Growing up in the 1960s, my dad wore big plaid shorts called “Bermuda Shorts.” Back in the day, these shorts were acceptable fashion.
As hideous as they became, he would continue to wear his LOUD plaid shorts way into the 1980s. At that point in time, they were WAY out of style by society’s fashion standards. However, fashion trends have a tendency to come “back in style,” as did plaid shorts with the same knee length. This go around, they would be known in the fashion world as “madras plaid” with smaller printed plaid lines.
Well, the Heavenly Father is totally into Plaid because He is the first to create the fashionable plaid that is a "happening" look and feel no what year it is, or what's in style according to the world. As a matter of fact, He IS plaid as His presence and blessings cross back and forth from every direction, east to west to north to south, diagonally from every point and angle imaginable to the human existence.
When I first started mentoring my mother, she was trying to comprehend God being everywhere at the same time as He was... working, loving, protecting, healing, watching, doing, creating, sustaining, producing, providing, guiding, teaching, forgiving, blessing… well.... EVERY thing at the same time through the universe and this earth. The first idea that came to mind was mother's loveseat in the sunroom which is... plaid!
Plaids are usually multi-lined visuals used on fabric, desktop screens, printed publications… well just about any assortment of items these days can be seen in most any array of stripes up and down and back and forth as they go from “can to can’t!”
In describing God being everywhere, I also thought about the many threads of colors that weave the very fabric of our lives. Threads of healing. Threads of bonding. Threads of emotions. Threads of friendships or networks of friends that cross our lives. Threads of places, time, and space.
When you really get into the integral threads themselves, you realize how fragile each strand is alone. But when grouped with other threads, the color or the presence of their showing becomes stronger. That is why the Body of Christ is so important for fellowship and worship as we are members of the Body of Christ all over this globe and not by a membership in a certain church.
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)
As many denominations as the earth hosts, so is the manner in which we make up creation as humans who become Christians. Plaid is a reflection of diversity. As our society represents many walks of life, some we agree with… others we may not, regardless what we do and do not like about others, we are required to … not just “be” Christ-like but “act" Christ-like!
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 (NIV)
God wants to enhance our threads. This can only can this be done through His strength. Alone we are weak, but when we depend completely on God, He is the source of our strength!
“The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2 (NIV)
Whenever I see plaid, which is my favorite color... I see God working in many ways in many of His children’s lives as paths cross. I am reminded my Heavenly Father is definitely into plaid! He is into threading the Good News!
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