This is for all of you who, when came down dressed to go out, were greeted with "you're going out in that?" And to those who are so used to hearing " I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit." This is dedicated to those of you forced to wear a tie, and actually thinking it makes you look good. Reality check. And to those of you with over 100 t-shirts in your closet, but have nothing to wear to the next rally, so go out and buy another. Remember these condescending words always come from someone who loves us, but can't believe we are so vainfully ignorant of the proper shoes to go with the right purse. Please, what color doesn't go with denim? Or black leather?
To those of you, who like my friend Mark, believe there are only two colors a leather jacket can be, both black-help is on the way. Not in your wardrobe, but how to handle these vanity laden, socially ignorant, non-biker types. To those of you who think Von Dutch is a clothing company, and don't realize he is the father of custom painting. Real name Kenny Howard. And don't realize Hollister is the home of the American biker, not another clothing line. Posers-pay attention, you may learn something.
The last two years of Torches Across America I was the spokesman. And we always started from Kennedy's Custom Cycle in Oceanside, and Mayor Jim Woods came out and saw us off. The first year, he showed up in a three piece suit. Fit right in, just not with bikers. If we painted him pink he would not have stuck out more. When I introduced him, I commented on his outfit, and how the only three piece suits most bikers see are when they are in court, and the trust factor may be more tolerant if he didn't wear one. He laughed with us, knowing it was in good humor, and removed his tie. We all laughed, and Jim felt more at ease.
The next year, he comes up to me at the send off wearing a Hawaiian shirt, with his expensive slacks. "Look Mike, I'm not wearing a tie!" We all laughed as we told him his taste was getting better, and we were glad he made the effort to associate with us. Later on the trip, we are in Cambridge, Ohio, great town and people. The mayor, comes out, in a three piece suit. And while standing next to me, I tell the story of Mayor Jim. And the crowd starts laughing. Now my jokes weren't that funny, and my fly wasn't open, so I looked to see why they were laughing. And the mayor, had taken off his tie and sport coat, and put on his leather vest-he was a biker too!
And finally on that same ride, we were in Shanksville at the Chapel for the fifth anniversary of Flight 93 and 9-11. We had just finished the ceremony with the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, when she steps out of the crowd and pokes me in the chest. "Hey, I'm one of you, my husband and I both ride Harleys!" And suddenly her uniform and badges didn't matter, she was a biker. She was one of us. And all of us bikers, most of the crowd at that point started visiting with her, openly and informally, while mixing with her bodyguards too. No pressure, they felt safe in a crowd of bikers, leather, denim, and t-shirts, and all.
There is a freedom not found in the law that allows us to be who we want to be, and better yet can be. Only in Jesus is this freedom found, and sadly not in some churches. I have been pointed to the back row before because of my leather jacket. But why, does Mrs. So and So sit up front in her Gucci leather? My t-shirt may not have a religious message, so why do I get secondary seats? Have you seen the price of biker shirts lately? They ain't cheap. Perhaps the lesson here is not to prejudge people. Not a new problem, people in Jesus time did it too, and He warned them about giving priorities to the better dressed, or monied people. He also warned that these were the men who took you court and sued you. See, I was quoting scripture to Mayor Jim. Trendiness has a price, in that styles change, but Jesus never does. Better than leather and denim, He has been in style for 2000 years. Love never changes-is that cool or what? And is not impressed by what you wear, but about your heart. That no clothes can cover, we all see through them. Can you imagine Mary or Joseph confronting Jesus, "you going out in that tunic?" What will the Pharisees say? And His answer, "I'm wearing another cloak over it, in case someone needs it." He is so cool. You see real style comes in what are actions, attitudes, and words say about Jesus. A light that you cannot put under a cover-whether it is silk or leather. Clothes don't make the man-Jesus does. An idea to remember next time you consider your clothes for the evening.
Who are you trying to impress? Pride can be subtle. If you see me, impress me with your love for others. Maybe even be nice, ask where did I get the new t-shirt? And don't look down at those who aren't dressed as well. You see knowing Jesus makes you cool, and no outfit, regardless of the label can change that. Check your pride at the door.
"You going out in that? To church?" Yes, and it's the love of Christ that we wish to display. So wear Him everywhere. Openly. Never out of style, nor condescending, nor expensive. He fits any and every occasion. Freedom from style. A life style.
Don't even get me started about Von Dutch shirts or torn jeans for the fashion conscious. Again, bikers have been in style for years, we were just too cool to comment. You wouldn't have gotten the message anyway. But don't ever miss the chance to make a statement about the love of Christ. Just might find you are starting another trend-love. Let me know when the shirts are available.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com