Have you ever walked down the street and done a double-take when someone walks by whose sex is indistinguishable? Doesn't it just grate on you as you search frantically to ascertain the persons' gender? It's almost an unconscious compulsion isn't it?
Why is it so? I believe that God has decreed that all things should be natural. I believe that God has decreed that all things should be natural.It is natural to see a definition of gender, from clothes to hair length to deportment.
When I was ill (under active thyroid/lupus) and losing my hair, I cut my hair really really short in an effort to save it, (which I did) But I remember the reaction of shock and horror of my family when they first saw it! My step-father in particular remarked to my mother that he didn't know how any woman could do that to herself! I later told him of my hair loss problem, and he could see my point.
So strongly did my mother feel about it, that she told me if I ever cut my hair like that again , she would never speak to me! Going against the natural order definitely rattles most people because we instinctively know that God has provided definition of the sexes and is very explicit about gender differences and keeping those differences. In fact, He calls cross-dressing etc an abomination.
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. Deuteronomy 22:5
I believe that we should dress in a manner that is not only modest, but that preserves the differences of the genders. Whilst there are many opinions on what that dress consists of, I will make a generalisation here, and say simply that our dress should emphasis our God-given gender in whatever culture we live in. I say this because in some countries, a woman can wear pants and still retain her femininity, and a man can wear skirts or kilts and still be distinguishable as masculine. However, there should be no doubt whatsoever in distinguishing our gender.
If it is important enough for God to mention this in scripture, then we should take it to heart and avoid unisex clothing that tries to negate gender differences through total androgeny
Why is it so? I believe that God has decreed that all things should be natural. I believe that God has decreed that all things should be natural.It is natural to see a definition of gender, from clothes to hair length to deportment.
When I was ill (under active thyroid/lupus) and losing my hair, I cut my hair really really short in an effort to save it, (which I did) But I remember the reaction of shock and horror of my family when they first saw it! My step-father in particular remarked to my mother that he didn't know how any woman could do that to herself! I later told him of my hair loss problem, and he could see my point.
So strongly did my mother feel about it, that she told me if I ever cut my hair like that again , she would never speak to me! Going against the natural order definitely rattles most people because we instinctively know that God has provided definition of the sexes and is very explicit about gender differences and keeping those differences. In fact, He calls cross-dressing etc an abomination.
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. Deuteronomy 22:5
I believe that we should dress in a manner that is not only modest, but that preserves the differences of the genders. Whilst there are many opinions on what that dress consists of, I will make a generalisation here, and say simply that our dress should emphasis our God-given gender in whatever culture we live in. I say this because in some countries, a woman can wear pants and still retain her femininity, and a man can wear skirts or kilts and still be distinguishable as masculine. However, there should be no doubt whatsoever in distinguishing our gender.
If it is important enough for God to mention this in scripture, then we should take it to heart and avoid unisex clothing that tries to negate gender differences through total androgeny
So let us rejoice in our femininity and teach that to our daughters and granddaughters, and let us encourage masculine dressing of our sons and grandsons. Not only will society benefit, but it will please God.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
Glenys, this is something that the Lord has put on my heart recently as well - to "up" the way I am dressing to be more modest and more feminine. I appreciate you post and whole heartily agree that the Lord makes clear in Scripture that he designed male and female differently. Our society loves to try and equalize everything. I am very thankful for the males and their characteristics versus the females and ours. Thank you for your post! -Nicole @ Working Kansas Homemaker
ReplyDeleteI love those differences too! I would hate to be made to look and act like a man! Thanks for taking tea with me today!
DeleteAmen! I appreciate your words here and I agree with you 100%. One of my recent struggles is with wearing a bow tie. I'm a lady and I loved the look of wearing a bow tie with a high collard shirt and a below the knee length skirt. However, I'm praying about this. It's not my intention to look manly but bow ties are for men, right? Anyway, God will let me know what to do.
ReplyDeleteChandra
More Modern Modesty
http://www.momomod.com
Chandra, if you wear a skirt and high collar with a bow tie, it would still be easy to see that you are a lady... it is a matter of preference about whether a bow tie is for men... I have always disliked bow ties and thought of them as unmanly... I am sure the LORD will direct you and you will either wear it with confidence or discard it... it is not a very important decision for it will not compromise your witness either way. Blessings to you and thanks for sharing tea with me today.
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