Recently at work, I had the pleasure of working with a plain woman, who is also a nurse. During dinner a few of us, including Mariam were sitting around chatting. I asked Mariam, are you Amish, or Mennonite? Her reply was, I am neither, I am a plain woman of faith. Mariam, continued by telling us about her beliefs, and how she was born Lutheran, but during her teen years felt there must be more I can do. She then started seeking guidance from God. This search lead Mariam and her family to become plain. She states, "I am a woman of faith, I worship God, and do my best to please God in all areas of my life."
Later, Mariam asked the question, "When you see me dressed this way, what descriptive words come to mind?" As each of the other nurses said things like, unique, different, old fashion, I really thought about my answer.. My reply was, Mariam, you look modest, honest, humble, and a woman of faith.
I have really been thinking about this topic since then. I know we have all heard the saying, "Man looks on the outside, but God sees the heart." While this is true, I believe, what is showing on the outside, is a reflection of what is in the heart. As a child, I was raised in a very conservative pentecostal home. From an early age, I could tell you our beliefs, how we were to dress, etc, but couldnt tell you exactly why. In my teen years, I started searching the Bible, and learning for myself; even now I am still learning, and letting God show me his ways. Being modest on the outside may be different for each of us. While one person may only wear long sleeves, long pants or dresses another person may wear short sleeves, or a shorter dress or pant. I do think that women's dress, or a man's shorts should come to or below the knee, and sleeves length is a personal choice as long as they are decent/modest. However, this is my belief, one that I have sought out to be true for myself.
I do not believe that a church, or anyone has the right or authority to dictate what another person should or should not wear. Pastors, Bishops, and Ministers may preach or teach the Bible but NOTHING MORE. The Bible does not instruct us on measurements of clothing, or an exact telling of what modest attire is. We must let God teach & show us these things. Even during my marriage, there have been times when I would ask my wife not to wear certain things in public. This was not an instruction not too, but a request. I, as her husband thought it to be indecent, and disrespectful. My wife agreed and didnt wear it, but had she insisted I would not have forced the issue. We should pray for our spouses, that God will show them what is modest. Before, I go much further, I will say, I do think that women can be modest in pants as well. If that is what she chooses to wear. People are so quick to quote the scripture, "Women shalt not wear that which is for man" If we go back to the time, and era that scripture was written; men wore robes, and women a modest dress. The materials were somewhat different, and men would wear a rope or twine around the waist. Women did not have this waist piece, and usually wore a head covering. In some cultures, even the man wore a head covering as well. Pants did not come about for hundreds of years later.
I pray no one is too offended by this post, but if it does offend you, please pray about it. Ask God to teach you his ways, and show you his truths.
Until Then, God Bless
Jesse Adams, Blogger
The Plain Truth
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