Save the World

If you are not aware of the many problems in our world, watch the news for 30 seconds. There's no denying we have some BIG problems.

Maybe you choose to overlook those problems and go on your merry way, or maybe you are caught up in the frantic free fall, desiring to fix all the problems you can and now it has emptied you dry. Either way, you might be unbalanced with the call of saving the world.

As young women we are told by our American culture we can do anything. 

(Anything that is spectacularly amazing, that is.)

 If we are not reaching to gain the impossible, then somehow we are considered lazy and/or dumb. Even within Christian culture, we are encouraged to be "light," and I completely agree.

The Bible calls us to be that light, but oftentimes we imagine that light as a spotlight on us on a huge stage. This spotlight shows the world what we are doing and highlights our great actions and our great failures. It's a lot of pressure, and many of us have been living in that spotlight for so long that we are becoming blinded by the light and are fumbling around as the sinful world watches our weariness overtake our actions. 

We feel the presure to be "great," save the world, and still be beautiful as we accomplish such goals. We start believing that the mundane, boring parts of life are beneath us, because somehow the giving of our time is above the little things like sweeping, washing a dog, caring for the elderly, or investing in a relationship where you have "nothing to gain."

Sisters, this is not what Christ means when He wants us to be lights. Being a light does not mean you have a spotlight on you -- it means that you are the spotlight. You are the one who brings light to darkness, highlighting others and showing not your capabilities for self gain, but for Christ.

I am GUILTY of this sin. I have many times fooled myself thinking I'm an important part of God's work in saving the world... and I am, but He can do His work without me. 

He doesn't need me, but He does want me.

He wants me passionately, because I am His child, but when my ambitions become centered around my pride, then He will find another to truly share His cause. To be a light doesn't mean we are only His servants in the great things like speaking to thousands of people, writing best sellers, or becoming renowned in the arts and sciences -- let's remember our Lord, who washed the feet of His disciples, lived a life of homelessness, and humbled himself to death on a cross... all for us.

Your life will be filled with thankless jobs. It will be boring at times, but if your calling seems less glamorous, do not think it's less important. Serve Christ and build His kingdom! Be that light, but don't seek to gain the spotlight. We CANNOT save the world, but we can lovingly point those to the Christ who has saved us!

Praise Him!

Dove Beauty Sketches ~ Part 2

A viral video by Dove has hit the Internet. Here is the video.

When I first saw this, I thought that it was a really creative way to talk about beauty! As women, the picture we paint in our minds is usually negative. We focus on the aspects we don't like. 

Now, let's not talk about sales behind this ad. (Dove is a company that sells beauty products.) Let's talk truth about beauty!

The two completed sketches in the video look very different, but what if the woman really did look like the first picture? Would that make her any less beautiful?

As we have talked before, the definition of beauty is one that changes from culture to culture. In order for us to not have a worldly definition of beauty, we must be founded in the Lord's standards.

"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth." 
Psalm 50:2

"Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor..." 
Ezekiel 28:17

These two verses show two very different versions of beauty. The first talks about the beauty of the Lord and its perfection. The latter verse talks about the beauty of man being corrupt. Is it not amazing that scripture tells us God has a standard for beauty? The standard is one that is holy and pure and God calls us to strive for that perfect everlasting beauty.

"...but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
1 Peter 3:4

So I'm going to say something that might shock you. 

Girls, you are less beautiful than you think.

This being said, I'm NOT talking about exterior beauty -- beauty that is perishable with time and death or that changes with culture or fad. Beauty within the soul is what we should strive to attain that will last into eternity with Christ. Apart from Him, our hearts are not beautiful at all because of sin. It is only the perfect beauty of Christ that covers us and gives us the longing to become beautiful.

I'm not against Dove. I think more people need to encourage women to embrace the bodies the Lord gives us. We should strive for beauty (on the inward person and the exterior) -- NOT for the sake of beauty, but for the glorification of the Lord Who is the Author of beauty!

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4

Mopey Valentine

I get excited when Valentine's comes around! Not because I receive chocolates, hearts, stuffed bears, or cards from an admiring fellow, but because I love talking about love.

