"....Your children shall be like olive plants all around your table." Psalm 128:3

Monday, April 16, 2012

Some Thoughts on Feminine Dress

Dear friends,

It's been almost one year since I (and my girls) started wearing skirts full-time. Here's how it all began......

 Last spring, I was really encouraged - and challenged -  by reading Amy's posts @  She Wears Skirts Series, and Caroline's posts @ The Modest Mom.
(You can read my post about skirts here.)

But even before I had stumbled upon  their  blogs,  the Lord had already been dealing with me about what I was wearing, which I call the "The Uniform of the Day" :  jeans and t-shirts.  I knew that, as Christians, we are to be "set apart" from the world (Psalm 4:3) "not conformed" to it (Romans 12:2), and that we were "to keep oneself unspotted" from it (James 1:27).   I had to admit to myself that  what I was wearing was not separate from the world because I looked exactly like almost every other woman when I went out in public. Not only did I consider myself not separated from the world, but I just didn't feel feminine in what I was wearing. However, I  felt very feminine in my Sunday clothes.

As I read the posts in the series, the topic came up at lunch one day. I asked the children, "What's the first thing that pops into your mind when you see a lady in a long skirt?" My then 9 year-old son summed it up well.   His answer was," I would think, 'Wow! There's something different about her!'"

Exactly! We are supposed to different from the world - even in how we dress.  And  in our society, with the gender lines blurred, or sometimes non-existent, it's hard to distinguish  male from female these days.

So I found myself looking forward to each new post and loving what I was reading.  And  I felt the Lord tugging on my heart even more. I knew what He was trying to tell me:  make the change..literally - to embrace my femininity, to love being the woman God created me to be..... and to be more modest at the same, (which is a topic for another  post).  : )  The Lord made it very clear to me and I knew what I had to do.
 
But there was the question about how to afford practically a whole new wardrobe. I had Sunday clothes, but no skirts to wear around the house, or  to run errands, etc. And I would need some shoes, too.  The Lord graciously provided exactly what I needed from thrift stores, and also material to make skirts for me and my girls.

 I must tell you that I  feel much more feminine in a long, flowing skirt than I ever did in a pair of jeans or even capris. And for the record, my hubby says, "Dear, you look really nice" much more now than he ever did when I wore jeans.  :)  My daughters act more feminine in their skirts, too.

 I also find that I can do anything in skirts that I could do in jeans..from cleaning the house to weeding the garden.  My sweet daughter-in-law gave me an apron a couple of years ago, I use it on a daily basis to keep my skirts clean.

So it's been a year since the switch and I have yet to be questioned by family or  friends about why we wear skirts. Maybe it's because they're thinking, "They homeschool and wear skirts. Typical weirdos."  ;) 

There's a quote from Kim Brenneman in her book, "Large Family Logistics" that was a wonderful encouragement to me while switching over to skirts. She said, "Our foremothers settled this land, built houses, planted gardens, and tended animals in long skirts and beautiful dresses. Even their aprons were wonderful to behold! Surely in our day of microwaves, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners, we can do our chores with as much feminine flair as they. Personally, I feel it is uplifting to the spirit to go through each day in womanly attire. Let's dignify our work by dressing appropriately and beautifully for it!"

Now obviously, I realize that there are people who would call me legalistic, but I disagree. I 'm not legalistic.  I'm  liberated  -  in the right sense of the word;  liberated to embrace how the Lord created me - to be a woman, to act like a woman, and to dress like a woman.  

Have a blessed day,








linking up at The Modest Mom
                                                             Deep Roots at Home
                                                            Feminine Friday 
Thanks for reading, friends. And I try to respond to each comment that you leave.   :)

42 comments:

  1. Can I say - Bravo! As a woman that has been wearing skirt only for over 8 years, I must share that at first it was tough. But the transition happened and I have yet to go back. Oh, there are times that I do wear a pair of Yoga pants around the house...but those days are extremely RARE!

    I enjoy how feminine I feel with skirts on...they are easy to make and easy to accessorize :)

    M.

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    1. 8 years, Maria? How wonderful! And I agree - skirts are so easy to make and accessorize. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  2. Lisa, I think it is an Awesome decision! I love that book Large family logistics. I think it is good to raise the standard for other, I have to admire I don't think I could do it but I certainly admire other that do. I know it make our heavenly father smile. You never know maybe someday I will, the Lord has moved my heart before and I am always open to his leading. I am doing a link-up tomorrow for moms that have lost children/babies. I would love if you joined you do not have to write a special post. Just link your home page. Your testimony is so powerful I know other mommies would be blessed by you!

