Feelin’ Feminine – What’s Your Story?
Posted By Miss Jocelyn Tzahala on July 7, 2008 | Category: Feelin' Feminine, Modesty
I’ve been meaning to (and have been asked about) hosting another Feelin’ Feminine Challenge. I really feel like this is something all ladies should be encouraged in, especially now that it’s summer and I see girls wearing halter-tops and mini-skirts/shorts. I wish I could just tell them about modesty and about what true beauty is. It’s not just about “beauty of the heart”. It’s about beauty of being a woman, a precious gem. The world has so distorted the definition of beauty, modesty, and woman. It really has and it makes me sad to see these young girls dressing in such a fashion because they don’t know any other way, and if modesty has been presented to them it’s most likely been with a superior attitude so they rejected it.
I’m working on a project that will hopefully help encourage and teach young ladies how to dress modestly. I’m hoping it will be done within the next month, but I don’t know how much time I will have to work on it. When it is done I think it will be an excellent resource for girls to have to learn, share, and teach others about feminine modesty.
The Challenge:
So again this week I want to challenge young ladies to dress modestly feminine. To display the inner beauty God has given to us and to show others that you can be stylishly modest. To view the original “rules” about this challenge, please read them HERE.
I also want to challenge the gentlemen who read this to share their thoughts on the importance of modesty and do five things this week that encourage the young ladies they know (sisters, cousins, blogger friends, etc) to be femininely modest.
What’s Your Story:
I also want to invite you to, not only post your thoughts, photos, and things you did this next week, but to share your story of how to began to realize the worth in being feminine and modest. Did you ever balk against it? Did you ever think it was stupid? What changed your heart? Is it a matter of your beliefs? When you’re done writing it I want to challenge you to print it off 5x and then send it to 5 of your girlfriends to read and invite them to do the challenge next month!
My Story:
I didn’t used to agree with the idea of Biblical Femininity, but God changed my heart.
In 2005 when I played softball I wore shorts that came just above my knees. I was comfortable wearing them, and I just hated skirts. Wearing skirts was stupid and they were for the ‘goody-goody’ homeschool families, whose daughters did nothing but cook/clean and submit. However, after Mother Dear bought me a skirt, against my wishes, and made me wear it a few times… I realized that I felt pretty in skirts, and they defined me from other girls and boys. I mean, how often is it that you see a girl in a knee-length skirt?
I started reading the Bible more, instead of fighting against it, and reading about a Biblical woman was and what it represented. It didn’t seem like such a burden as it did before. I suppose it was presented to me in a bad light in the beginning, and I think that’s why so many are against it (and also they want what is comfortable to them so they have a circumstantial-faith).
Unfortunately, then, my sister was no help and discouraged me in this area. She made it seem like if I did all the things that these “goody-goody’ homeschool families” did that I was a terrible person and I was, in a way, betraying her. She fought hard against my mother in this area, and I always felt like I had to join her or she wouldn’t like me.
In the midst of that, I felt I had to follow the Titus 2 Woman mandate or I wasn’t being a “good” Christian. I knew what it said was right, yet still I balked at it. I didn’t want to be told that I had to wear skirts. I didn’t want to wash all the dishes and fold the laundry. I didn’t want respect my parents or delight myself in Lord in everything. I just didn’t want to, but I don’t think Jesus didn’t want to die on that cross but he did. It’s not about what we want. It’s about what He wants.
God wasn’t done with me yet. He kept working on my heart. He kept giving me small nudges towards the teachable spirit I have today.
As I kept searching, I found books, articles, and then I found several bloggers who were seeking to fulfill and become a Titus 2 Woman. This encouraged me greatly and I began to an interest in it even more. I began to read and research Scripture more and as I did I got a better understanding everything… and I wanted to follow.
In my searchings, I have found that in a way Jesus portrayed the role that He wants me to portray. All through the Scriptures you will find that Jesus was humble, obedient, loyal to his Father’s will, and self-less. Now, after having my eyes opened to this I see why this is asked of us women, and I’m honoured in the role that has been bestowed on me. It tries myself self-control and will. It challenges me to be strong and to fight against my flesh.
