If you’re from New Orleans and over 40 years of age, you remember Krauss Department store on the corner of Canal and Basin Streets at the St. Bernard bus stop. My mother shopped at Krauss for two reasons—fabric and women’s foundations.
The Foundation's Department took up almost half of the huge store’s first floor. This area was filled with rows and rows of stockings, slips, panties, bras, and girdles. Yes—GIRDLES!
There’s a reason why certain intimate apparel were referred to as “foundations”. For instance, girdles were meant to be worn underneath the clothing to add shape, form, and support so that nothing sagged, hung out, or jiggled back and forth. Girdles contoured the waistline. They caused the body to appear firm and fit—not loose and flabby.
In my mind the Bible supports this dress code concept on the mental level. 1 Peter 1:13-14 reminds us of this, "…gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The Mind Requires Preparation
Evil forces are aimed at discouraging, dividing, and distracting us from reaching our goal. Our ability to stand against personal temptation and external evils come as a result of taking control of our thoughts and fortifying our mental consciousness.
Today's verse reminds us to gather up, strap up, and straighten up any part of our mind that is lacking or ill-fit for the journey.
The battle begins and ends in the mind. We must stay alert, stay ready, and be well-armed to stand against any and all opposition. We must strengthen our minds by meditating on God's Word and seeking to do God's will.
Be Mindful. Eliminate mental clutter. Focus on accomplishing God's will. Prepare yourself to think, make decisions, and walk in ways that please God.