Woke up in the middle of the night recently, and of course couldn’t go back to sleep (happen to you much?).  So, I got up and decided to go on the net and read about men’s fashion tips.  Some of you are saying, “Finally!!!!!!!!!”.   It is even more vital to know how to dress than I had ever imagined.  I found comfort in knowing that I can still look good even though I have not spent $500+ on a shirt.  What a relief!  I am in trouble for sure though, because my rule of thumb is I will not pay over $10 for any clothes item I buy.   Solid colored ties with solid color shirts is OUT.   Do not wear lightly colored washed out blue jeans – only dark colored washed out jeans.   If one is wearing a shirt with wide stripes, make sure the tie has narrow stripes and has the dominant color of the shirt in it.   The one thing I found helpful, as I’ve never understood, is how to wear the most bizarre patterned/colored tie with what patterned/colored shirt.   To be truthful, I copied some of it off and especially one that told what color shoes to wear with what color of slacks – but there is great freedom with the socks other than with black slacks when the socks need to be solid black.  Also, pleated slacks are out if one happens to be of a more full or shorter build like me.  But, I’m not returning mine nor giving them to the rummage sale. 

I realized how much work it is to be OK with how I dress.  I almost became weary and depressed reading of all this.  I mean, sure it’s ok to dress as the gods of “good” dressing declare, as long as it doesn’t govern one’s acceptance of oneself.   I wonder how God dresses?   How often do I refer to God’s manual on how to dress?  The first page of God’s “tips on how to dress” says – don’t sweat it whether I love and accept you by how you dress- just take it on faith that I do.  Just have fun with living.  Oh, by the way, that tie and shirt you are wearing really don’t go together. 

Till next week…H

You can reach Pastor Howard at: hhintzman@wisconsinumc.org.

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