When spring comes around, possibility teems through the air. The scent of lavender perfumes the outdoors. The taste of tangy tangerines with succulent apricots and lemon water refreshes us. Eagerly, we make trips to Trader Joe’s for ruby red tulips and essentials for an afternoon picnic. Morning by morning, the robin sings its melodious tune. The sun warmly touches our lives, and with its radiance, we await what the future holds with hope and expectation.
Immutability. No matter the season, God does not change. And even more profoundly, in every season, he is always good.
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Reader, as you feel the warmth of spring’s embrace after winter’s chill, rest with this one truth: God is in control, and he is holding you, right here, in this moment. He will never let you go, for you are his beloved.
As we will see in this week’s column, trends will come and go, but the love and truth of Christ Jesus will always stay the same.
Fit Check
This week in fashion, let’s direct our attention to both a recurring trend and an up-and-coming one. Picture the intersection of old money and contemporary style. Sun-kissed afternoons at the tennis courts, a cup of espresso in Martha’s Vineyard. Jay Gatsby, Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy. Reader, allow me to present to you the “coastal grandma” and the “eclectic grandpa.” Yes, you read that correctly.
For “coastal grandma,” picture wearing a Polo Ralph Lauren sweater over light denim jeans with white lace-up sneakers. Or maybe consider a nautical Cape Cod crewneck with white pants, a ball cap and simple slip-on sandals. Both represent the “coastal grandma” aesthetic, a recurring fashion trend from 2023 that is still flourishing with its blend of vintage charm and relaxed sophistication.
For “eclectic grandpa,” pull out those colorful knitwear sweaters, long oversized cardigans, loafers, baseball caps and wristwatches. Believe it or not, they’re having a moment. In the fashion world, that antique sweater that once belonged to your grandfather is the most wanted item of this season. Consider pairing it with wide-leg pants and Birkenstock Boston clogs.
In Pop Culture
The Academy Awards transpired Sunday, March 10. Celebrities such as Margot Robbie and Ariana Grande brought elegance to the red carpet with their Versace and Tiffany & Co. attire. Emma Stone, famous for her role in “La La Land,” won an Academy Award for Best Actress in “Poor Things.” Meanwhile, Ryan Gosling bedazzled the Dolby Theatre stage with his pink outfit and rendition of “I’m Just Ken” from the sensational “Barbie” film. Billie Eilish secured an Oscar for Best Original Song with her track, “What Was I Made For?” Notably, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” won Best Picture, and Robert Downey Jr. celebrated his first Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.
Meanwhile, movie aficionados and Swifties have a lot going on at the moment. Are you ready for it? Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)” concert film was released March 14 exclusively on Disney+. The film provides everyone the opportunity to virtually attend the Eras Tour from the comfort of their homes.
Rolling with the trends
Reader, let’s delve into some popular trends. You may have noticed that strawberry matcha foam lattes are the latest beverage sensation. With its pink and green swirls, this refresher is altogether appropriate for spring. Plus, with its complementary berry and matcha flavors, one might even think it tastes like spring in a cup. It’s no wonder that this beverage is receiving lots of social media attention. There are many recipes available online for those who want to keep up with this trend.
Now, let’s explore a popular topic of conversation: Stanleys — those 40-ounce tumblers that are affectionately known as “the Quenchers.” Pomelo, Tigerlily, Fog and Iris are all different colors on the Stanley color palette. For many, Stanleys are not just water bottles. Rather, these water bottles represent a healthy and hydrated lifestyle. Around Christmastime, Stanleys were the “it” item. Day by day, consumers flocked by the myriads to lay their hands on one of these sought-after gems at stores nationwide. The question is, Are they still worth it? Owala FreeSip water bottles, with their aesthetically pleasing subtly bright hues, are just as popular. And Hydro Flasks and Yetis haven’t gone away quite yet. Stanleys are in a later stage of popularity, and some believe their popularity will be replaced soon by another type of water bottle.
Amid these ever-changing trends in fashion and culture, one thing remains constant: the timeless truth of God’s character, love and presence in our lives. While trends come and go, Jesus Christ never changes.
Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Reader, this spring season, seek joy in Christ alone. He will sustain you, and in him there is abundant life.
Happy reading,
Solem is the asst. feature editor for the Liberty Champion. Follow him on X