Of bodies and trends...

Can we talk about the body? I don't mean the body of Christ. I mean our bodies: those physical things in which we all live.

I have a very average sized body. I am of average height. In fact, according to Epcot at Disney World, 5'6" is the average size of a woman throughout the world. {I remember learning this when I was 14 and the only thing that interested me about my family's road trip through Florida was it's end at Disney World. Boy, did I soak it all up.} Actually, I'm a bit tall for an American woman, but in Norway, Slovenia, or Austria, I'd be the average Jane (according to "human height" by Wikipedia). I am also of average weight.

(Accept it, self. just drink that in.)

So, can someone tell me why this girl of average height and weight cannot find clothes that fit? Yesterday, I found myself at one of my least favorite stores: Forever21. I couldn't quite remember why it was a least favorite...was it because it's way too trendy for my classical style? Or because they blast their music too loudly? Or because the options are overwhelming and insurmountable? Maybe...but then I got to the dressing room and remembered. Certain stores simply do not make clothes for average sized women. One either must be miniature, with not a curve on her body, or have a perfectly proportioned full-figure. I am neither of these things. I am right smack in the middle of this spectrum, as are MANY OF THE WOMEN IN THE WORLD.

Don't let me bore you with my rant because it's going somewhere productive (I hope). Not only am I saddened by the cheap materials, outsourced labor, and overall quality used by massive trend-stores. I am saddened by the scripture found on the bottom of Forever21's bags. John 3:16 is a completely life-giving, truth-filled scripture and I find myself paradoxically struggling to find life and truth when I am in a place that promotes trend and trend only. Ironically enough, I was even wearing the one thing I do own from this store when I walked in yesterday. I had bought this pink dress a few years ago and guess what: I felt totally...let's just say "not with the times" in it. That's how quickly trends come and go!

Forgive me, Forever21 lovers and employees alike because it is not one person or idea with which I'm angry. I'm not even angry. I simply need to get it out in the open that average women need more. More than just trend. More than just affordable prices. We need something that makes us feel beautiful, not just "with it". Am I right?

Perhaps I should pursue my recently-awash dream of shopping thrift stores and American-made clothes only...or start sewing my own threads. Well neither of these are likely to happen and I know that I know that I will step foot into a trendy store again at least once in my life. I probably just need to be more prepared.

This all makes me wonder if there will be shopping on the new earth...I hope to God that there won't.