How Cute Jewelry Made Me a Better Evangelist

A few years ago, I joined a few girlfriends for a night out on the town.  After a yummy meal and lots of girl talk, we went for a walk.   We discovered an open area downtown that had lots of shops and restaurants and a big central courtyard with little carts full of wares for sale.   I love looking at funky rings and trying on cute costume jewelry.  I was browsing at a table with inexpensive pieces when I saw a silver piece that grabbed my attention.  It had a turquoise butterfly on the front.  I immediately reached for my wallet. 

I love butterflies.  Yes, they are pretty things that fly, but for me they provide inspiration in my walk as a Christ follower.  Butterflies remind me that God is transforming my life.  Like a caterpillar, I am on a journey of metamorphosis.  God is doing a work in my heart, and each day, I am shedding more and more of my hard shell of sin and learning to fly with greater purpose in complete freedom.   

In Romans 12, Paul actually challenges us to “present our bodies a living sacrifice.”  He explains that we are to live transformed lives.  The actual Greek word for “transformed” here is synonymous with “metamorphosis.”  Basically, I am called to be a mission-minded butterfly for the Kingdom. 

I wore that butterfly ring for years.  And, since my friends know I love butterflies, I’ve received lots more beautiful pieces as gifts over the years.  I actually own a pair of butterfly earrings, a lapel pin, a bracelet, and a few butterfly necklaces. 

Not long ago, I was wearing my favorite butterfly necklace on a Saturday morning when I went to get a manicure.  The girl who was making my hands look lovely was from the Dominican Republic, and we both speak Spanish.  We chatted about the similarities in our upbringings and discovered that we had a great deal in common.  She mentioned that she liked my necklace, and I explained it was a gift from a sweet friend who knew I loved butterflies. 

“Why do you like butterflies so much?” she asked. 

I smiled.  “Well,” I explained, “I am a Christian, and butterflies remind me of how God is changing my life.  Christ has set me free from a life of sin, and He is helping me to fly in freedom.”

My butterfly necklace has opened up for the door for me to share the Gospel many times.  Sometimes, cute jewelry is a tool for the Kingdom.  

About Lyli

Lyli Dunbar loves teaching.  For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on her personal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook,Twitter, and Pinterest.

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