Here is the note from Facebook. I wrote it in two parts since it wouldn't let me write a note that long. :) Enjoy!
Wow. So someone actually REQUESTED for me to write a note! I guess people do read these things. Let me first state that I am typing this on a Treo (which is not easy) so forgive any mistakes. Well, the subject of this note is pretty self explanitory. Let's dive in! First- the head covering. Turn to 1 Corinthians 11 and read verses 1-16. I've heard many, MANY arguements against the head covering (i.e.- it's cultural, the hair is the covering, we are to only cover in prayer) but if a person digs into the greek (the language the Bible was originally written in) these are not so. And trust me, I dug deep. It wasn't like I joyously embraced the idea of wearing this thing full time! It was a struggle. But I just couldn't find an arguement that disproved what I was finding. If you know of one, let me know! My goal is to pursue truth, not be right! If anyone wants me to get into more detail let me know and I will. I have a fantastic article I could send you.
Obvious issue #2- the dresses. Turn with me to 1 Tim. 2:9. See those words " modest apparel"? Look it up in the greek. The word is katastole. Do a little deeper digging and you will find out that a katastole is a two part " flowing garment (aka- a dress). One part to cover the nakedness of the body and another part to cover the form. Ladies, I must say, It's good to cover your skin but let us also be aware of how form fitting our clothing is. As a christian my purpose is to bring attention to Christ and not to myself. Does that make sense?
Turning our attention to the men's side. Many of you have probably noticed that John wears suspenders and a beard. Turn to Hezekiah......just kidding. It's not there. Actually no where in the bible does God tell men to do this. John does it for me. Obviously, I stick out. John doesn't want me to go through it alone. Another reason is because we want to be seperate from the world. Face it, fashion is worldly. If you disagree, then I believe you are terribly deceived. And the bible tells us not to be worldly.
Who knew facebook mobile had a limit as to how much you could type?? Continuing on... I hope I am not offending anyone here. These are just convictions that I have been wrestling with for several years now and am still learning. As I said before, if anyone disagrees and has good reason, tell me! I want truth, not self glory. Also, I am not insinuating that anything other than a cape dress ( that is the official term) is sinful or worldly. This is just the most modest thing I have found, thus far. Some have said (including me,at a time) that God doesn't care how we dress. He looks at the heart. And I both agree and disagree with that statement. God has given us His Word as a standard of how to live. The bible says that Jesus did so many things while he was here that they couldn't even all be written down. So, my question is: Why would God waste His breath with these verses that DO instruct us about dress if we are not to follow them? But at the same time a cape dress and covering alone are not going to get you into heaven.
I really do hope people are not getting angry. Funny, but I've had the most opposition from Christians. John 14:21 says, " He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." It was VERY hard for me to get where I am today. I couldn't even explain if you asked me to. But, I see now, how my choice to dress in this way brings glory to Him and not me. So! There you go. All 3 of my faithful readers! I could get a lot more detailed with it all. I wish ya'll lived close. We'd have a good ol' bible study! If anyone has questions or comments, throw them out there. Let the truth be known! Thanks for reading. God bless!
Amanda
13 comments:
you know i really do love you. and i love that you stand true to your convictions. and i love that you teach me things. i love you amanda!! thank God for you!!
Never appologize for speaking the truth! My hubby and I have come down a VERY similar road (Cathrine tells me we are a lot alike!) Once you quit trying to make excuses you find that God's word is so very simple to understand and easy to obey. Probably the easiest way to put it is that if the world does it then God's way is going to be the complete opposite! Blessing to you!
Ami
I confess, I read your blog, but don't always comment.
So, hi! And I like the informative sessions on your blog.
I can't imagine why anyone would oppose you and your dressing for your faith. Maybe they question their own conviction?
Thank you so very much for posting the article from facebook. I would love to read the article on covering. Dressing modestly and covering is two things that God has been working on me about. I am dresses only about 99% of the time know. Anyway I really appreciate your honesty and sharing about your self. Thank You!
