(I don’t know anything about ladies. Seriously, ask any girl who met me in high school. I’ve got nothing. But fortunately, Daniella Summers does. She is funny/talented and has a very cool husband and a great family. She also agreed to write a post focusing on the ever fantastic Lady Worship Leader. I thought it was great. Enjoy!)
One day I discovered this blog. I can’t recall exactly, but I might have stumbled upon it by typing a mixture of the following words into Google: John Piper, Lady Gaga, Grace and Honesty. I read and read until my infant son practically slapped me across the face and in a perfect Stewie Griffin voice said “earth to you, woman!” and demanded a diaper change.
Once you start reading this stuff you can’t stop, especially after Jon’s take on how God looks upon you when you think you’re naked (#512). On a completely different note, but feel free to connect the two if you wish, what a relief for metrosexual worship leaders to know that He doesn’t require them to gracefully pull off white jeans, a graphic tee, cheerleader shoes and a pinstripe wool vest on Sunday morning. Guys, next time you feel like you can’t rock that Jonas Brothers look, you simply say to yourself “Who told you that?”
I asked Jon when he’ll do the lady version, as he once promised all of us. In return he said something like “Be my guest, all I know is the difference in shades of make up when it comes to girls at church and that they should wear a tankini at a church retreat/event.” Of course, aside from some occasional eye liner (most likely only worn at the edgy Saturday night worship service), guys don’t have to worry about the pigmentation of make-up on their face when they’re on stage. Lord forbid someone complain that the eyes were done a little too smoky.
They also don’t have to worry if they’re jeans are too tight…
Or if they’re wearing proper undergarments…
Or how to balance properly when wearing high heels while raising one or both arms up (in Praise…with eyes closed) and not fall on your face.
Or fight the urge when your hips want to move during a fast paced song. And, if as a guy, you do have that urge, then perhaps you can’t pull off those white jeans after all.
I’m no expert, but I am a girl and I happen to be a worship leader. From my experience and observation I’ve noticed there are a few fashion rules that most female worship leaders end up falling under, whether intentional or not:
1. Owns at least one pair of large hoop earrings.
2. Even during the warm months, wears some sort of boots over jeans.
3. A tunic or dress is almost always worn over leggings or skinny jeans (and rightfully so…or else she might get stoned. Maybe be mistaken for Fergie. You never know.)
4. Change’s hair styles at least every six months. Multiple shades of highlights/lowlights are a staple.
5. Depending in which region of the country, flip flops are worn and then taken off after the second song, for a more “intimate” setting.
6. Subscribes to style magazines.
7. Shops almost entirely at the nice mall stores.
8. Wears more jewelry than all women, combined, sitting in the first two rows.
9. Wears black nail polish.
10. Sports a scarf at least every other week. ..all while still wearing 5 pounds of jewelry.
11. Has a nose ring.
12. Carries a bag of mints in her purse at all times.
13. Drinks tea.
14. Wears at least two cocktail rings at a time.
15. Has side swept bangs and sometimes attempts the “beach waves” hair look. (This is a delicate balance between using the curling iron, flat iron and lots of high-end brand hair product. You’re welcome.)
16. Can’t say no to pairing canvas sneakers with skirt or dress, which, must fall at or below the knees.
17. Sometimes takes style inspiration from Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus (or is it Hanna Montana?), Fergie (circa 2005, before she started looking like Lady Gaga and Rhianna’s love child), or any girl from American Idol’s top 10. Again, it’s all about which area of the country you reside.
18. Does her devotionals and bible studies at a trendy coffee place.
19. Chooses at least one song from Hillsong per set. Mainly, something done by Brooke Fraser.
20. Sometimes has to pull out the big guns and nonchalantly throw in the fact that the very first worship leader EVER was actually a girl – Miriam, sister of Aaron (go ahead, open your Bible or Google it), and the first person to see Jesus after He rose from the dead was also a woman – Mary Magdalene.
21. May find herself baking cookies or brownies on Saturday nights for the sound and tech guys, the lead guitarist and percussionist because they have more power than anyone acknowledges.
22. And, unlike male worship leaders, ladies are susceptible to shedding a few tears during a song when led by the Holy Spirit. Although, the dude wearing white jeans might possibly be doing the same. It’s ok, Jesus wept too.
23. Really hopes that once in a while someone will approach her after church and say “You have a heart of gold and a voice of a lion. I bust open every time.”
What have I missed?
(For more great stuff from Daniella, check out her blog.)