The feminist-view today is completely opposite of what God has for women. It is a “free” world where people are told to express themselves and not hold back. No self-control, which is why we have scantily-clad girls walking around. They can dress how they want to, “it’s their body”, and are encouraged in it.
I’m not sure what the deciding factor was for me or why my opinion of the matter changed so drastically, but it did. God took my heart, added the Living Water so it softened, and then He molded me.
As I’ve learned sometimes we really really really have to lay down our ideals and our opinions of things like this and listen to… Him, who is the Holy one. I used to fight my Mother about being feminine because I was fine just the way I was. When I put myself in her position I found that she wasn’t trying to mold me to be just like “so-and-so”. She was just trying to follow the Word, protect me from wandering eyes, and keep me pure.
I still had (have) a lot to learn in this area though. When I decided to be in complete agreement with the feminine idea I took it too seriously. I thought everyone who didn’t dress modestly, stay at home, be the Titus 2 Woman were below me. I had a serious superiority attitude, which I had to let the Lord work on and He did. He showed me that, rather than being judgmental, I need to try to understand (because I was once at that place) that some have not been informed and others have had it misrepresented to them. He has called me to be a light to young ladies and teach them what the Lord has revealed to me.
Here are some verses I found on dressing ourselves. This first one, I think, is telling us that we should not worry so much about our apparel that is becomes an uncomfortable subject. We should just dress modestly so we can worry about clothing our spirits in strength and honour in our Lord so that when the time comes (when He returns) we may rejoice.
Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in the time to come”.
1 Peter 3: 3
“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
This one in 1 Peter really speaks volumes on what’s important. It goes on about how we shouldn’t worry about the adornments of wearing gold or the styling of the hair, and then at the end it says that the most priced adornments on a woman in the sight of God is a meek and quiet spirit.
1 Timothy 2:9:
“In like manner also, that woman adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls or costly array.”
I don’t think that Paul was trying to make women look as plain as he could, but he was really trying to tell them that it’s not gold, pearls or costly array that makes a women modest and pure, which is another reason not to spend money on the latest-and-greatest fashion.
I’m striving to become the Woman of God He made me to be. I want to follow the words of the Scripture and encourage others to do the same, even when we’re not comfortable. May God continue to work and mold my heart and yours too.
I also hope you will visit a few of the blogs on the Feelin’ Feminine blogroll and join yourself.
Blessings!
Comments
31 Responses to “Feelin’ Feminine – What’s Your Story?”
Leave a Reply
Thank you for visiting my site! I hope that it has encouraged and challenged you in someway. Please be aware that my blog is not intended for any debatable purposes (honestly!!), though that's not to say admonishment (via the Scriptures in context) is not welcome. This is simply just a place for me to share what YHVH-God is convicting me of and showing me in my walk with Him. Please read "You're Judgmental" before commenting if the thought strikes you.
I have comments set for moderation and I reserve the right to deny or edit out comments if I feel it necessary. I will deny comments that go against the Scriptures. If you are going to refute what I say, please use a Scripture for each belief, in context.
Also note that if you do not use a valid email address your comment will not be published, no exceptions. Your email is only seen by me so that I might clear my website of spammers. You can read My Site, My Right for more on my site rules.
Wanna a place an image next to your comment? Get yourself a gravatar.
Please make sure you sign up for comment-notifications (below) to receive reply comments in your inbox as I do answer comments on the post thread. Thank you for commenting!
Shalom, welcome to A Pondering Heart. I hope you will be challenged by what you read here and it will cause you to search deeper and deeper into the Word of YAH. My name is Jocelyn Tzahala - I am a 19yo young woman, living in Latin America, seeking to be 'set apart as YHVH is set-apart". I want my faith to resemble that Avraham because in him YHVH found a man who would trust in him with everything and act upon his Word. My hope is that my life may be a sweet fragrance unto YHVH the MOST HIGH! HalleluYAH!