Please be warned this is not another blog post about "loving yourself" or "waiting for love." This is a post about loving, love, and giving love unconditionally!

Now, if you're thinking about love as the Disney type or the romantic comedy, then you don't really love love. Why? Because you really don't understand love. You might understand an imitation, but this fraudulent love is not the same. Guess what? I don't understand true love, either, because to truly understand love would be to truly understand God, for He is love.

Did you grasp that? God is love!

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

I John 1:16

He must be a great lover because He loved us so greatly and passionately that while we were still haters of Him, the Holy Spirit pursued us! One of my favorite songs puts it pretty perfectly.

love I made it mine

I made it small I made it blind

I followed hard only to find

it wasn't love

it wasn't love

love of songs and pen

oh love of movie endings

takes out the break

leaves out the bend

misses love

love not of you 

love not of me

come hold us up

come set us free

not as we know it

but as it can be

love's reality 

is not a passing bravery

it holds out hope beyond what's seen

the hope of love

love not of you 

love not of me

come hold us up

come set us free

not as we know it

but as it can be

"Love not as we know it, but as it can be." Wow. If we got beyond paper hearts and candy and found out what it truly is, what would we find? I think it would be a lot of giving of ourselves -- opening our hearts and sharing the burdens of others, not for personal gain. Scripture identifies love.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Instead of this sweetness of true love in the body of Christ, I see (and I'm sure you've noticed, too) what I call Mopey Valentines. These valentines mope, because they say that they want someone to love them, or that they aren't getting enough attention. The pleasing of self will never fulfill you, but so often we try. I fall into this. It's fun for a little while, but empty in the end.

So no moping allowed! 

Celebrate true love this year! Learn to love, love!

This week on Silk and Purple, we plan to do just that!

The Skirt vs Pants Post

"Choose your battles wisely."

You have probably heard this old adage or something like it, and the gravity of this statement rings true.

I'm weary of it.

I'm weary of hearing about and being torn by the controversy, and if you grew up homeschooled or are still being homeschooled, you might be torn about this subject, too.

Skirts vs Pants!!!!!!!!

(Cue creepy music)

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha! You knew we were bound to cover this topic on Silk and Purple some day. Yet, in all honesty, I really didn't know how to approach it at first. I can tell you my personal story of how I have swung back and forth, either feeling "liberated, yet guilty" or "virtuous, yet pious." At the age of 5, I would throw a tantrum if I couldn't wear a beautiful dress even to play in the mud. When I became a little older, I grew up in the homeschooling community where I would choose dresses and skirts when attending a conference or seminar, but in my day-to-day life, I really didn't think much about it. I wore skirts, jumpers, dresses, jeans, capris, slacks, bermudas... and who can forget the classy overalls. When I was about 15, I read a lot about the feminist movement and the need to reclaim femininity again. One way I thought I could do this was to put on skirts and dresses ONLY. I got into blogs about how to wear long skirts while scrubbing the bathtub; many of my friends and I would chat about the virtues of skirts over pants; and acquaintances often remarked about how I always was so dressed up, i.e., this was code for, "She is always wearing skirts."

And so this continued, and I stood on my little soapbox and preached the glad tidings of feminine glory! Skirts and dresses to all women and to all a goodnight!

And then I did something foolish. I hurt someone I love over this subject. My sister and I are total opposites in some ways. She sports a baseball cap while I might wear a beret, but in many ways we complement each other, keeping each other balanced and laughing, reminding each other to laugh at ourselves. But one day it wasn't a matter of laughter. I hurt my sister. She was in town for a visit with her newest little one and our family was going some place (I really don't recall where). At that time in my life, I ONLY wore skirts and dresses. Whenever Mom asked for some wardrobe advice, I would pull out... you can guess. Jacqueline, who recently had had a baby, didn't have many options of clothing due to her beautifully changing body. I didn't necessarily say that my sister was WRONG to wear pants, but I made it evident that I found greater virtue in "lady clothing."

