#PreApproved Writer of the Week: Marie Bride
#PreApproved Sisterhood Series
This is our last installment of the #PreApproved Sisterhood Series. For nearly a year of Tuesdays, one of our PreApproved sisters has shared her story on letting go of a love idol.
Together, we’ve giving up our love idols, and we’re not taking them back.
We are already approved; we have nothing to prove. In Christ, we are #preapproved.
Appropriately Clothed in PreApproval
Marie Bride
My Love Idol is appearances. For so many years, I’ve been tormented with the demon of not feeling worthy, good enough, attractive enough, intelligent enough, popular enough — a broken record that just keeps scratching into oblivion.
For the last 11 months, I have inwardly struggled to discern how to release those “not enoughs.”
I’ve found myself running in circles, chasing my own tail. Like most women I know, I have a lot on my plate. My personal time is short, and that means I don’t always take the time needed to invest in the woman God is transforming me into.
Let me tell you a story: I had been consumed by a whirlwind of activities several weeks ago, and had missed several Masses at my parish.
I had stopped by the church office to pick something up, and when I walked in, I suddenly remembered how disheveled my physical appearance was. I hoped and prayed that I wouldn’t run into anyone.
So, of course, I did. I ran into a pastor, and one of his twin daughters. They greeted me, and the pastor then informed me that the church would be having a memorial Mass for his father in the chapel at 1 p.m.
That was a mere twenty minutes away! I had no time to run home and change. And I did not want to miss this very important Mass for my music minister’s father.
So I went “as is.” I had on a T-shirt my niece had given me, which had come in a bag she filled as full as she could for $5 at the thrift store. My sweater was missing several buttons.
But I didn’t want to miss the Mass. And I had begun to know this truth: I am PreApproved. I also knew what it says in 2 Corinthians 12:9. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
I learned so much that day, but mainly that I am Preapproved. My worth is not dependent on how I look, what I am wearing, who likes me, or approves of me. What mattered most had nothing to do with my appearance at a memorial Mass, but everything to do with the fact that I SHOWED UP, wearing my Love for JESUS. I could have missed an amazing opportunity to be present if I had not stayed for the Mass. My music minister, his wife and their daughters only remembered that I was there — not what I was wearing.
I thank God that He knows my heart. I am Marie Bride, and I am PreApproved in the Love of Christ my Savior!
You may connect with Marie Bride: on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Goodreads.
THE LOVE IDOL MOVEMENT
Click here to find out more about the Love Idol movement.
Click here to purchase the book that inspired the movement.
Click here to join us on Facebook as we lay down our Love Idols and declare our #preapproved status in Christ.
THE PRINTABLES
Click here to print the black and white preapproved cutouts.
Place these where ever your Love Idols have lurked!
A pink PreApproved printable: to frame, to put on your refrigerator, to give to a friend.
Click here to print. My gift to you, brave soul!
[they] only remembered that I was there — not what I was wearing. YES!!!!! a thousand times YES!!!!!!
Thank You!
Dear Karen for the YES!!!!!
Even though it took me awhile to get there, I made it! Amen.
Thank You!
Dear Karen for the YES!!!!!
Even though it took me awhile to get there. Amen.
Oh Marie…… you are beautiful and beloved. We look at your heart, as God does, and see that it is beautiful because you have been through the fires of affliction and come out as pure gold. he loves you with an everlasting love. He rejoices over you with singing ! He died with you in mind. All you do and all you are, is in Him, for Him, by Him and through Him, and He does all things WELL [ through you in whom He dwells]. I hear you, and my life is very similar in some ways……. and I thank the Lord that He has brought us together for this season for His purposes. We are sisters in Him, Marie. Please Know you are precious and beloved. xxxx
Oh Sweet Mary,
I am sending Love & Hugs with tears of Joy! in my eyes.
I Thank God I have walked some of this journey with you my friend across the waters!
That Love of Jesus goes so well with whatever else you happen to be wearing. 😉 Great story, Marie!
Thank You! Dear Shelia,
For taking time to stop by and leave a comment, Jesus’ Love speaks every language!
Beautiful truths eloquently articulated. You are worthy, His grace is sufficient, you can boast in your weaknesses because He uses them for His glory, He gave you a testimony that many can relate to. Blessings.
Such a kind comment Kym,
I am honored and humbled with your visit to my post and your wonderful words!
Thank You I am so happy you found my post worthy of your time and a message for many.
Marie, I loved this line from your posting, “that I SHOWED UP wearing my Love for JESUS.” What better apparel could any of us be wearing? xo
What a lovely post and I completely agree, though I need to remind myself of this often. Especially with my personal health struggles, there are many days I don’t want to get up and take the time to get ready for church and look presentable but once I’m there, I never regret it and feel blessed by the sermons and time in praise. Thank you for the beautiful reminder to keep our eyes on the Prize!
Marie- i love this, and yes it is so true of our culture to care more about our clothes and our looks than the care and concern for others. Beautiful reminder my friend. <3
I can so relate to this, Marie. I have struggled with the same things. Thanks for sharing this encouraging post today.
Great story, Marie! I struggle with the same “not enough”‘s. I have recently discovered that I’m allergic to eye makeup – ALL eye makeup I’ve tried. I didn’t wear it heavy, but I liked at least eye liner and mascara. Well, they have been causing red, watery, itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. When I don’t wear it, I’m fine. I had to get over feeling like I wasn’t presentable if I went out of the house without it. Wearing or shining the love of Jesus is ENOUGH! ~ Thank you for that truth!
Love it!! Thanks for sharing <3