When I was a little girl, my mom had a beautiful green dress hanging in the closet of our guest bedroom. She’d worn the dress to parties in the post WW2 era. It was exciting just hearing her talk about the dances and parties. I must have shown too much interest at some point, because I remember being forbidden from touching or playing with it.
Well, once it became taboo, it might as well have had a Denise-magnet sewn into the fabric. I really wanted to wear that dress. Green was my favorite color back then, so that made it all the more alluring. And that sheer fabric over the satin, oh how it beckoned me. Mom rarely got angry with me, but when she did, she meant business, so I only admired it from the closet door.
Until it became worth the risk.
The summer I turned seven we had some missionaries come to the remote Alaskan town I grew up in. The Vacation Bible School took place very near my house, and though my parents were not even remotely religious, they allowed me to go. We had a week of learning Bible stories, playing games, and enjoying snacks.
What began as just ‘something to do’ became a life-changing event for me. I learned about a God who was my Father. I learned that even though He was the creator of the universe, He knew me and loved me. A daddy who loved me! This was very exciting news to me!
The missionaries taught me about talking to God through prayer, and about Jesus coming to earth to provide a way for us all to go to Heaven. They told me if I accepted Jesus into my heart He would live there forever. He would always be with me, and never leave me no matter what. Considering how alone I often felt, this was probably the most important thing I gleaned at the time. The importance of repentance and salvation would come later.
I’m not exactly sure when I made the actual decision to invite Jesus into my heart. When I did, though, I knew I wanted to get really dressed up. Only the most extravagant and beautiful dress would do for this occasion. I went into the guest room and put on the green dress. I was so short, it pooled at my feet on the floor. Watching myself spin in the full-length mirror, I marveled at how the dress lifted into the air and twirled. I felt like a princess preparing for my prince to arrive in the pumpkin carriage.
Unsure of exactly how to ask Jesus to live in my heart, I tried to remember the details of what the missionaries had told me. I sure didn’t want to mess this up. To cover my bases, I did it twice. First, I kneeled at the guest bed and closed my eyes. I told Jesus I really wanted Him to live in my heart, and asked Him if He would please come stay with me forever. Then I opened my eyes and did it all over again. Just in case.
“Let the children be, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
It was one of the most special times in my life. I felt accepted and loved. Without a doubt, I knew He heard me, and was with me. I felt a wonderful sense of peace and calm. I replaced the dress in the closet and slipped out of the room. Mom never knew I’d borrowed her dress to meet Jesus. Many years later I asked if I could have the dress, and she gave it to me. It hangs in my closet now, a tangible reminder of the day I welcomed Jesus into my heart.
May 25, 2014 @ 06:50:17
Denise,
My friend Lori Lara mentioned in an email to me that you and I should know each other. Our stories are probably similar and I’m anxious to see how. 🙂
Your taking of us back in time to that momentous occasion of Jesus consuming you is beautiful life music. And the dress reminds me of my grandmother’s clothing and jewelry … dressing up in it and dreaming of a time that I might be the belle of the ball. My depression ~ that evil brain disease ~ had already set in at that very time, so my daydreaming took me from it. I was learning about Jesus in different places and God was drawing me closer. My life was filled with horror in my mind. In my teens, I was diagnosed around the same time I accepted Jesus into my life and I began a journey that nearly took my life, but one that I knew included God’s hand holding on tight. I was healed after 20 years and it was amazing and beautiful and joy filled. And purpose filled.
I kept some of my grandmother’s things after she passed. One of which is a 10 commandments bracelet. It’s the small stuff that becomes so big.
Thank you for sharing the small and big stuff.
🙂
Live Blessed,
Heather
40YearWanderer.com
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May 25, 2014 @ 07:22:56
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the post. Lori is a beautiful person; my life is blessed by her in many ways. She is such a strong, vibrant, genuine woman of God.
Your journey sounds challenging, and you sound strong and resilient. Praise God for bringing you through such difficult times.
I’m heading over to check out your blog now too.
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Apr 17, 2014 @ 12:42:19
What a lovely and touching story – thank you for sharing it.
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Apr 17, 2014 @ 18:57:23
Hi Denise, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was fun re-acquainting myself with the dress!
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Apr 15, 2014 @ 13:24:10
I loved the way your story twirled and swirled. I was smiling ear to ear through all your words. I just love the happy fancy feeling that slipped between the lines.
Thanks so much for sharing such goodness.
I sort of want a fancy green dress of my own. 🙂
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Apr 15, 2014 @ 17:51:19
Aw, cute! I think you should get one then! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you enjoyed my special memory!
