Tall by Design

I was supposed to marry an NBA star. I just knew that there would be no other way for me to have my “happily ever after.” As a result, I found myself trying to catch the attention of anyone who could at least meet me at eye-level. Heyyyy there big fella.

I did not catch a basketball star. Quite the opposite actually – I married a gymnast. Now, physical appearance isn’t everything and it “shouldn’t” really matter…but it was totally weird at first. I am not saying anything negative about my husband – he is the best person I know; a Godly, hard-working, kind, goofy, and thoughtful partner. But it did take me more than a few days to get over our height difference.

I hardly notice it now. From time to time, someone will think they’re being funny and make a joke out of it. We’ve been the brunt of many “jokes” and snarky comments, including someone yelling “dude, you look like an Oompa Loompa next to her!” from a moving car. Joke’s on you jerk, because all that made us do was laugh…hysterically. Lesson: don’t take yourself too seriously and be unable to laugh at awkwardness.

The Struggle is Real: Tall and Modest

There are some definite perks to being tall. I can gain more weight before it is noticeable than most people (pass the ice cream over here, please!). I am always able to see what’s going on in a crowd. I never have to look for a step stool. But there are some not-so-great things about it too: “Leg room” is a never-ending topic, I am constantly asked if I played volleyball/basketball (nope…Tuba! *blank stares*), and I have to be careful to not accidentally peek over bathroom stalls.

But you know what’s the worst thing about it all? SHOPPING.

What’s even harder is being a modestly-dressed tall woman.

So many times, I find a dress or skirt that I really like…try it on and…..nope. I’ve gotten really good at spotting things that would be a “Hiney Dress” on me and save myself the time (and frustration). And shoes…if you want to feel better about your own shoe size, go check out the size 10+ clearance section and see the gems that I get to pick from. I guess that’s another part of my problem; if it’s not on sale, I’m not interested.

So I guess what’s extra hard is being a modestly-dressed tall frugal woman.

“…a Pair of Jeans that Fit Just Right…”

My latest adventure was looking for a pair of jeans. Struggles. I haven’t bought a new pair of jeans since I gave birth to our daughter. I guess that’s good because I’m technically still in my “pre-baby” clothes, but these hips are definitely a new feature. I’m not a Junior size anymore…but I also don’t fit right in “Mom Jeans.” 

Over the last 2 weekends, I have been in and out of more stores than I can remember. In and out. In and out. In…..and out. I even got an email from a store saying they were having a MEGA sale on jeans. I got all excited, walked into the store, and…there were 2 whole pairs of “long” jeans. Size 0 and size 18. In a world where everyone is hung up on equality and levelling the playing field, can someone please explain to me how Petites have managed to gain their own section and I can’t even find a pair of pants?! (No offense to you Petite ladies 🙂 )

God Makes No Mistakes

Sometimes, I hate being tall. Shopping trips usually make me feel like some kind of freak. There are times when my greatest wish is to be one of those “cute and petite” girls…..then I remind myself, I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). 

We are reminded of the true source of beauty in 1 Peter 3:3-4

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

I have a husband who loves me and calls me his Supermodel, a beautiful little girl, good friends, and have all my needs met. I am blessed indeed and my height, weight, shoe size, etc has no bearing on any of that. 

God makes no mistakes. I am who I am because He deliberately designed me this way. And He did the same for you. Whether you are skinny, fluffy, curly-haired, straight-haired, brown-eyed, blue-eyed, have big feet, short stubby fingers, a crooked nose, are short, or tall…God made you.