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Post by purinheart on Apr 12, 2008 10:10:28 GMT -5
Hello. I have joined this site as kind of a support and educational system as I seek to follow the Lord in humility regarding my appearance and corresponding heart attitude. My husband, kids, and I have been attending a fundamental, independent baptist church for a couple years, though my husband is still Lutheran at heart. Though my sisters in Christ at church love the Lord and seek to honor Him, they do not agree with me about what I recently have come to understand about the vanity of makeup, jewlery, hair sylings, and the directive of head covering. I am also interested in nonviolence and other social issues that aren't taught at my church. So, I hope to learn from the posts on this site and be able to ask questions as I go.
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Post by valligary on Apr 12, 2008 12:04:54 GMT -5
Hi Pureinheart, Hope you get a lot of good information and support from this site. I have been wearing "plain" clothing and prayer coverings for about 10 years. I have yet to have any kind of local support for it. But being obedient to what God has shown me has offered great rewards. My thought is that it may be even greater rewards because I have to wear it alone. Blessings to you, Valli
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Post by Tammy on Apr 14, 2008 16:45:04 GMT -5
Welcome, Purinheart! I know you will enjoy the fellowship here. So how did you come to where you are, as far as Biblical standards of dress, makeup, covering, etc.? I pray that you and your husband are growing together in all this. Love in Christ, Sis. Tammy
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Post by purinheart on Apr 16, 2008 16:47:32 GMT -5
Thank you both for replying. I came to even think about head covering because I was doing an Internet search to explore my thoughts that maybe my wearing make-up and jewelry was vain. You could say I'm in a transitional time of thinking about all this, because there is absolutely no one I know who thinks like this, and I feel like a freak now. (Oh, that was harsh!) Today I did wear powder to cover my red, blotchy cheeks and mascara so I didn't look so tired and sickly (I'm soo fair) when I went to the pregnancy center to volunteer. I tried on one of my new headcovering bandana-type things from Garlands of Grace, but I thought I wouldn't be a credible witness of the gospel with these inner city, pregnant teens if I looked like a pilgrim. I personally like the purity of no make-up and covering, but I wonder how I will come across to others- mothers I'd like to witness to at Little League games this year, my friends at church when we all just heard our pastor preach to just take the headship principle from 1 Cor 11, or my unsaved parents who already called me a "g..d.. fundamentalist" behind my back. I hate to admit it, but I feel like I'm giving up being pretty by not wearing makeup and by pulling my hair back. (We're not supposed to have bangs, right?) I also wonder if these coverings are really like the hanging veil God intended. It seems like something should be hanging next to my face more like if you had a towel over your head. What kind do you wear? Where do you get your coverings? When it says hair is a covering (something to be thrown around us) how do we know if that means to let it hang along our face and back like a veil or to wrap it up around/on our head? I have a couple questions- 1 Peter 3- don't you think that with as rich as they were, Sarah would've worn bracelets and other jewelry? That would make verses 3 and 4 mean not to think your beauty comes from these outward things if you wear them, but to focus on the heart. And what do we do with the fact that the servant man gave Rebekah earrings and bracelets (Gen 24:22) when he discovered her for Isaac? Wow, this was a long entry, but I'm thinking about these things all the time now, and I just don't know what God wants.
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Post by 7schmicks on Apr 16, 2008 21:36:53 GMT -5
Welcome! I so remember the struggles I had with some of those issues of jewelry, makeup, clothes and headcoverings! Most of these were won when I really studied the Bible for myself and let the Holy Spirit tell me what He wished for me. One lady I was aquainted with simply said to me, What does the Bible say?" That's where we all need to search for our answers, though it is so helpful to have Sisters and Brothers in Christ for encouragement -- and the Lord kept bringing people into my life with the encouragement I needed at the time I needed it. Praise the Lord! I think the jewelry issue was the hardest for me and the word that made it all plain to me was the little word , "NOT." It says in I Peter 3 "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting of hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on apparel." After studying and studying, I finally realized that "not" simply means don't do it! We know that "Thou shalt not kill," means don't murder, so "not" adorning our outsides selves with unnecessary ornaments and decking ourselves out with fancy clothes also simply means don't do it. For me, it was a new and wonderful freedom not to have to feel like I had to impress everyone with the false beauty that the world tells us we need.
Sister Brenda
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Post by valligary on Apr 17, 2008 6:10:32 GMT -5
Hello, I believe that Sister Brenda said alot that makes sense. All in all, I'm sure you realize this by now, God is the one leading you into these areas. Probably like most women in America, it would be so unusual for you to have these desires the way our Media and culture portrays women nowadays.
It's my belief that God gives us the desires of our heart. I read this as God gives us the desire....not that God gives us what we want. Following this train of thought, if you have this desire and it goes against the "flesh", as it's said, then it might be something that you need to listen to. But God is big enough to lead us into all truth and righteousness.
