perspective (was...men)

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Sis. Evelyn wrote:
| there are an awful lot of men out in the world that really dress sharp
| so come on you  men , get out as soon as you can because you do not want
| to be branded as worldly now do you? you should get a pair of overalls
| and boots and praise God seperate yourselves immediately ! for goodness
| sake do  not dress like other men out there in the world.

<snip>

| I still havent't heard anything from some of you but sarcasm, is that
| the way you handle things?

Sis Evelyn,

I perceive that you are unwittingly falling into the "pot calling kettle
black" syndrome! :)

I don't think there is any conspiracy on the part of the men to keep women
dressed as "maids".  I attend a UPC church and the women dress just as
"sharply" as the men...without the aid of jewelry (wedding bands excepted).
I've also seen local Apostolic women in my neighborhood who do indeed look
as you describe.  But I would say that is a matter of choice, not design. 
I don't believe "modest" by any stretch of the scripture equals "ugly".

You can choose to tuck in your shirt, put on a belt and wear neat clothing.
 (You can find some great deals on beautiful, yet modest, clothing if you
hit the sales and clearance racks of department stores.  Also, stores that
stock the designer clothes from "closeouts" have great deals.)  It isn't a
matter of income, either.  I've found great looking dresses for as little
as $5-10 and skirts and blouses for as little as $3.  

Instead of getting angry with Apostolic *men* in general, maybe us women
can have "girls' nite out" and hit the stores...or...get together and share
tips on how to accessorize.  In my church, we share clothes (just like best
friends!).  If someone has something they've outgrown, or if they loose
weight, or if they have a baby (and can no longer fit into their previous
wardrobe)...they just bring the clothes to church to see if anyone else can
fit them!  :-)  The ones we don't "place" end up in the annual church
rummage sale (open to the public).  Half my wardrobe is made up of clothes
people give me.  But if I take care of them and wear them neatly, they look
like sharp new clothes.

I don't think blaming the men is productive.  I think it is a matter of
putting things in perspective.  I think the Christian women of Corinth and
Ephesus wore modest apparel, but I don't think they wore stolas and tunics,
etc, that looked like they were 20 years old!  :-)


Anneliese