I am embarrassed at the dress attire of some of our young women and even older women in God's House. Needless to say for some...there is nothing to be imagined because (IT ALL) is pretty much out there for clear view. And I am not coming into this post ignorant to the fact that Satan will attack me however he can simply because I am speaking truth. I have learned through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that it isn't what we say at times it is how we say it. I am going to tastefully with a sincere cry of my heart approach this subject with honesty and prayer.
You think about how this looks to others and more so to God when one walks into the House of the Lord....
Wearing a backless dress that is so backless that you can almost see where her hip starts! Matter of fact you might even see her hip!
I do not want to see your behind.....I can see my own in my mirror and it isn't a pretty site.
I do not want to see your behind.....I can see my own in my mirror and it isn't a pretty site.
Wearing a dress or top that shows so much cleavage that a push up bra isn't needed cause its all pushed out!
When you can see more breasts at church on a Sunday morning than you do at KFC that is a pity! (This may sound funny but it is the truth)
Wearing a dress or skirt that is so short that the edge of the undergarments can almost be seen!
There is no question as to the color of undergarment!
Wearing a dress or skirt that is so tight till everyone knows if she is wearing a full size pantie or a thong!
And may I add it doesn't matter if you are thin or heavy...I don't want to see your bone structure!
I remember years ago sitting in church on a Sunday morning and my husband could NOT pay attention to the Pastor for looking at the woman sitting a few pews over from us. She was about 2 years younger than me and beautiful! The way she was dressed had his attention and the attention of all the other wives sitting nearby.
I will never forget telling him, "The Bible says that if your eye causes you to sin to pluck it out and you ain't going to have to worry about doing it cause I AM!
I have raised three daughters in which are grown, adult women. Two of my daughters are raising daughters. I NO LONGER pay my children's bills (Praise the Lord) and CANNOT CONTROL what they do or how they do it by no means. BUT I can tell you this....I will get all into their business quick like if they come into the house of the Almighty God dressed so inappropriately! Now being I have just said these words who knows...they may appear on the front steps of the church half naked...however, I love them enough to tell them that our God is not pleased. We are to love the sinner but not the sin. We are to lead and guide our younger women in the way they should go and that includes DRESS! Does this mean we are to stand at the step of the church with a dress code book in hand and say, You can come in but you can't? NO we aren't. Our Pastor will say "you come as you are, shoes or no shoes, jeans or coat and tie...just come as you are. I love that because he expresses to everyone that God is looking at our hearts. I am so glad I serve a God that doesn't look at my outward appearance. But...I serve a God that is to be REVERENCED and RESPECTED.
When my daughters lived at home I knew what they were wearing when they left my house. Now grant be it...they may have changed clothes when they left my presence for all I know but I can assure you I knew what they left in. And let me go ahead and say this again....I have NO control over what my grown daughter's wear now! But...I know how I raised them! And they too have daughter's coming along.
And just for the record because this is one excuse I hear from many....My daughter is big chested and it is hard to find clothing for her!
I know all about that with raising three daughters. And yes, it is hard to find clothing that is a cute style and age appropriate. But that doesn't mean that IT ALL HAS TO HANG OUT!
It breaks my heart when I see a beautiful young woman walk into church and I hear the whispers nearby because of their clothing.
It saddens me when I see older women that should be role models for our younger women dress so inappropriately.
It makes me angry when I see Satan using these beautiful women to draw attention to them from other men...single, married, old, and young. These sweet young ladies may not even realize that they are causing these men to sin.
It hurts me when I wonder "are we as the older woman in the church"...doing our part to direct, guide and lead the younger women" not just by DRESS example but by doing our utmost to be more Christ-like ourselves.
I always shudder when I know I am putting myself on the front lines for attack! It has never failed...in the 15 years of leading women in Bible Study I can assure you I have seen first hand at how Satan can use mere words on this paper for his benefit. Just let me say something great and wonderful about my children when they were young and the next day the wonderful part turned into "I could kill them". Let me brag on someone in my family and the next day embarrassment would strike and God found a way to humble me. Let me say those all familiar words, "I would never do that" and I did it! You get the picture here....right? Well here is the thing...I can choose to be a pew sitter and a passive Christian or I can choose to be an engaged Christian and be on the front line.
I am ashamed to say that not every time have I said what needed to be said out of love; it has been out of "just being angry". But I am sharing my heartfelt cry today out of love especially for those of you that are still raising your daughters. And... maybe this is a wake-up call for some of the older women to step up to the plate and be an example.
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Here is the thing and it's scary....What we have done a little of our children will do a lot of! We will reap what we sow.
We are none perfect...No not one! But we should strive daily as Christians to be more and more Christ-like!
And if you still think I am being a little judgemental ask yourself this question. DO YOU want your husband staring at another woman because of her clothing attire? How about your Son, Soninlaw, or Boyfriend?
Oh Father, I ask you to forgive me for failing you in so many ways and to help me Lord to reach out to others. I thank you Lord that even through the imperfect times of my life raising my children that You had a plan for my life and for their life. I ask You Father to reach out with conviction and place it where it needs to be. Help us older women to reach out with a Christ-like attitude, love and honesty to the younger women. To teach them not just about dress but how to be a Godly woman, wife and mother. Help us to show them the ways of integrity and humbleness. I thank You now for binding Satan away from me as I know Father that if You are for me then who can be against me! I praise You now Lord that the victory is Yours! In Your Name I pray...amen
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding,
and lean not on your own understanding,
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight".
and he will make your paths straight".
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
