Patchwork Hero
Back in my Jesus freak days (my early 20’s) I was a sight to behold, particularly my wardrobe. I had a pair of jeans that were mostly a network of patches, imagine Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat, but in pant form. I worn them with a bandana tied (don’t ask why, I just did) just below my right knee, perhaps a symbol of my own particular outlook on life.
I loved those pants…I still missed them
In many ways, those pants defined me and not just because they were skin tight. My life was (and still is) a patchwork of life experiences. I remember wearing them to church one Sunday and being chastised by an Elder for disgracing God’s presence by not wearing a suit and tie. When I reminded him that Jesus worn neither, he got angry and called me a clown.
And so I am
For years I danced around who I was, afraid to just be Jay, thankfully I left that dance floor years ago. I am a patchwork, a collection, an anthology of the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Who the Father is making me into is stands in complete opposition to what the world would like me to be. I refuse to be domesticated, tamed by a world system that devalues and destroys life. God is using my life collage to send a message counter to that system. That message pulls on my heart, urging me on, making me accept a truth about my life.
I am a patchwork hero
My hero persona is more akin to a rodeo clown, standing in the way of the bull threatening to trample a fallen cowboy. My pants may be funny looking, not up to standards, but they get the job done. My patchwork story tells a remarkable and powerful tale. It chronicles God’s redemptive work in my life, a life redeemed to make a difference, even when it looks foolish to do so.
“Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools…” says the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:10.
You know…I’m OK with that. How about you?
Comments
The old paradigm of church, was to treat the gathering and the place as Holy because God would meet us there. While it is true that God is there while we meet... the place is not what is set aside as holy. God's people are holy because God is with them - whether in a church building or not.
What we wear or don't is not as important as whose we are. All I ask, is you abide by the Scripture regarding modesty! Not sure your skin tight jeans fall into that category! ;-P
Blessings Brother!
Yeah, I think a rodeo clown might fit the description of me :)
http://billgrandi.com
You wear it well, brother... Awesome post.