Monday, December 14, 2009

Why Apron Armor?

Most days you drop by my house you will find me wearing an apron. It's the first thing I put on after I get dressed in the morning. Sometimes I forget to take it off before I leave the house. It can be a great source of embarrassment for my kids to realise I have arrived at church or the grocery store still displaying my uniform of domesticity.
I began wearing an apron in defense of my clothes. I hated the stains I received from dirt and dust, oil and grime. I was tired of putting on a favorite shirt only to realize I had unknowingly destroyed it while preparing last night's dinner. I invested in a practical brown and black striped apron. Something happened when I put it on. A transformation began to take place. When I looped that apron over my head and wrapped it tightly around my waist I became a domestic warrior, doing battle on behalf of my family. I felt a little stronger when I was wearing it. It has become my uniform.
My apron has come to symbolize so much more than housework to me. Ephesians 6:13 says,"Therefore put on the full armor of God , so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." My apron is a reminder to me that I am not just a wife and mother, but a warrior for the Most High God. I am standing on the front lines in defense of His precious children, who just happen to be my family. My apron is a reminder that I am not domestic goddess, but a domestic warrior. I need that reminder to give me purpose and courage when it would be much easier to climb back in bed and pull the covers over my head.
I have collected several different aprons now. Some are pink and blue. Others have butterflies and Christmas trees. Some make me feel pretty and others prepare me to tackle the toilets. All act as a defense against the dirty world. Now I encourage you to take that apron off the hook and hang it proudly around your neck, tying it tightly at your waist. It is time to face your world with courage, Domestic Warrior.

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