Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Feminine Dress Or Old Hat?



I have been known for my love of capri pants, jeans and longer length shorts. Although I have always been modest in my attire I have been feeling the LORD'S prompting concerning my dress.

I can think back to a very special time in my life and that was our wedding day. I had on "the" most beautiful wedding dress (don't we all feel that way about our wedding dress though?) I can remember not only feeling special because I was marrying the love of my life and most handsome man in the world, I felt special because I was the lady in white that he had always dreamed of marrying (these are Hubby's words.) I can not imagine my wearing pants or capri's on our wedding day...no it had to be that special dress. I cherish the memories of how I felt in it...feminine, modest, beautiful, lady like. I wore the very best to meet my soon to be husband, Mr. M, that day and to behold the honor of becoming Mrs. M.

So when I think of my everyday attire on a daily basis I have had to stop and think to myself...am I still dressing my best for my husband or have I gotten so comfortable that any 'ol thing in the closet will do? Does my dress really let my husband know that I honor & respect him so much that I will put on my best everyday for him? Sadly, I have to be honest and say no to both questions. Now, granted I still wear modest dress but my comfy capri's and jeans have superseded my feminine attire. There are times that call for our "knock around" clothes, but this shouldn't be my norm.

Through my days, weeks & months of reflection on this issue I have been drawn back to the same scripture(s)...
Deuteronomy 22:5 "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."

I Timothy 2:9-10 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. "
Please keep in mind that I am not condemning anyone who wears pants or the like, after all I admit that I am guilty of it myself. But this is just something that the LORD has laid upon my heart regarding myself. So know that I am writing for my own convictions and not the condemnation of anyone. But I had a thought come to mind the other day that really stood out to me..."What if JESUS were to come back today? What would I be wearing and how would that honor HIM?" I took a look at myself and saw my over sized comfy t-shirt, gardening shorts and bare feet. My head dropped a bit but then I heard the LORD say, "it's not what's on your back that matters it's what's in your heart." I know that outward appearance is not what gets you to heaven, it's believing in JESUS and accepting HIM into your heart as LORD and Savior of your life. But I don't want to look like a ragamuffin for my LORD, nor for my husband.

I do realize that in Biblical times there were not Levi's and Dockers, but instead they had robes. So Deuteronomy 22:5 could be referring to cross dressing. (just a thought and my opinion only.) Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Being renewed in our (mind) thought life will change our perspective on how we see ourselves as daughters of the Most High GOD. For me personally, I feel the LORD is directing me to not conform to the dress of the world.

The other day my Dad & I went to the Mall to window shop. It was the first time I had been there in over a year or more. As we strolled through, I noticed something. It wasn't out of the norm but it was something that stood out to me and that was attire. Women and girls wearing overly tight fitting clothes, or clothes that show more than they cover, or ones that look like they got dressed in the dark (if you know what I mean.) Then you look at the males and you're hit with pants sagging down to the ground and underwear flying high, shirts that have obscene gestures on it that make you turn your head. I'm not saying that none of them have self pride but their outward appearance would make one wonder by the way they dress.

Now I know it's not just the malls where you see it but everywhere, school...the market...the gas station...sadly even in Church. So if we are not to be conformed to this world then wouldn't it stand to reason that our attire would be one of those issues that we can glorify the LORD with instead of looking like everyone else. So once again I felt the LORD using that visual aide to tell me that HE wants me to renew my mind concerning my attire. I have always loved dresses and skirts but even as a young girl I didn't wear them much. It was much more economical to have "durable" clothing such as pants/jeans to wear as my Mom would impress. I am not knocking this as I realize now as an adult how much finances are an intricate part of life as is clothes shopping for your children. So you do what you deem best for them.

With this said, I am choosing feminine dress instead of old hat. I want my husband to know that I put him first in everything I do, including my dress. My dress should say that I respect him enough to put my best on for him, not just for a special occasion but daily. After all, being married to him makes everyday special. By honoring my husband, this also honors the LORD.

6 comments:

mrshester said...

Wonderful post, sister. I am disturbed deeply about the way Christians dress these days. I know that people who have no lord except for themselves would have no desire or understanding of dressing any way other than for themselves or the world. But we, as a people are no longer of ourselves, ought to be better about representing our precious Lord. I include myself in this, though I am getting better. I almost wish we had a "Dress Code Policy" tacked on the door of the sanctuary. How sad is that? There is just something very wrong about a deacon's daughter having to pull her top up continuously to keep from falling out of it. But, it is like you said, it is about the heart. And I cannot control anyone but myself when it comes to these things. I am very nearly ready to leave our church over these sort of things (the pastor has never, since I have been a member, attempted to discuss this issue as far back as I can recall) but that is not my call either. So all I can do is try to be an example. And I fail at that so many times.

An interesting (and important, I think) thing to consider is this: I have read on more than one occasion that the term used in the Bible for the articles of clothing for women are synonymous with loose and flowing. I just don't have any britches that are quite loose and flowing ;) And by the way, you are beautiful in your dress! I'll be very happy when I lose enough weight to get into all those skirts I do have now, unfortunately most of what I can wear now are my pants. I am self-conscious in them and I think that is a good sign that I need to get back into wearing my skirts.

Thank you for your willingness to share what is on your heart with us, I appreciate it deeply. Sorry for the book-comment :)

Farming On Faith said...

Bless you Mrs. M~ what a touchy subject. You are my hero for your bravery!
Although I have never worn pants and I know so many wonderful Christian women who do ~I too have chosen to stand out and say I am different. I want my dress to scream she is choosing to be holy in her appearance. I never dressed my girls in pants as they were growing up~as women they must follow their own convictions as all we all do. I applaud your decision~Mrs. M!
I praying a special blessings for you today.
I am mailing your candle just as soon as I get back home!
Carrie~

Rachel said...

That's wonderful Mrs. M! My sister and I felt the Lord leading us to wear dresses/skirts about a year or 2 ago (and our mom as well) and we have not regretted it! We feel so much more feminine and lady-like! It also changed our hearts and makes us want to be more submissive and meek and quiet in spirit as well. I hope you will find it to be as much of a blessing as we did! If you need any tips or anything on finding modest clothes or dressing for the weather, drop by and leave us a comment or an email! :)

Blessings in the Lord!
~Miss Rachel~

bookflutterby said...

What a blessing to read this! Sometimes I feel "weird" and the oddball because I wear skirts and dresses, and I start to get a bad attitude. It's great to know there is someone out there who feels the same way about it! Thanks for the encouragement, and way to go! :D
Courtney

Cranky G. said...

Another positive, refreshing post! Thank you!

I think the only rules that apply when choosing a style of dress is to make sure most everything is covered up - which is a far cry from the norm these days. I have three small granddaughters and thank God everyday that their mothers were raised to believe in something called "modesty" - a word you don't hear much anymore!

Blessed Beyond said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful post! It is a very brave and special subject!

I strive for us in our home to be modest! And Although, I haven't moved to dresses only, I have been trying to do better by looking better every day!

Hugs and Blessings,