A Good Fit

I didn’t always fit in as a curly-haired redhead during my childhood lived out in a sea of blondes with shiny, straight hair. My classmates all had their Marcia Brady hair going on.  Mine was more like Pippi Longstocking’s. I was also a tree-climbing, football-throwing, army-playing tomboy. The guys always made me an Axis soldier. (I’m still kinda ticked about that). Nonetheless, I felt more comfortable as an Axis soldier with the guys in the neighborhood than playing Barbie with the girls. At night I read Nancy Drew Mysteries. She solved the case every time and could best her boyfriend, Ned in any foot race so I overlooked all the dresses she wore. 

In high school I wore painter’s pants while the other girls were in Jordache jeans. I didn’t vary the attire too terribly much for college. Fortunately my husband, Keith liked my tomboy ways and wardrobe.  I did wear a dress for my wedding, and do occasionally enjoy dressing up. But mostly I am comfortable in jeans and tee shirts.

When Keith and I first moved to Missouri, one aspect of his job was manning a booth for the Freeway Foundation at Christian expos and conferences. I liked to go with him because it beat being apart. We were at the Annual Baptist Conference that year.  I was in a cream tank dress with a matching long jacket. I had even put on the dreaded hose and heels. Halfway through the first day I was approached by a woman who happens to be married to a well known Christian radio host. Her entire appearance was the stuff of magazine covers. She was beautiful, elegant, and extremely well-spoken A Glam-Gal, as my mom used to say. She asked if she could speak to me privately during the break. I said yes.

Keith asked what she had said, and after I relayed as much, he said, “Hmm. Wonder what that’s about?” 

 I responded, “Maybe my pantyhose aren’t Baptist enough, and she was elected to tell me.”  I was joking. Sort of. I did spend the next 35 minutes analyzing my wardrobe, my hair, everything I had said since arriving that day, and yes, my pantyhose.

When we finally sat down together, she mentioned that she knew that I had a step-daughter, and that her own daughter was about to marry a man with children from a previous marriage. She wondered what would be a good way to support her daughter in this, and if I would mind being available to speak with her daughter as she navigated familial waters I had already traversed.

Here was a woman whom I normally wouldn’t find myself in deep conversation with, reaching out to me, because of her great love for her daughter. She didn’t say a word about my pantyhose. We became friends, and I was happy to converse with her daughter on a few occasions to offer support.

One of our goals both for this devotional blog and for Women’s Ministries at The Word is to provide opportunities for women to develop friendships with women they might not normally interact with. We have some tomboys in our midst, some glam-gals, and many other types of women. We have far more in common than we might first believe. A desire to know and serve God is a great place to start.

My friend Debra Gray studies Greek. She sent several translations for words Eva Walls and I came up with as possible names for The Word’s Women’s Ministries. One of my favorites is Meta. (Pronounced “meh-tah”) it means companionship in the midst of others. I love that. I hope that despite differing backgrounds, seasons of life, and locations on our spiritual walks that we can have true Meta.

My challenge for you this week is to approach that woman you wouldn’t think you would fit with; someone who looks different from you, is at a different age, is a tomboy if you are a glam-gal and vice versa. Be uncomfortable for just a few moments. Reach out. You might discover a friend.

Let me leave you with this verse from James 2:1 “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” 

Let’s focus on loving all and having Meta this week.

Blessings, 

Lorilise Scarborough