You will meet folks all along this path who will be put there to stand in your way. I guess that's par for the course. But you will work through each step of this. I'm sure that if you love God and seek to do His will....you can't go wrong. Love, Valli
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Post by allglorytogod on Apr 17, 2008 20:38:59 GMT -5
Welcome Purinheart
All these outer changes are somewhat new to me also. It's somewhat a challenge at first but becomes easier over time.
It helps to occassionally remind myself why I was put here on Earth. Was it to please "myself", "man", or "God" ? I was put here to please God.
Knowing this helps me not to worry about other people's remarks or comments concerning my new " look ".
I know I am right about making these changes ... my eyes have been opened . Many people ... they just don't understand because their eyes haven't been opened ... yet.
sister
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Post by Tammy on Apr 18, 2008 12:28:49 GMT -5
I think the veil should definitely be something that hangs, according to the definition of that word in Greek. I have two kinds: 1) oversized square scarves (usually polyester), which I fold into a triangle and tie on my head, bandana-style, and secure with clippies or bobby pins. The scarves are nicer than true bandanas, and don't make you look like a gangster, LOL. (Although I do wear a light blue bandana for dirty/dusty work.) These can be found online - search "scarves" and you'll find LOTS. Also, I have 2) a boat-shaped veil that snaps at the nape of the neck, instead of tied. This one looks more graceful (no pointy tip at the back), goes on faster, and stays put better. I make these myself, of cotton or cotton-blend fabrics. Both kinds add a little something around my face, soft and feminine.
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Post by benshelpmeet on Apr 18, 2008 17:35:52 GMT -5
Dear Sister,
First I would like to welcome you to this site, I hope we can be a blessing and encouragement to you. You are precious to God and he will guide your foot steps. Be encouraged it gets easier as you go along.
I have had a hard time getting on lately, I am in the first stage of pregnancy, I get pretty sick and exhausted, it s a bit milder this pregnancy. God has been merciful to me at age 42. I am thankful.
I am going to try and answer you questions, it takes me a little while to type, because I type with one finger ...Whew!
Ben and I were Ind. Fund. soul winning, separated, KJV, baptist for 15 years, the first 15 years of our christian life. My husband was a IFB minister for 12 of those years just 3 short years after we were saved God called Ben to preach the gospel, so off to bible collage we went. We know the system well, how they think and how they function. We have many fond memories and dear friends in the IFB movement. Ben still preaches in their churches.
We left the IFB churches back in 2000 when the Lord called us aside to learn of Him. There were many things in the IFB movement that troubled us and still do. There are alot of good men out there serving God in the IFB churches,there are alot of good IFB churches (though we do not feel comfortable there anymore.) The Lord taught us alot while we were there, which we are thankful for, but the Lord has brought out from the churches we loved and has show us many brethren from many different churches and has opened our eyes to truths we would not have been free to practice without much struggle. We are glad He has guided our path though it has not all been easy. I came to the point in my christian life where I asked myself, what is the purpose of make up and hair do's and jewelry? I decided to just be me. God created me to look the way I do, and not to feel like I have to (paint the barn) or doll myself up to look like something I am not. Have you ever thought how different people look without make up, and plucked eye brows! Shocking! They look like a different person.
I know plenty of plain women who pull their one length hair up, wear a covering, no make up, calm modest dresses, no jewelry. They are beautiful, they have a natural glow, they look like themselves (who God created them to be.) The beauty of holiness! Not trying to impress anyone but God, and finding peace and rest with who they are, who God created them to be.
These are a few good posts on Make-up...coveredbaptists.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=pilgrimsister&action=display&thread=1615coveredbaptists.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=pilgrimsister&action=display&thread=1619I remember when I started going light with the make up, and growing my hair and bangs out! Wow it wasn't easy. I was a preachers wife an Ind. Fund. separated, soul-winning KJV Baptist preachers wife at that, we were supposed to look the part at all times, our house was suppose to be kept practically spotless so we could be hospitable at the drop of a hat. All the sudden I became truly convicted about my styled hair, make up, pierced ears, jewelry, I had already given my womb to God and had 5 children, that was strange enough, also I had already been convicted about wearing modest dresses and skirts only, no culottes, no slits, no painted nails, I was a home schooler and stay at home mama. There were not many people as radical as me...then I had to get convicted about the covering...It's funny but the Lord used a IFB missionary, and a IFB evangelist to lead me to strongly consider and study about the covering.
One of my Baptist girl friends that started covering a few years after I did told me she went cold turkey with her make up...she said '' and she looked like a cold turkey too'' because her face was so pale from always wearing make up. Isn't that funny! She left the make up off and in a short time she had a natural healthy glow. The same happened with me...just give it some time. I am naturally light complected with rosy cheeks. We all are not suppose to look alike. I even am prone to get bumps, but that has gotten much better since I stopped wearing make up. The picture at the top of the page is how I look when I go to my pregnancy center ( I was there yesterday, ministering in a sense,) when I go to the store I am a bold witness, and many other public places, no one seems to mind, people are open and friendly. I am the only covered sister in my town that I know of. I've lived here 12 years and covered for 8 years. I am open and friendly and the people I come in contact with are open and friendly.
