The meaning of Paisley...

Since I was a teenager I have loved the paisley design. My devotional chair is a red and gold paisley. I have several clothes items in this design. In fact my husband thinks I need to let up on this wardrobe design. This morning I thought I would explored this design. Is there any significance to "paisley"?

I found that it is considered one of the most recognized patterns in the world. The twisted "tear-drop" pattern is Persian (Iranian) in origin, but its western name derives from the town of Paisley, in central Scotland, a place I hope to visit one day. In Indian culture, the paisley was originally an illiterate way for village people to communicate that it was harvest time. It is the 1009 name in popularity for use as a first name and it means "church" (loving it!)

The tear drop pattern does represent my life. But these tears have also brought rebirth and joy into my life, but only through the grace of God. It reminds me of how God can take something painful, whether of my own doing or the actions of someone else, and turn it into something beautiful. He is doing that in my life, satan is not real happy about this right now and the pressure is on...

For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.

~Psalms 116:8

Paisley means church-is that not what we are called to be? We are to be the church of Christ, of the same mind as God, a servant used to draw others to Him, our bodies a temple of Christ. What are you filling your church with? What gives you the energy and strength to fulfill God's plan for your life? If we are called to be of the same mind as Christ, then what feeds your mind?

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

~1 Corinthians 6:19

For the Indian culture, paisley symbolized harvest time. Look around you. Is it not harvest time? Where is Christ in this world? How are you showing Him to all those around you that do not know Him? What is your field of harvest? Your family? Your work? Your faith community?

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few."

~Matthew 9:37

We all have our special calling in ministry. For some it is to teach, to lead, others to serve and edify, and even some to disciple, to provide mercy and intercession. Whatever your gift is, God is calling us now to be His church, His temple. The harvest is ready. Let's make Christ love the most recognized pattern of life in this world!!