Jocelyn,
You are such an encouragement and example to everyone!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are part of the reason why I gave up pants and capris!
Love you girl!
Amanda
[Reply]
Thanks Jocelyn! That was really encouraging. God has shown me his will for me as a woman, but I have yet to fully live it out. Doesn’t help when I feel like I’m fighting my mother to let me wear skirts…
Maria Paulines last blog post..Tightropes
[Reply]
Dearest MJ,
That was an excellent post. I definitely have a story but I never wore pants or anything but it was rebellion against my parents for making me wear skirts and dresses. You will read more. Your story was really encouraging to me.
Now I know what I will posting soon, hopefully.
Love ya!
-Miss Elizabeth
[Reply]
P.S. I thought you would like this quote…
“A woman’s heart should be so close to God that a man should have to chase Him to find her.”
~C.S. Lewis
[Reply]
What a great post, Jocelyn! :-)
I used to feel that if I wore skirts people wouldn’t respect me… but now I find that they are much more respectful when I look and act like a lady. :-)
Have a great day!
Joy
Joys last blog post..Medieval Wedding
[Reply]
What a cool challenge.. this will give me something to write about on my blog today!
Samantha
[Reply]
I used to wear skirts every day but for the wrong reasons, I just didn’t like showing off my legs! This time, I wear black pants that are flattering. I’d love to be a part of this challenge but I need to go out and buy some skirts first!! :) Awesome blog and you are an inspiration to us all!!
[Reply]
Oh dear Joci, I never get tired of reading the story of how God drew you towards biblical femininity. Praise the Lord for your change of heart!
Since I did the challenge not long ago, I don’t think I’ll be posting pics of myself this week on my blog, but I WILL be wearing skirts more this week.
Thank you for the encouraging post!
Love,
Mandy
[Reply]
What a good Idea!
I wish I could do this but my story is very “boring” I have never had that trouble. I give thanks to my parents for that. They have all ways made it clear how they want me to dress and it was either “their way or the highway”.I am now so thankful to God for having them raise me that way.I pray that this challenge will hope girls find the beauty of biblical femininity!
I am so glad you are back and posting now!
I really missed you:D
Lots of love
*Miss Ellie*
*Miss Ellie*s last blog post..Our Will
[Reply]
Thank you for sharing such an encouraging testimony, Jocelyn. You have wisdom beyond your years, so many girls need to read this post!
God Bless, Holly
[Reply]
Hi Miss Jocelyn!
I’m sorry I haven’t replied to your comments lately…I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said, and praying about it too…
I went and read the articles you recommended, and I agree that Fathers should teach their children. But, for many of the people in our youth group…even our church, our Pastor (my dad) or our youth pastors are the closest they’re ever going to get to a father teaching them. I think we’ll just have to agree to disagree here… :) I can’t see me changing what I beleive, and I’m fairly certain you won’t either…though I definitely respect you for sticking to your opinion!
And thank you so much! Sometimes I get really down on my blog..and myself. Thanks for the encouragement!
I’d love to do the challenge this week…and since I got a digital camera, it might be achievable to take pictures this time! I’ll pray about it, and possibly start tomorrow. :)
Thanks so much for your comments!!
In Christ,
Grace
Grace4Gods last blog post..Bekka Awarded Me!
[Reply]
[...] is doing another Feelin’ Feminine Challenge – What’s Your Story? This Challenge is to tell your story about how you came to believe in femininmity. Well, I am doing [...]
Count me in! Here is the link for the post I did for it. I didn’t do any pictures. :)
http://dixonhomestead.com/rachel/?p=79
Check it out, and if I am not on the blogroll, put me on!
Thank you Jocelyn for such a great challenge!
Love you,
Rachel
Rachels last blog post..My Story – Feelin’ Feminine Challenge
[Reply]
Hey Joc,
I’m so sorry to hear about Rachel. I really feel for that family.
Yeah, I love that icon. That would make such a cute shirt. ^_^
I loved your entry on feminine modesty. That was great.