If I were you I would just be yourself and find the style of head covering that is best for you, do not feel like you will look funny or come across as a pilgrim. I am a pilgrim on this planet but I do not think I look like one ...at least not the kind we think about when we think of pilgrims. ;DThat's a shame...maybe over time they will see that you are sincere and are doing what you feel is best according to the word of God. Alot of us have experienced a change of heart in family members over the years as they see our consistency and sweet, godly, nonjudgmental spirit. Hang in there God can change family members heart. One day they will sing your praises, and you can in return give all the glory to God. Sister, you are pretty, just the way God made you ...I know what you mean though, I felt the very same way when I made these changes.
Here is a post we had on bangs before, I hope it is helpful! coveredbaptists.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=reflections&action=display&thread=1076&page=1As for the covering it varies all over the world. Most are hanging like the scripture teaches, modesty is an issue too. we do not want to look cute, but chaste and modest.
Here is a study I did on the Proverbs 31 woman.coveredbaptists.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=reflections&action=display&thread=1068I hope that covered your questions. If you have more please feel free to post more...Questions are good, that' how we learn and grow.
Blessing to you.
Love, ~ sister Darlene ~
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Post by Tammy on Apr 18, 2008 19:38:54 GMT -5
Your modesty will make you a better witness! Many of those teenage girls have no doubt had their fill of worldliness, and a sweet, modest lady will be someone they'll approach with their spiritual issues - not the cosmopolitan woman.
Be careful to be open and friendly, like Sis. Darlene says. Your self-consciousness could easily be misconstrued as snootiness or haughtiness, and would make you seem unapproachable.
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kscarle
Member
Philippians 4:4, Romans 12:1, John 14:15
Posts: 97
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Post by kscarle on Apr 20, 2008 1:16:40 GMT -5
Purinheart,
I do think your appearance is a testimony, Young girls today need to see real godly womanhood from those who are sincere.
I also like the name Pilgrim because although there are many different types of Baptist on this board, but many of us seem to be pilgrims in our own churches...
Sister Kristie
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Post by mitchell on Apr 20, 2008 16:37:52 GMT -5
Purinheart -
Vanity has been a major problem in my life - vanity with insecurity, wanting to be "liked", accepted and approved of by EVERYONE. (I finally figured out that people will sometimes act like they like us as long as we are dressing and doing in ways that don't make them feel UNCOMFORTABLE).
I think the Lord moved on me a few months ago to ask the Holy Spirit for help daily to use what I had on hand for the most part of dress myself and to cover my head without spending a mint making the transition.
This weekend my husband and I attended a Christian Passover celebration at the Land Between the Lakes area in Kentucky. There were 400 people there from every church situation imaginable. It was held during the actual Jewish Passover schedule. There were many women and girls there who were dressed in modest dress with headcovering, in fact, most were. There were some more worldly looking women and girls. I leave that to the Lord to convict them, just as I have been convicted to modest dress and the headcovering. There was no "artful makeup" in that crowd of women, but there was a feeling of peace and being in the presence of peaceful people with whom we were safe - AND there was a beauty. My husband finally saw a crowd of women in many different modes of dress and headcoverings - some large Israeli style tiechel scarves tied more skilfully than I know how to tie a scarf, some plain scarves - I wore a long silk scarf that had been a gift from my son and matched my simple, modest outfit. Some of the women and girls were dressed in a sort of Mennonite style, some with long dresses covered by smocks of sorts. There even appeared to be some clothing that was handwoven. The beauty of holiness.
The absurdity of a man (with longish hair) telling us that "the HAIR is the covering" while standing next to his short-haired wife is partly what really set me thinking. IF a man is to be uncovered when he prays, then that man should SHAVE his covering off - and his wife should let her butchey hair (her "covering" according to him) grow out a little so it could maybe charitably be considered as "covering" anything. This scenario really set me thinking.
As God made us is beautiful. Hollywood and the ad agencies have brainwashed us (especially if we're exposed to them) in order to make merchandise out of us. In many cases, it is homosexual and lesbians in these agencies and corporations who have dictated what THEY like and want to see us women wearing and how they want us looking.
Think about it.
M.
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Post by SisterNancy on Apr 20, 2008 19:31:02 GMT -5
Welcome purinheart!
I had all the same struggles you are having. even now I think sometimes if we move to such and such a place I probably wont wear the covering anymore...but,then I remember I wear it because of God not because it is acceptable.
I personally do believe the covering should be veil like and hang down. The Bible says to cover your head it does not say thou shalt cover your bun.
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Post by benshelpmeet on Apr 23, 2008 11:37:38 GMT -5
Dear sister Kristi,
I like what you said:
Dear sister Nancy,
I like what you said:
Love, ~ sister Darlene ~
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