4 Ways To Enjoy Living In The Public Eye
I was asked, ‘Do people in your church comment on what you wear?’ ‘All the time’, I replied.
A pastor’s wife, like any other woman, enjoys receiving a compliment on how she looks or on what she is wearing.
Being a pastor’s wife means you are living in the public eye more than most other women, whether or not you are on the platform.
My congregation have been exceptionally encouraging and complimentary however, I have received on more than one occasion, comments that have caused me to maintain a smile on the outside while churning with annoyance on the inside.
On one such occasion I wore a smart casual denim jacket, the hem of which was left frayed as part of the design.
After the service three of our senior women approached me individually and each offered to sew up the hem of my jacket for me.
Another time I walked into the church foyer on a Sunday morning wearing a newly purchased black suit, in which I thought I looked rather good.
Someone approached me, stood in front of me and after having slowly looked me up and down asked, ‘Who died?’
4 ways to enjoy living in the public eye:
1. Be true to yourself, your style and your budget.
2. Acknowledge that scrutiny of what you wear is not just a pastor’s wife thing, but an every women who has a position in the public eye thing.
3. Take note of what your younger fashion trend setters are wearing and purchase similar, while remaining age appropriate.
4. At least every two years look at yourself in the mirror and ask some straight questions like, ‘How do I look? Is my wardrobe out of date? Do I need a new hairstyle?’ And then go shopping!
I find that a pastor’s wife generally doesn’t dress with the thought in mind of receiving favourable compliments.
Some of their people however, are happy and willing to volunteer their opinion whether it be a compliment or a critique.