Love in a Nutshell – October: Faith in Costume
Here is the October installment of Love in a Nutshell – A Maple Lane Mystery, where falling leaves uncover hidden feelings, misunderstandings, and the quiet strength of being true to yourself.
Love in a Nutshell – October: Faith in Costume
Maple Lane’s Annual Fall Festival was the kind of event where hayrides met hymn sings, where pumpkin carving happened beside face painting, and the chili cook-off always ended in laughter and someone getting pied in the face (usually Pastor Joe).
But this year, Aimee Little had been hesitant to join.
She’d always been known for her Halloween spirit. Her handmade costumes were legendary—from an impressively detailed Carmen Sandiego to a convincing Captain Hammer. She had even once pulled off a “Haunted Japanese Tourist” ensemble that still got talked about in church circles. Her thrift-store finds and makeup magic were her creative outlet, her joy. But this year, she overheard a few well-meaning church members talking:
“She’s sweet, but she really leans into all that spooky stuff, doesn’t she?”
“Doesn’t quite look like someone who's serious about her faith.”
Those words stung. Aimee had always known she was different—quirky, colorful, unpredictable. But she also loved Jesus with her whole heart. She just didn’t always look like everyone else.
So this October, she almost stayed home.
But Clara, ever the supportive friend, wouldn't let that happen. She signed Aimee up for the festival’s “Faith & Folklore” costume contest without asking and added one note: “Come as yourself, or whoever you are today.”
Reluctantly, Aimee arrived... in a simple scarecrow costume. Not elaborate. Not flashy. Just… sweet and homemade. She helped with the kids’ craft table, decorated cookies, and quietly stood beside the caramel apple booth when she wasn’t needed.
That’s when Eleanor Phelps, the elderly church historian, approached.
“My granddaughter’s in love with your costumes,” she said, sipping cider. “But I heard someone said something about them. About you.”
Aimee looked down. “I just didn’t want to seem like I was making light of anything sacred.”
Eleanor nodded. “Child, you’ve been teaching people what it means to be genuine longer than some have been reading their Bibles. You don’t have to look like faith. You live it. That’s what matters.”
Later that night, during the lantern-lit devotion in the park, Pastor Joe’s short message echoed that same truth.
“The Lord doesn’t look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7
Aimee smiled as she stood beside Clara, watching the final fireworks burst overhead. No costume, no makeup, no glitter. Just her.
And it was enough.
Scripture Reflection:
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Journal Prompt:
Have you ever felt like your appearance or preferences made others question your faith or worth? How might God be inviting you to show up just as you are, beloved and authentic?
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