I started a lengthy process the other day. I began organizing my closet. It went as expected: I found articles of clothing I forgot I even had-some with tags, I found some clothing that was too small, I found some I am sure I will never wear again, and lastly I found some that were donated but were not for me to begin with. What the last three points all have in common is this: they never would have been considered or removed if I had not initiated the task. Like my closet, I noticed some things in my life as of late that were in need of some dire and thorough consideration.
This “reorganization” process mirrors what any person seeking growth experiences. Take for instance the clothing I forgot I had. There are some Christians who may be aware that God loves them and wants his best for them but have forgotten the power they have by the authority in the Name of Jesus. In my experience I forgot that there are some issues that I don’t have to deal with- all I have to do is take authority over them in Jesus’ name and move forward. Just like the clothes with the tags on them, we don’t always know what we already have.
As a freshman I came to NC Central a size 3, 115 pounds. Ten years later I’m about four sizes larger, x lbs heavier. I’ll be frank: there’s nothing I can do with a size 3 other than look at it and flashback. Therefore, imagine my surprise when I noticed a size 4 skirt in my closet. I literally laughed. That should have been either disposed of or given away several years ago but somehow it managed to make it into my closet after moving from dorm to dorm and apartment to apartment. Consider the parallel: there are some things in our lives that should not still be here, and I dare add “some people.” We have outgrown some ways of doing things, we have outgrown some people but for some reason we look up and these persons and things are still in our lives. They are not beneficial in anyway, just taking up space from some article that actually belongs there. Depending on the context of our experiences it may or may not be fun to flashback to those people or things but there is nothing else we can do with those articles but “flashback.” Very much like clothes, some things and people are seasonal. They are not appropriate for where we are or may be headed. A tank top is not adequate in the winter, and a sweater is a hindrance in the summer.
Another fact about me as a NCCU freshman is this: I was a party girl. If the club was open I was there; it didn’t matter the time, the club location, or the theme. I take that back, the only time I did not club was on New Year’s Eve. That was only because my religious self would not allow me to be in a club when I knew that God kept me safe for a whole year (how foolish). So, in my closet I found a few halter tops and cat suits. Now, how in the world they managed to make it this long is beyond me. I’m sure that I will never, ever need them again so why was I holding on to them? Unlike the clothes I mentioned in the previous paragraph, these clothes weren’t even good for flashing back. They served absolutely no purpose in my closet. They were only a reminder of who I was and will never be again. Kind of like old CD’s, old photos, or old habits. Case and point.
Lastly, and my personal favorite: the clothes that I should have never taken. The clothes were never for me. These clothes were given to me by others who believed it was a nice gesture, or that they would look nice on me, some I honestly believe, just wanted to get the clothing out of their own closets (No pun intended). I did not have to accept them. Even more importantly, I did not have to keep them. This idea is probably one of the most liberating to me. There is an old adage: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I personally like the remix of it: “when life gives you lemons, throw them back.” There may have been times that you have been handed situations beyond your control, situations you would not have picked for yourself, specifically things you did not deserve. Whatever the case, you don’t have to keep those things in your closet. Have an open conversation with God and let him have those things. Will to forgive others and move on.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,..(Hebrews 12:1)” Do not continue to hold on to things that are not for you, things that hinder your progress or growth. Check your closet. Assess where you are spiritually and decide what needs to be moved out, replaced, or trashed.
About the Author: Marisha Mathis is a spoken word poet, blogger and writer; just like every one
else, a product of grace with a story to tell. After several years and transitions she has looked within herself to find who she truly is. So far, its she’s been established to be a plain Jane that has a passion for God, art, and helping others. As a result, God has given her the gift of writing to use all three to sow hope, healing, and encouragement. You can read more from Marisha at www.loveverbage.tumblr.com
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