The First Lady Startup Kit
By Robbie Colson-Ramsey, Contributing Writer
Have you found yourself looking all around town, searching every online store, and taking every piece of clothing out of your closet in search of the perfect outfit? You may have even sent pictures to you friend for advice because you wanted the type of outfit that makes the members whisper, “My pastor’s wife was sharp.”
Just as you think you’re ready with your hair styled, hands and feet are done, and shoes, you hear your husband ask, “Excuse me, are you wearing that?” Your heart drops deep into your stomach as you say, “Yes!”
Now, during the awkward car ride, you wonder if you are overdressed or underdressed. You’re perplexed because your husband did not give you enough details. He simply sent a text telling you to be ready at 6:00 pm. You finally secure what you thought was the perfect outfit and hold your breath, waiting to see what other guests are wearing.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, here are four essential items a first lady needs to look her best on Sunday morning. Please don’t email or text me saying, “God says come as you are.”
We know it is a little easier for our first gentlemen counterparts. A dark-colored suit with a jazzy tie and they are getting solicited for the annual church fashion show. However, let the first lady be off one Sunday and they’ll be whispering to each other and wondering what on earth she was wearing.
First, start with a firm foundation. I mean a good bra, panties, and Spanx. When I was a little girl, my mama said, “Robbie, when you leave this house, you have a girdle on. [It will] smooth you out.” All of us, regardless of size, needs a good foundation. Its purpose is to smooth out and provide support to trouble areas so you can slip effortlessly into your attire and not have to worry about pulling, tucking, or rearranging.
Second, invest in a high-end black suit. This is one of the items that you should splurge on. It should be simple but elegant. A black suit is an outfit in which you cannot go wrong. It can be dressed up or down. It is perfect for any wardrobe crisis. I will never forget when I married, my mother said, “Girl, you better think you looking good when you leave the house because people are always looking.”
Third, get stylish comfortable shoes. Cinderella said, “One shoe can change your life.” I envy women who can wear three- to four-inch heels and look unbothered by foot pain after a long worship service. I, on the other hand, am skating around the church like I am on an ice rink because my feet hurt! Good shoes are the epitome of an outfit. More importantly, wearing good shoes and maintaining proper foot health will help. Uncomfortable shoes affect the movement of the body. Having to adjust your gait in the process puts pressure on the back, hips, ankles, and knees.
Fourth, have a simple but quality designer handbag. Billy Connolly said, “A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of her handbag; even when you get to the bottom of it, there is ALWAYS something at the bottom to surprise you!” A great handbag is an expression of who we are and contains the whole, from our WMS Handbook to that much-needed bottled water and snacks. This is a universal item that allows you to show your style and class while carrying what you need on your shoulders.
Regardless of how you feel about the items selected, remember that nothing is more impressive than a woman that is secure in the uniqueness of who God made her. Be great!
Mrs. Robbie Colson-Ramsey is the first lady of St. John- Fairburn, where Rev. Charles Ramsey, Jr. is the pastor. She is a former YPD Connectional 1st Vice President. She is a special educational teacher with Douglas County Public School.
