What Will the Neighbors Say?

My grandson wears his clothes backwards. Even his underpants sometimes. He’s three. When he first learned to dress himself we thought he was putting his clothing on backwards by accident. But now that he has become proficient at dressing himself we’ve come to learn he likes wearing his clothes backwards, and does it on purpose.

My daughter lets him out like this—with pockets designed for the front of shirts oddly positioned on his back, and ties, buckles and snaps intended for fashion enhancement weirdly dangling from his behind. Shopping centers, restaurants, and even church—yes even church, folks!—she proudly escorts him around.

She’s not embarrassed in the least. It’s his preference and she lets him be him.

Backwards and all.

I have to say I am very proud of my daughter for allowing what some would find uncomfortable to be a common occurrence.

I mean what if others notice and think she’s being a bad mom? How could she allow her son to walk around with his clothes backwards? Does she not care about what her son looks like? Is she teaching him to not conform to society? Is she just not paying attention to him enough?

These thoughts could stop her from his expression of free clothing wear.

But she won’t allow that.

Others may think she’s falling short, but I think she’s excelling. She is doing what she thinks is best for him, and not allowing others possible critiques stop her…or him. 

Many times our actions are precipitated by our perception of what others will think of us.

May we all be bold enough to be who we are and not be stifled by perceptions. Have the courage to be authentically you.

How about you?

Do you struggle with concern for what others think of you?

I think we all do to some degree. That’s normal. But if there’s something you really want to do and are allowing others opinions to stop you, maybe it’s time to rethink it?

How about you?

Do you allow the people in your life to be who they are? Or are you overconcerned with how they act or dress?

How about you?

Are you married?

Do you allow your spouse to fully embrace how God made them?

Or do you get embarrassed by your spouse and try to get him/her to conform to what you think is normal?  

Give yourself freedom to be totally you.

And give others freedom to be completely them.

Lucille Williams is the author of “From Me to We” and “The Intimacy You Crave: Straight Talk about Sex and Pancakes”   order a copy today to enhance your marriage. Subscribe to LuSays for weekly encouragement.