JirehDid you know the Bible talks about a fashion designer? Her name was Tabitha which also translates to “Dorcas.” Can you imagine that name on a sign post in Rodeo Drive?
Her story isn’t very long. Actually, it doesn’t even cover a chapter, but only a few verses of a chapter. Acts 9:32-43 to be exact. But even with only 12 verses to work with, we can learn a lot about this couturier’s life.
1. Dorcas was caring and was cared for.
In Acts 9:36, it says, “…[she] was always doing good and helping the poor.” This tell us she was compassionate. She volunteered. She had a heart for those in need. She served others.
But not only did she care for others, she was also cared for. Even when she died. Yes, *spoiler alert* Dorcas became sick and she died (verse 37). You can tell she was cared for in the following verse when two men ran to Peter and urged him to come with them to see Dorcas. Once Peter and the men got to the house, widows were mourning over her death. She was clearly loved and missed.
2. Dorcas was creative.
This is where her role as a designer comes in. While these widows were mourning over her in this little room, they were showing Peter “the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them,” (verse 39). Dorcas, the Bible’s fashion designer, showed care and compassion through the clothing she created.
I personally was a fashion designer and followed the industry for years and I have never heard of a fashion designer who was not creative. I mean, even my grandmother made all her children’s clothing when they were young and when I see photos from decades past, I can definitely see my grandmother’s creativity side.
Unless you’re a mass manufacturer creating thousands of the same top a day, yes, you’ll get bored. But because those weren’t around quite yet and Dorcas made them by hand, the mind of a designer for each piece is, “How can I make this special?” “How will this fit her?” “Will she feel good in it?” “I hope she likes it!”
3. Dorcas was the catalyst for the Gospel to be shared in Joppa.
As we are nearing towards the end of her story, above all else, Dorcas’s life made an impact in her community. Not only about her service. Not only about her clothing designs. But when Peter so boldly said, “Tabitha, get up,” she came back to life! Thus, this miracle of coming alive again and the truth and hope found in Jesus Christ was spread all over town.
Once the men and widows in that room saw what had happened, “it became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” (verse 42).
But before we are tempted to hail Dorcas and her life, I love how verse 42 ends and focuses with, “and many people believed in the Lord.” Sure, Dorcas pre-death did many great things and she served others well. But the resurrection power that allowed her to go from death to life sparked hope and evidence that this kind of resurrection indeed did happen to another man once before. A man known as Jesus. And because of Peter’s faith, God’s grace, and His supernatural forces behind it- news traveled all over, even until today.
May we be as Dorcas was who not only loved and cared for others, but a disciple who loved Jesus above anything else.
Featured image photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
