The Duggar women do it. Whenever I watch their show, I notice that the girls are so well behaved and ladylike and always wearing skirts or dresses. Whenever their like minded friends visit, their daughters are also in skirts or dresses and also seem very sweet and well mannered.
The Amish women do it. I've been watching the series Amish: Out of Order on National Geographic. This piqued my interest and I've recently read several books on the Amish. (No, we're not building an outhouse...not yet.) I realize that there is more to their behavior than their clothes, but I'm curious if it helps one to keep in a ladylike, feminine mindset. The Amish also believe that their clothing helps set them apart from the rest of the world (They refer to us non-Amish people as "the English").
I have examined (and re-examined, stomped on, made paper airplanes with, crumpled up, and ironed out) my faith, beliefs, and worldview over the past few years...And gone through some rough times because of some of my choices while in this period of re-examination and just recklessness at some points. Having three children removes the luxury (?) of being selfish and reckless and also requires one to get off the fence and have some solid, definable beliefs that guide parenting, child-rearing, and all decisions really.
I want to have authentic answers for my ever-questioning, always-thinking oldest son. I want to live a life that lines up with what I tell my children is true and important. I feel a huge burden to be a good example now that I have a daughter. Since I found out I was having a girl in my last pregnancy, I have been thinking over the ins and outs of raising a girl and the values, attitudes, and habits I want to impart to her. This brings me to the skirts...
The Bible verse used to support women not wearing pants is usually Deuteronomy 22:5-
"A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this."
This is not the driving factor for me, as I believe God desires modesty over a specific attire. I just need all the help I can get and I wonder if something tangible, like my clothing, will affect my attitude and behavior??
How will a simple wardrobe change affect my life? Will I feel and act more feminine? Will it affect my activities? Will it affect the way people perceive me and treat me? Will it remind me of my faith and my role in the family? (That can stir it up!)
I'm going pantsless for a month to try it out!
First step- A trip to Goodwill today to stock up on some skirts! (If this whole thing isn't for me, I'm not out much and can donate some back!)