Luv you,
Sarah
Sarahs last blog post..What’s Been Going On Around Here~Part 2~ What’s Blooming….Music! I’m now in a quartet
[Reply]
I just read over my comment I just left you and read how cut and dry. So sorry about that. But I was in a rush and I’ll leave you a longer one later. lol! ^_^
Love you,
Sarah
Sarahs last blog post..What’s Been Going On Around Here~Part 2~ What’s Blooming….Music! I’m now in a quartet
[Reply]
Whoops, I’d think that would help…
Since I deleted the post, that would take them to a white error page…
Thanks for catching that, I didn’t even notice.
~Nick
[Reply]
Thanks, Jocelyn! I’m glad you like it.
And that’s alright that you haven’t been there in a while, I’ve practically given up on visiting my friends’ blogs. &|
–Renee–
[Reply]
This sounds fantastic. I believe I’m a bit late (it started on July 7′th, right?) but I’ll compress the two days into one post. Thank you, Ms. Jocelyn!
[Reply]
You are so right, Jocelyn…
I don’t believe that many young ladies have an idea what modesty or true beauty really is.
Great post.
grandma Starr
[Reply]
Okay, so I know I said I’d do it last time and I didn’t…sorry! :) I don’t have photobucket or anything, so it’s hard to put a ton of pictures on my blog, so I think I will do the challenge, just not neccessarily post pictures EVERY day. ;) And yes, I defintely have a story, lol.
Bekkas last blog post..So Real
[Reply]
[...] is doing another Feelin’ Feminine Challenge – What’s Your Story? This Challenge is to tell your story about how you came to believe in femininity. Well, I am doing [...]
I posted – check it out here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/walkinginhissteps/558280/
-Miss Elizabeth
[Reply]
Excellent post, Jocelyn. I had to chuckle at how you went from one end of the spectrum to the other – not wanting to wear skirts at all to looking down on those who didn’t. Isn’t that how life seems to work? Finding that elusive balance is ever the challenge. Fortunately, God is faithful. :D
Diannes last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – Family Fireworks
[Reply]
Great Post! I do love these challenges! I will probably not post this time but who knows…I am definatly going to work on my femininity this week :) I love you sweetie and it is such a blessing to hear how God has changed your heart for the better concerning your modesty, obedience and becoming a woman of Godly character!
Love you, Aunt Jen
Aunt Jens last blog post..Saturday Psalm & Praise: Are You Washed in the Blood?
[Reply]
Beautiful words. You have a beautiful soul. I am a homeschooling father whose children have grown. We homeschooled because we wanted our children to be strong in spirit. Modesty is a subtle but important virtue. Keep up the good work!
By the way, my wife and I were one of the pioneers who were prosecuted for homeschooling. Now we need to support California homeschoolers in their time of trials.
[Reply]
Whoa! I did not at all think the Jocelyn was putting down those who do not wear skirts. I am so glad she challenged us to give that a try earlier this year. I now LOVE wearing skirts!
Auntie Christinas last blog post..Hair Do Fun!
[Reply]
[...] I will be doing the Feelin’ Feminine Challenge too. I can’t wait to share my story with [...]
[...] Feminine on the homestead, and she has issued a challenge for all who care to participate: Feelin’ Feminine – What’s Your Story?. Read her story about why she wears skirts almost all the time and how she lives on a homestead [...]
[...] Jocelyn has issued a challenge for all who care to participate: Feelin’ Feminine – What’s Your Story?. [...]
Excellent post! I will post my story soon. So many young ladies need to hear the truth, and we are called to share it with them!
May we be radiantly pure in a world of darkness.
[Reply]
Jocelyn,
Your story is so inspiring and ecouraging! I am a sophmore at a private christian school and I feel the Lord is guiding me with many of these convictions similar to those in your story. When you started wearing skirts did you decide it would be best to stop playing softball? I am beginning to feel maybe it would be better for me to stop playing lacrosse for the reasons of modesty and femininity. Do you have any advice?
Thanks for sharing,
Mary
[Reply]