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 14:36:33
You’re taller, now! 😉
What a beautiful story, Denise! As I read, I could picture you as a little girl and sense your excitement and wonder.
I know that not everyone has such a clear recollection of the moment they invited Jesus into their heart. I have a story similar to yours in detailed memory of being alone with Jesus at that moment (but without the dress).
I see that memory, today, as a special gift from God. God knew I needed that. He knew the trials I had before me. He knew there would be moments of being in so much emotional pain that I would question both God’s existence and His love for me, personally. And He knew how He would bring that moment of invitation to mind, to remind me of our covenant love for one another.
I’m so thankful that God blessed you with such a special memory!
Blessings to you, my friend!
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 16:44:54
Hey Joe! Yes, thankfully I am taller! 🙂
Your special memory sounds beautiful, too. I think of it as a gift as well. I’ve known He has been with me during all my difficult times, and that has sustained me many, many days.
I am thankful you are blessed with the memory of that special day, too!
Thank you for sharing that here. I love hearing other people’s stories, too!
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 07:35:37
Wonderful and inspirational! Love the photos. 🙂
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 16:41:59
Thanks, Paulette!
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 06:52:42
Such a great story, Denise!
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 07:25:00
Thank you, Bill!
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 04:40:42
This is a very heart warming story – I can picture you as a child just twirling away worshiping Jesus. As you took these pictures I am sure Jesus still see’s you as that special little girl who gave her life over to Him and to our Father.
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Apr 14, 2014 @ 07:24:46
That’s a neat idea, Patty! I like thinking He was watching me 🙂
Thanks!
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Apr 12, 2014 @ 20:42:58
What an absolutely beautiful, genuine, fresh story! I loved it!!
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Apr 13, 2014 @ 14:09:40
Awesome! 🙂
Thank you!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 22:53:20
Denise, this is a wonderful story. I am thankful I got to be a small part of this wonderful memory. I don’t believe you (added) to it…I have explicit memories too! Thank you for sharing, this is my first comment and story on this sight! Feeling happy 😉
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Apr 12, 2014 @ 09:13:09
Hi Linda, welcome! and thank you for sharing your thoughts! It’s interesting how clear some memories are, and how elusive others are. Glad the story brought you a smile!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 17:46:31
This is such a sweet, little memory yet it has deep implications as the connection it reminds you of is so divine! Denise, you remember this so vividly!! I kept thinking whether you have added a bit of imagination to add so much awe to this dearest memory! very well articulated! Thanks for sharing!
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Apr 12, 2014 @ 09:11:37
Hi Balroop, yes it’s interesting how vividly I remember that day. It is firmly imprinted in my mind. I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for your sweet comments!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 13:53:43
Such a cool story behind a beautiful piece of clothing. Thanks for sharing!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 17:18:03
Thanks for stopping by Audrey!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 12:14:54
What a beautiful story and dress!
Diana xo
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 17:17:41
Thanks Diana! Glad you enjoyed it.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 09:25:05
I love this one Denise . Beauty of your desire to meet Jesus with your tender heart. I Imiss you Sheri
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 17:17:20
Thanks, Sheri!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 08:48:58
How sweet.
You are precious, Denise. Then and now.
Love to you…
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 17:16:49
And the same to you, my friend!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 06:47:54
I love this story!! You are beautiful.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 07:17:29
Thanks, Dale. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 04:13:39
Oh Denise! I love this. You did such a fine job of recapturing the seven-year-old you.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 07:16:25
I remember that day so clearly, Esther. I’m glad you were able to see my 7 year old self in the story. She was full of awe and peace. I am blessed.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 03:42:12
This is at a minimum a 20 star blog post. How I love the story and the very thought of you having the green dress today makes it all the more special. Joyful in His name.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 07:15:25
Aw, thank you so much, Sheri! It is very special to me. It was fun to put it on again after all these years. Writing about it made me want to try it on again.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 03:30:04
That’s wonderful, Denise. That dress is beautiful, such a fun, light color. So glad your mom gave it to you. And what a great symbol of love and acceptance.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 07:14:08
It is very special to have the dress, Kate. I’m grateful for it because of its symbolism and sentiment.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 03:03:01
beautiful dress and picture and story )
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 07:13:06
Thanks! Funny thing…that color is right back in style! 😉
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 07:50:08
you are so right. and the dress would be such a hot item at a vintage shop. people would fight over this classic.
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Apr 11, 2014 @ 17:16:12
Haha, that’s probably true!
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