I was shocked. We had had conversations before about why I wasn't a feminist or going to grad school. For a man from a different generation, I guess he appreciated what he said was "rare" for a 20-something to believe. I find it saddening that he was so surprised that I didn't feel the need to make a name for myself or prove my "womanhood" by adding a PhD, or had the audacity to think raising children was more important than the prestige of extra money in the bank.
So what made him ask me that strange question?
He had observed that I tended to be overly modest in my clothing. I have a hankering for 3/4 sleeve shirts and maxi skirts. I think they're super comfy and less fussy and I hate having to tug something up or down in order to keep covered. So I simply replied, "No I'm just a Baptist who actually reads her Bible." But for the rest of the day I walked around campus and noticed what others were wearing....
Why?
Why do we dress the way we do?
Why is it important?
Do people even notice? I never really thought so, other than my parents or my (almost) husband. But apparently they do. So here some reasons why it should be not be a surprise to see...
I was created by God.
We were made in the image of God. Made by God. Crafted carefully for a specific purpose, to glorify Him. So if we were made by a Creator, wouldn't we function best if by His intention? This is not to earn His approval, but functioning out of His loving design for His world.
My body wasn't made for the world.
Um, hello? I know it's not very popular to believe that life is sacred these days, but I think my life is sacred. Not because of what I have done with it, but from it's inception when God formed it. So if my life is sacred, my body is sacred and therefore should not be displayed for all to see. It isn't for the pleasure of random men or the envy of random women. It is precious and of enough value for Christ to die on the cross to reconcile me with the Father. So no, I will not be giving that up for a cheap compliment.
My body was designed for the pleasure of a spouse.
As I'm getting married soon I realize more deeply the purpose and physical design for my body. Every detail, whether beautiful or damaged was created to bring pleasure to my husband. This is not to say that that is the ONLY purpose or that someone is lacking if they never marry, but it is an important reflection of something bigger. The more sacred my body is, the more intimate union I can form with my husband, reflecting the beauty of the Christ's love for His Church. A union that brings pleasure to both parties. With such a high regard in mind, it would be strange for me to trade that up for any lesser pleasure.
My body was created to make and sustain life.
My body was made not just for pleasure or reflection of Glory. It has a function. A sacred function. I know it's not very popular to think child bearing and rearing is valuable these days, but that is contrary to Scripture. Every part of my body was made to create and sustain life. LIFE. Do we get that? What an honor to be considered worthy enough to bring God's creation in to being! And not only that but to raise that life up to reflect the Glory and Splendor of a King for the generation after that. How dare I turn that honor and duty down to keep from "ruining my body"? My body isn't for me?! Who am I to tell its Creator anything else.
These things are not Mormon, they are Scriptural and good. They will never earn approval from God, they will never "make us good people". They will simply reflect God's creation to a world that simply doesn't understand. Reflect on this as you get dressed tomorrow.
In Christ.
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