Monday, August 26, 2013

Musings of a Seamstress Bridesmaid

Big or tall, short or small everyone has a body. (super profound, I know)

What I mean with my clever little phrase is everyone, no matter what they look like or are shaped like, has something they dislike about their body. So often we brood on it, turning all our attention on that "defect" until it grows and overshadows our self.
It's like having a car that runs well and cussing it out because it's painted green and we wish it was red. Everyday we go out, kick the tires, let ourselves get angry, and drive off on our day without ever even getting an estimate on what a new paint job would cost.
What if something is seriously wrong, we need a new engine, or something... so we take it to the garage and fix it. Isn't that why we admire women like Joni Eareckson Tada and Bethany Hamilton? Despite visible physical problems they are both vibrant women that draw people to themselves?
Aren't these fun props!
High profile events like a wedding can bring out insecurities in even the most confident of ladies, especially when you're handing over the decisions of dress to another by being a bridesmaid. As this wedding's seamstress, I hope to tailor the bride's vision to our individual bodies so we will all look the best we possibly can. But I, the seamstress, can only do so much. I can't get into your head and change what you say to yourself when you look in the mirror. I can't change the attitude of your heart; and in the end, that's what will show when we walk down the aisle, eclipsing whatever shape we may have.


Respecting oneself, being confident, loving oneself are all good things but sometimes a glance inside shows emptiness. There is nothing to respect, love or be confident in. What do I do then?

I do the best I possibly can, and when I walk away from that mirror I forget all about me. I turn my focus on those around me, which in this case is some of my bestest friends getting married. This event, of all events, is not about me. No matter I'll be on stage, the focus won't be on me it will be on the bride and groom. I'll do my best to SEE the people around me and enjoy the journey I am on. When I do this my nerves calm and I'm ME, as me as I can be. And ya know, she's not too bad of a person. ;)

On this Monday evening, this is my hope and my prayer for all of us bridesmaids and for anyone out there who is also struggling with appearance and self worth...

Amen.

7 comments:

niddetissus said...

It is difficult to feel oneself and beautiful on a normal day and, you're right, doing so in a high-profile event wearing clothes that you probably didn't choose is even more difficult! Amen to the shout-out for bridesmaids!

EmSewCrazy said...

Thanks. It was just something I needed to write out and get off my chest.

Carolyn said...

This is so very true and you are absolutely right! The most important thing for the bridesmaids to realise is that the day is not about them at all :)

EmSewCrazy said...

Thanks for the added confirmation. I'm hoping to keep this firmly in my mind as work with the other bridesmaids so we can all have a beautiful day.

Anonymous said...

Lovely written post. And, you all look gorgeous as bridesmaids!

EmSewCrazy said...

Thank you. That's actually not us. That was a photo I found of "crazy bridesmaids" on Pinterest which led to a fun props listing on Etsy. I think that's a fabulous set of dresses though..

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