disregard the clothing that is dark and drab, and put on the clothing that is bright and colorful, for it will lead you to an attitude that is 25 degrees brighter than the outdoor temperature.”

Last night I made up this ‘verse’ and this morning took heed:  No More Dark Sweaters!!!  No black. No brown, No gray–well, maybe a light gray or slate gray.  I chose a relataively warm turquoise sweater over a lively floral cami.  I even considered open-toed shoes, but opted for some stone-colored loafers without socks.  I contemplated a light jacket, but the 20 degrees seemed daunting…I left my coat unbuttoned instead.  Then I opened the door to leave for work–a spring in my step–only to be smacked in the face with a dreary drab, gray blizzard…No Gray.  I laughed at my freezing ankles (I had thrown a pair of socks in my purse), buttoned my coat and put on my garment of praise.



Isaiah 61:3 “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.”