In Praise of Imperfect Pleats

I learned something funny as I attempt making an 18th-century English round gown by hand. Women were often judged by how perfect the pleating was on the back panel of the gown. Well, if you look closely at my back pleats, they are far from perfect. So, in praise of imperfect pleats, I invite you to Old Stone Well Farm as I ponder James Scripture lesson about how we are so quick to welcome those dressed well or displaying wealth (did anyone say perfect pleats??!). How can we really see beyond what we see? How can we really reach out to all?

James 2:1-4; 14-16

2:1 My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?

2:2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in,

2:3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,”

2:4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

2:14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you?

2:15 If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food,

2:16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?