April 17, 2006

"It's a relationship, not a religion"

re·li·gion n.

Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.

The life or condition of a person in a religious order.

A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

I'm pretty religious.. how about you?

It's just something that kind of irks me... all of the Christians who want to throw away all forms of "tradition" and "religion" and bring on this whole new wave of "spirituality" and "relevance", as though they don't believe that the Gospel of Christ that was preached 1000, 500, 200, or even 50 years ago is relevant today. I know that you aren't necessarily one of those Christians, but non-Christians won't buy into the whole "I'm not religious, I'm a Christian" thing... because for nearly 1500 years, Christianity has been considered an organized religion by everyone. It isn't necessarily a bad connotation, either.. it just means that you belong to a group of people who share a common faith/belief system. It just means that you're a member of the body of Christ-- just like Catholics, or Baptists, or Lutherans, etc...

April 09, 2006

Why I Don't Dress Like a Tramp

The confessions of a modestly dressed girl.

It is springtime in Missouri again; The time that beckons see-through tank tops and inexcusably short skirts to come forward and flood the racks and displays of every department store and mall in sight. Aside from the fact that our summer weather can be excessively hot and humid, I am one of the poor (yet blessed) souls that sees little appeal in this style of clothing.

Some say it is a fashion statement to flaunt your body. (Though, such a small amount of fabric should really not even be considered fashion.) I say it is absurd. Not only does it display a complete lack of self respect, it also give men and more prudent women a reason to disrespect you. Regardless of what women may say, it does not mean that you are proud of your body. How seriously can a woman be taken if she is hanging out of her clothes? How proud do you really think you look, so unkempt and unprofessional?

Before I continue ranting, I will put some order to these confessions. My reasons for being modest are as follows:

  • I wish to be modest in dress and action so that I can be respected and successful.
  • I have never been in the slightest way convinced by any girl who urges me to wear a very low V-neck, or a mini skirt, that it will make me any more attractive than I would be if I were to wear a floor-length skirt and a turtle-neck.
  • I do not feel the need to show off my body in order to obtain attention, nor have I ever felt this need.

While there are other reasons, I believe that these are the most practical and universal reasons.
In a professional world, immodesty has nearly no place. Working in fashion retail, the dress code of my work place is such that we cannot actually wear the majority of the clothes we sell. And why? Because no one would want to buy from girls dressed like everyday prostitutes. This may be a little harsh to say, but it is a commonly held idea that modest dress is the most acceptable.
It is no lie that the media shapes what these girls find to be fashionable, but I hardly believe that the majority of girls in America lack the ability to turn off a TV, or stop reading a magazine.

Furthermore, I refuse to believe that these girls are being led blindly by the "desires of men" who wish them to walk around half-naked, simply for their pleasure. The truth is, the men who would say "A girl is completely unattractive unless she shows some skin" are very few and very far between. Any attention you will obtain by dressing in an immodest way will not be good attention, though it may feel like it at the time. If you dress in a way that provokes men's hormones, you have no right to expect anything else in return.

If you want to be taken seriously as a woman, cover yourself up and present yourself with a dignified spirit. That is really what it comes down to-- dignity. Do you have the dignity to stand out and be covered up, or will you fall into the trap that says "hang out of your clothing, and all your dreams will come true!"?
i blame the feminists

“Ima” (The Prodigal’s Mother)

 Birth is the only jubilant end To one life being shared with another. Not so joyous is the letting go that comes after. No one told me what...