The Old Pink Robe Ain’t What She Used to Be

Disclaimer: I discussed with my mom while I was in ATL that this would be an excellent subject for a blog post. I think she thinks I have forgotten about it...so it will be interesting to see what she has to say once she reads this (If you don't hear from me in 48-72 hours you should probably send out a search warrant)!

Years ago my mom bought a pink chenille robe. She paid $100 for it. It was a special robe – floor length, pockets and an attached belt – all things she had been searching for in a robe. For the last 10 years she’s been faithful to wear the robe. Cuddled up on the couch, down the sidewalk to grab the paper, standing out on the deck to take the dog out, in a suitcase from Georgia to Texas and back several times – that robe has seen a few miles. However, like everything else in life, over time the robe is beginning to look a little worn. Years of washing and wearing have taken a toll on the precious pink garment. The chenille is worn out in place, leaving thin patches of worn fabric polka dotting the robe. The color has faded to a pale shade of baby pink. There’s no stiffness to the shawl collar and the coffee and ice cream stains that dribble the front of the robe don’t add anything to its already humble state.


On a recent trip back home to see my mom, we discussed the terrible turn of events that are leading up to the demise of the pink robe. My mom reminisced about the beauty, softness, warmth and specialness of the robe. I reminded her how hideous it looked. She talked of better days with the robe. I reminded her of how ridiculous it is to hold on to something so worn out. Near tears, she explained that she would never find a robe half as good as this one. I looked for matches to set the thing on fire.

Of course we laughed at the sheer humor of it all and we put on our agenda to start looking for another perfect robe. But, the irony of it all is that as Christians, each day we have the opportunity to put on our new garments of holiness, righteousness, kindness, faith and love and many times instead, we choose the garments of filth, sin, pride and deceit. Oh how Christ must feel when He has already made a way for such glorious garments to be worn and yet we continue to wear our old pink robe. What an example this world needs of Christians who are adorned in godliness! Let’s get dressed up in the things that will lead others to wonder where we got our clothes….and while we’re at it, let’s burn the old pink robe!

Verse: To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3