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    1. Thanks for stopping in, Tesha. And thanks for invite to your link-up. :)

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Anne! And thanks for taking to the time to visit. :)

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  4. I have been thinking about doing a post on this very issue. I haven't always been skirts only. In fact, I had transitioned to skirts only a few years ago for quite awhile and then somehow got back to wearing pants. Recently I was convicted to go back to skirts only and now I feel strange wearing pants! I feel very feminine in skirts and much more like a woman, just as God made me to be.

    Blessings,
    Rashel

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    1. Rashel,
      I haven't worn pants in at least 10 months and, like you, I can't imagine wearing them again. I'll be eagerly awaiting your post on this issue...should you decide to do it. :)
      Thanks for stopping in!
      Many blessings!

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  5. Hi Lisa,

    This was a very encouraging post. I wear mostly skirts and I say mostly because occasionally I will wear excercise pants to excercise. I am so glad you reminded us of the beauty of femininity.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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    1. Hi Amy Jo,
      I'm thankful you were encouraged by this post. Soli Deo Gloria! Thanks for stopping by!
      Many blessings!

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  6. Inspiring & thought provoking! Love that quote from LFL. Thanks for sharing this. :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Collette.
      Many blessings!

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  7. It does feel so feminine and I have to say I LOVE dressing my little girl in dresses. When someone gives me cute girl clothes that are pants I pass them on because I can't imagine putting her in pants when there are so many cute dresses she could be wearing!

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    1. Amen, Stephanie. Thanks for stopping in - love you guys! :)

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  8. Beautiful post Lisa! There are so many blessings that come with being set apart ;) The women in my family have always worn nothing but dresses and skirts. Like you mentioned, you can do anything in a skirt that you can in pants--I always felt that if there was something I couldn't do in a skirt or culottes, I didn't need to do it. It can be easy for us to forget or take for granted the blessings that come from dressing femininely. Thank you for the reminder!

    Much love,
    Rebecca

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    1. You're so right right, Rebecca. Thanks for stopping by. Much love to you!

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  9. Lisa,
    It has not even been a year for us Matter ladies with our switch to skirts. Knowing that I am following the Titus 2 saying, gives me great joy that I can glorify the Lord. That in itself gives me my liberation in this world as a woman. Also, I can provide a christian woman's example to my girls and other younger women too.

    Sewing our skirts has been fun and is another great way to spend time with my girls!

    Although, you will see me wear jeans in only one situation....when I am on a motorcycle with my dear husband :) I love to ride along, but I do feel absolutely weird now wearing those jeans!

    Thanks for a great post!
    Many blessings :)
    Carrie

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    1. So true, Carrie. My girls and I gather around the sewing machines and have a blast together. :)
      Thanks for your kind words. And see you next week. ;)

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  10. I began looking for skirts in thrift stores after reading Amy's series as well. I only found two long jean skirts and started wearing them right away, because I too felt I'd lost my femininity in jeans. The only other skirts I could find were rayon and they became too hot in the summer. I've been looking for more every thrift store visit, because those I bought last year are too shabby. It's hard to keep fabrics nice looking after so many washings.

    I sure wish I could sew! Do you iron your cotton skirts? I liked the jean skirts because they were wash, hang, and wear and went with many tops and sweaters and could go season to season.

    You did a beautiful job on this post!

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    1. Hi Christine,
      I iron my cotton skirts with a warm iron. And I agree that it's hard to keep some fabrics nice looking after many washings. Sometimes I hand wash some of the lighter fabrics. And like I said, an apron does wonders for keeping skirts/dresses clean. Jean skirts are my favorite - at least for every day wear. :)
      Much love to you, dear friend!

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  11. You are so right about this not being a decision based in legalism, and that it bring freedom! The Lord dealt very personally with me about my wardrobe almost twenty years ago. I didn't understand it until I obeyed him, which is often how it is with my children -- they aren't allowed to ask "why" until after they have obeyed me. :)

    John 7:16,17, Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Sally. :) Many blessings!

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  12. Hi, Lisa! I really look forward to reading your posts! I came looking for the lilac muffins and it said the page is gone or not available :( Would you be willing to link it up again tomorrow and this one on how the Lord convicted you to wear skirts? It is excellent :) Thank you so much.

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    1. I would glad to link up again, Jacqueline. :) Thanks for your kind words. Soli Deo Gloria!

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  13. I love what you said about wearing skirts and this quote gave me a hearty laugh because I can so relate to it!

    "They homeschool and wear skirts. Typical weirdos."

    My daughter (7) and I love wearing "girlie" clothes, so that means wearing skirts or dresses 90% of the time. I have just recently made the switch to mostly skirts/dresses and more modest clothing (over the past 2 years). We do not get any comments or questions, but the people in our church definitely give us the once-over when they see us (I often catch them doing it and comment to my Hubby about it). We do dress differently than them, but I know that in my heart, we are doing the right thing. It feels right and we look feminine!

