Gym Socks & Authenticity

In him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

—Ephesians 2:22

It seems that women typically experience shame about two things: their bodies and their homes. I was hit with both one day when a friend stopped over unannounced. When I’m writing at home, it’s as though I am a homebound invalid. No makeup, hair in a ratty bun just above my forehead. Crooked glasses, Aaron’s gym socks. I wasn’t just a little ragged around the edges; I was terrifying. Not only that, but my whole house smelled because I hadn’t done the dishes for days.

Just the week before, I’d told this friend that while I’m writing about food, I’m finding that a lot of it is about shame, about the ways we feel inferior, and because of those feelings, we hide. Of course, it’s all fun and games to talk about, and then the next thing you know, you’re in your husband’s gym socks and your kitchen stinks. You’ve got a chance to practice what you’re preaching, and you’re breaking out in hives. But I took a deep breath, and she sat there listening to me across my dirty coffee table, and we talked about community and family and authenticity. It’s easy to talk about, and really hard sometimes to practice.