I’ve recently discovered this amazing project called “the red dress” (reddressembroidery.com), an artistic platform for women around the world, many of whom are marginalized and live in poverty, to tell their personal stories through embroidery. For years pieces of the Red Dress have travelled the globe being continuously embroidered onto.
And it got me thinking of a parallel with the Bride of Christ, His Church. As we, Christians, are all invited to the sacred union of Christ & His Bride, what is our “embroidery” part?
In what are we “dressing” the Bride? Are we thinking only about our style and our fashion, or are we realizing that “the dress” is much more complex but designed as such by the “grand designer”? With variety of different styles and motives which sometime we might not find “up to” our standards of beauty and quality…
Some of us are “established embroiderers” with much experience and traditional ways passed down from generations. Some are “first time embroiderers” eager to be part of creating the grand masterpiece in new, bold ways. Some want to make sure that their hard work will be in a good place for everyone to see and admire, and some of us just want to be part of this precious “wedding garment” even if it is only one stitch.
Sometimes, being caught up in the process, we start to think that we have more talents or skills and maybe forget to give space to the others. And some of us might feel “not worthy” or “good enough” to put their hand on “Bride’s dress”.
But ALL are invited by the Groom, and all are encouraged to be part of His story and to share in making of this “royal wedding robe” for His perfect Bride, expressing their own identities and adding their own cultural and traditional experience. This is what makes the Bride look beautiful and unique. Our unity in diversity.
Anastasia Thomas,
Serving with Daybreak Academy in developing Member Caring & Linking ministry within the Global Body of Christ.