Unnested

Putting on a witch costume for Halloween doesn’t make me a witch. Similarly, wearing my best dress to church doesn’t make me a Christian. As Romans 14:5 reminds us:
“Each one should be fully convinced in their own mind.” It’s not about the outfit—it’s about the heart behind it.

Judging by Appearances
We live in a world quickly to judge by what we see. But Paul’s message to the early church was clear: don’t get caught up in criticizing others over personal convictions. Especially in matters that aren’t central to salvation. Whether it’s food, holidays, or traditions, sincerity is what matters most. We need to extend grace to others.

Seeing Beyond the Surface
Consider the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar in Mark 10. He was rebuked by the crowd, ignored because of his status and appearance. Yet Jesus didn’t see a beggar—He saw faith.
Bartimaeus was fully convinced in his heart that Jesus would heal him, and that conviction moved Jesus to respond. His story reminds us that spiritual identity isn’t defined by costumes, church attendance, or public perception. It’s defined by relationship, belief and faith.

The Shadows of Harvest
Even seemingly innocent traditions like “Harvest” celebrations can carry deeper, sometimes darker meanings. Dressing as a scarecrow can feel playful, but historically, scarecrows have symbolized fear, death, and spiritual guardianship. In some cultures, they were believed to house spirits or ward off evil.
The harvest season itself is a time of gathering. It also marks the end of growth. It signifies the beginning of decay and the descent into winter. This is a metaphor for death and transformation.
So yes, there is darkness in everything—but that doesn’t mean we are emulating the darkness. It means we should live and walk with awareness, discernment, and grace.

Conviction Over Costume
Over a lifespan you’ve likely mimicked various beings—like a scarecrow, superhero, or mythical creature. This puts you in a role that is not your own. But that doesn’t define your soul.
What matters is who you are when the costume comes off.
• Are you seeking truth?
• Are you walking in love?
• Are you living with conviction?

Let me be clear—I’m talking to myself here. So, if the shoe fits, I’m probably wearing it… and it’s probably too tight.

Let’s stop measuring faith by appearances (Pssshhhh…you don’t know me, Karen! Or Susan. Or Betty. Let’s not group all the Karens—some of them are lovely and just trying to live their best casserole-filled lives).
Faith isn’t about perfect church outfits or Instagram-worthy devotionals.
It’s in the quiet choices—like choosing grace over gossip.
It’s in the sincere prayers whispered in traffic or cried into laundry piles.
It’s in the hearts that are fully convinced of what they believe, even when life looks like a hot mess.
And maybe—just maybe—we will meet someone who is searching for truth in the wrong places. We should be ready to gently point them to Jesus when the opportunity arises.

Your friend, Cassie