Michelle
Amanda, thank you for sharing. I have to apologize because when I first saw your photo on facebook, I assumed you were Amish. My family does not go to church or follow the Bible, but I really admire your commitment.
Thank you for posting the article. I am in Michelle's same spot. I feel as though the Lord has been working on me about the way I dress as well. I read about the 'feelin' feminine challenge' I don't know if you heard of it. Well, you had to dress feminine for a week. When I started it though at the beginning of Aug. I just threw out all my jeans. Now I am in skirts/dresses 100%. No going back. I would also like to read the article on covering. Thanks again for posting the Facebook note!
-Josie
Thanks Amanda for sharing. I have headcovered for over a year and have become fairly modest in the past 6 months. I started wearing more skirts after reading a letter on Modesty by R. Mummau. Anyways thanks for sharing...The few negative vibes i get is from mostly women actually. I feel like that they think my husband makes me wear this or dress this way when actually I didn't even ask him (I know, I know) to begin with (I wanted to follow God first, later he agreed it was good). I think men appreciate the way I dress the most, especially at church, its the way it should be. Men shouldn't struggle anywhere, but Church should be a haven from the world.
Thank you for taking the time to write this and elaborate... I admire the amount of thought and consideration you put into your choices. As one who lives on the other cultural side of America (near LA and Berkeley) I have come to other conclusions... for example, I see fashion as a creative outlet - people attempting to express themselves. Of course it is tinted with greed and insecurity, etc... but that is the unavoidable part of being human. I appreciate people who try to break out of the status quo - whether it is through dresses and head coverings or through piercings, tattoos and black clothes. I am SO thankful for the freedom we have to choose...
But I do believe the Bible is a piece of literature written within a certain context and that understanding that context is essential to understanding truth. I do not see those passages as frozen in eternal time - I see them as a Christian leader addressing specific problems and challenges in the best way they thought would help people know God in increasing measure. This is up to interpretation though - depending on what perspective you want to see. I think as humans large parts of God we will be unable to understand... that there is beauty found in mystery - in not knowing everything about Him and having to trust. While you are so open about why you choose this way... I wonder if you believe you are the "most right" in following God and that others who do not choose this way are not being as obedient as you are? Maybe obedience looks different (in some regards) for each person. For Moses it was leading people out of Egypt. For Paul it was traveling far and wide and writing. For Ester it was about leaving her safety and security for the sake of her people... maybe there are different things we can all do in the different contexts we are in to respond to our understanding of God and His love.
You cover and wear dresses, I think I am going to like you. *Ü*
Any other cool things I should know about? *Ü*
Hi, I know you posted this a LONG time ago but a friend referred me to your blog. I would really like to read that article you mentioned that talks more in depth about the covering and cape dress. I'm marrying into a very conservative Mennonite family soon. My future in-laws both grew up Amish. If you are willing I would love to talk with you more about this. My name is Denise and you can comment on my blog or email me if you are willing. dlknee@gmail.com
I forgot to mention I'm good friends with Andrea and Emily.
Thanks for the encouraging comments everyone! It blesses me to know that so many of you are on the same road I was/am on!
Nikki- I appreciate your honesty. You know I have always loved your questions and thoughts. I have been approached many times with comment of "Do you think you are better than others because of how you dress?" And I will be totally honest, when I first started I did have a bit of a self righteous attitude. I had a very black and white attitude about the whole thing. But, God leads people down many different roads. And those roads can look different for different people. Do I believe we need to stand out from the world? Yes. Do I believe women need to cover? Yes. Do I believe women need to be adorned in modest apparel? Yes. Because that is how God has led me. I don't mean to sound dogmatic. I, by no means, think I am "better" than someone else because of the way I dress. Goodness no! I have sin in my life just like anyone! It isn't necessarily my job to judge how someone else feels God is leading them. The Bible tells me to love others. That is my job, regardless of whether that person dresses just like me or is covered with tattoos and piercings. I can share my beliefs and then it is up to the Holy Spirit to guide that person to the Truth, whatever that might be. Like I said, I am still learning every. single. day. I am not interested in being right I just want to be in the Lord's will. Hope that all made sense!
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