He loves me, he loves me not. . .

I spent this weekend with two of my bestest friends: my mom and sis, Anna. Thinking back, I learned two very important things. . .

1. Coming in late at my grandparents house means breaded eggplant, fried peppers, and homemade sausage - to be eaten in the dark with fingers at 11:00 PM by three majorly slap-happy women.
2. Coffee and organic, DARK (super caffeinated dark,) chocolate taken together is dangerous. 

Both experiences = amazing fun, lots of obnoxious laughter, and sour stomachs. Just sayin'. 

But most importantly, I spent a refreshing weekend with like-minded girls and mothers from around the country, brought together by one source: a Radiant Purity conference (Sarah Mally. Note that I do not necessarily endorse all her teachings.) Though I was already familiar with all the ideas/thought process/material presented, I came away with a full heart, encouraged . . .knowing that WHO I am in the Lord, WHAT I am in the Lord, matters to HIM, matters to my future (unknown) "Prince". . .and that I need not fear what the world thinks of me. 

Before I continue, this question has been circulating through my mind: why are people with standards so harshly judged? Why are people who believe in courtship dubbed "Josh Harris followers"?  Why are ladies who wear skirts for modesty and femininity reasons called "legalistic"?  Yes we have freedom in Christ, yes everyone has different views/opinions on Christianity, but please, please don't mock those who choose to be "different", or "peculiar" according to the worlds ideals. I am not "more holy" or a better Christian because I dress differently or choose to "wait" for the right man. However it hurts - more - when a fellow believer mocks. . .when they are closed minded. 

This article is taking a slightly different path then I planned. ;) When it comes to "my skirts", I like to tell inquirers that while I could go through the whole "modesty spiel", (or at least my interpretation of modesty,) my primary reason is simply one, very obvious, very valid fact: I feel beautiful. 

The worldview of most Christian women is one of supreme respect for our male heads; our leaders. The thought of someday sitting under the man God has crafted, selected just for me is thrilling. And why do we appreciate men? For their masculinity. .. this is what makes a man a MAN, this is what attracts us to them. Skirts are feminine, they flow, swirl, swish. . .instantly transform me into a princess - a GIRL. A woman who wants to stand out. I want to be radical, different, a light in our world. 

Most folks assume that words such as "waiting," "purity," and "courtship" surround a small  percentage of girls who aren't allowed to associate with men - even speak with them. . .the type that run for the nearest corner if a young man looks in their direction. "Oooh . . .he MUST be interested in me. What do I do? Daaadddd???" 

WRONG. Personally, I'd rather be friends with guys then girls. Honestly and truly. Guys balance things out. . .they add a fun, manly dimension to a group setting. . .and they aren't catty. There's no peer pressure. They accept me (usually) for who I am - no jealously, no conditions. And they are no more then FRIENDS. If anything, being friends with guys has taught me NOT to jump at every man as "a potential".  When talking and even English Country dancing  in a mixed group setting, I am able to assess character. . .work on that "check list" of no-no's and absolutes. Not that I'm pouring out my deepest secrets to guys! o.O Of course not. . . but I think there is a level of respect in a friendship when a girl isn't desperate, treating each male friend as a human being. . .a brother, a friend. Nothing more. Never assuming anything.

What is my point in all this? I don't know. Really, it HAD one, before I began writing. ;) Now its full of rambling, non-related topics. My thoughts poured out for your sorting. 

Conviction. It truly sums this mess together. We all have different stands. . .different concepts our Jesus placed especially on our hearts. As a testimonial this weekend reminded, ignoring a conviction deadens us to sin. Never ignore that still, small voice pulling at your heart. And listen, listen for His call to you. "Waiting" is such a beautiful thing. . .sharing so many "firsts" with that special someone. We can be friends with guys within limits - but girls, don't become desperate. The Lord will bring you your Prince in His time. Not "God's best" but "God's Choice."

There is a difference. 

"He loves me, he loves me not." Christ loves you, He is our all in all. Lets focus on HIM, stop judging each other. Lets celebrate being WOMEN and MEN of God. 

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. - Psalms 84:11

Please note that skirt-wearing is simply my personal preference. I see them as more modest then pants, however, if pants are modest for YOU, and if your dad agrees, I do not judge you! (and yes, they can be feminine. :) ) I do not want to sound like "I have the answers", or holier-then-thou. Again, just my view of things.