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    1. Amen, Stacie - it does feel right! Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us. :)
      Grace to you!

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    2. Oh, and I forgot to add that we are the only homeschooling family in our church of about 200 people!

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    3. We are the only homeschooling family in our church too, Stacey. Looks like we have alot in common. :)
      Many blessings!

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  14. Liberated, indeed!

    I'm frequently asked if/why my husband makes my daughter and I wear skirts all the time, and I just smile. :) Of course he doesn't make us! We prefer skirts and he does, too. If we have a heavy work day planned, my dd will wear pants (jeans her brother's grown out of!), but I'm still out there in my old, worn jean skirt and keep up just find. :) I even wear my skirts when we go camping (leggings are a skirt wearers best friend!) and get weird looks -- "a skirt while you're camping, really???" -- but I just smile and carry on.

    Thanks for sharing, Lisa, and blessings to you let your light shine!

    ~Lisa :)

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    1. Haha, Lisa - wearing skirts while camping reminds me of how I wear a skirt while gardening. :) My grandma wouldn't be seen without a dress/skirt on and even wore one (with pants underneath) while on the tractor working in the fields. Even in that situation, she didn't throw away her femininity. :)
      Thanks for your thoughts.
      Many blessings!

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  15. Hi Lisa,
    I agree with you 100% and love your quote, "They homeschool and wear skirts. Typical weirdos." haha That about sums it up here too. Although the girls & I don't wear skirts all the time here (at least not yet), I understand the weirdo/legalist looks. Although our church is about 90% homeschool families, I think we are the only family that ALWAYS wears skirts/dresses to church. Thank you for the encouraging post! You are such a blessing!

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  16. Thanks for stopping in and leaving your kind words, Jane.
    Soli Deo Gloria!

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  17. I have been feeling drawn to skirts only for some time; it seems that the Lord is continually directing me towards this. I am 54 with grown children and grandchildren. My husband is very supportive but my grown children think I've lost my mind! Also, I work fulltime as a nurse; my uniform includes pants. Not quite sure how to work that out yet. Thank you for your blog!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. :)
      Grace to you!

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  18. Lisa,

    Love your post! I've been a skirt/dress only wearer for almost 4 years now. I've found very sweet skirts (especially) and dresses on ebay for a very reasonable price and in new or almost new condition.

    Have a lovely Friday afternoon.

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    1. Georgina,
      I'll have to check out the skirts/dresses on ebay. Thanks for the tip..and thanks for stopping in and sharing your sweet comment. :)
      Grace to you!

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  19. I found you blog through another blog. Thank you for this post. The Lord has been dealing with me about wearing skirts all the time. I do feel more comfortable in skirts, but I am unsure what my friends and family would think if I made the switch full time. My husband is very supportive - his mother has never worn pants. I also teach middle school, and I want to be a good moral role model for the girls. Please pray for me as I continue this journey. Thank you for your post.

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    1. Hi Christi,
      Thanks for stopping by. Early in my journey, I wondered what people would think when they saw me wearing skirts all the time. But I got over that when I realized that the Lord would give me the answers to all their questions - if questions ever came up. But they never did, so I basically wasted all that energy worrying over nothing. I commend you for wanting to be a good role model for your students. :) Praying for you as continue the journey...

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  20. Amen! Thank you for posting. My daughter(who's now four) was the catalyst that God used to make me really think about femininity and why I was running from it. I still wear pants at times, because since I've felt conviction about my clothing, I've been pregnant four times (we lost two of the babies, and I am currently pregnant), and was having a hard time transitioning, especially when some very dear women gifted me with a ton of maternity clothing that included a lot of jeans and pants. I love to sew and have been, by the grace of God, been able to sew a lot of things for both myself and my daughter, and have found that I can also bless the rest of my family in sewing for them, too. Other than trying to find the time to sew with little ones, I've been blessed to make many new things for us and have felt a huge change in my own heart. We have been accused legalism, but not over this issue. I think you're right in that when you're already homeschooling and believe in male headship, wearing skirts/dresses just confirms what they already thought about you: total freaks ;)
    For me, anyway, it's been more about accepting and enjoying what God made me to be as a woman, and I agree whole-heartedly, I've never felt more free or secure. Love in Christ!

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    1. Hi Sarah,
      Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your story. I love that your 4-yr.-old was instrumental in your journey. "Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength." - Psalm 8:2
      Grace to you!

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Thanks so much for stopping by. I love to hear from my readers, and your thoughts are welcome. And I try my best to respond to each and every comment. :)