I made my sister feel she was in someway less of an excellent woman to her family. She and her husband don't share the same convictions as I on this point, so I, in essence, was asking her to overstep what conclusions they had made for their family. When Mom told me I needed to check my pious attitude, I realized I was the one whose "excellence" needed to be examined.

So why do I tell you this story? After this ordeal, the Lord helped me to do a little heart reflecting. My passion for femininity started with wholesome intentions. It began as a quest to preserve my role as a woman. But simply wearing the "right" clothing does not make me have a godly, feminine heart. I know girls that, aside from wearing a jean skirt to the floor, seemingly have no idea what femininity is.

Now I'm not saying that if you choose skirts over pants, you are practicing the ways of a pharisee rather than a disciple, but honestly, I was. Somehow I felt like a more holy Christian. I was prideful about the impression of humility. Yet I did learn some very good lessons, too -- like it is just as easy to wear a dress as it is to throw on some capris. I am treated more gently by strangers. I also learned that keeping a difference in the way men and women dress is very glorifying to the Lord!

So my question to you is: Is this argument about skirts and pants worth the separation of community within the body of Christ?

I hope you are following me with a resounding NO.
Girls, we have MANY battles to fight. And making our army of the Lord weaker by bickering or constantly focusing on this issue is not getting us anywhere -- it's rather like a dog chasing its tail.

But this is an issue today among many Christians, and Paul was going through a similar one. Here is what he did:

 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?  If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

During this time, the church had a great many issues to deal with -- a big one was eating the meat offered to idols. (Let's call them "Zeus burgers.") Christians in society wanted to win people over to Christ and they were faced with a problem of how the law of Moses and the pagan rituals would be felt within the new church. What Paul was saying here is, if as a Christian you eat a Zeus burger, then you are not in danger of falling from grace; however, if you have a friend who came from that pagan background and she has a conscience about the Zeus burgers, then it is wise not to eat one. You want others to be at ease around you, not feeling as if you are being judgmental.

Zeus burgers are a lot like clothing because the verse here says "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

I think the big question is: Do we believe this? Are we wearing jeans to the glory of God? Are we wearing swimsuits to the glory of God?

Hard questions, because we are going to need to examine our hearts. So here is my advice on how to move on from this feminine dressing dispute.

1. Read scripture and define femininity, not as weak and childish, but strong, noble, and wise.

2. Prayerfully consider how the Lord wants you to grow femininity in your life.

3. Respectfully talk out with your parents as to what they would like for you to express in your feminine appearance.

4. Don't over-think it. Make decisions and move on. Turn your thoughts to the everlasting treasures -- sharing and teaching Christ.

Personally I have taken these steps, and I've found that even when wearing a pant I can look very feminine. I do enjoy dresses, skirts, pants, and capris because of the usefulness of each garment in many different life challenges.

As always, femininity is not just the exterior, but the inward person shining through.

Heart Reflections ~ Part 2

We select our clothing and look in a mirror.

We watch ourselves as we brush our teeth, fix our hair, put on makeup, pluck our eyebrows, and select our accessories. Then we stand back and see how the whole appearance looks. We grab our coat and bag and give ourselves one more glance before walking out the door. During the drive, we put on lip gloss and before we walk into our appointment, we take one more moment to make sure our hair is in place.

Does all this staring into our looking glasses reveal our vanity, or are we just peering upon the wrong reflections?

All that is depicted above is a general average of how many times a young woman might see her reflection in a mirror when preparing to go out in public. Obviously we need mirrors for the placement of hair, the selection of flattering fashion, and for our beauty and hygiene regimens. The sole drive to accomplish these things is not just because we need to, but rather we want to be admired or accepted by others. We think about what others might think so we alter our likes to fit theirs.

As I've said before, it's okay to have the desire to be accepted. We are created with a sense of community. The imbalance happens when we make an idol out of either a crowd's or a person's acceptance rather than considering what our Creator thinks of us.

I'll be the first to admit that I easily fall into the sleepy slumber of a passive Christian life. Yet if I consider what my Heavenly Father thinks about me, how can I stay content with the old passive me? We need to desire His loving acceptance.

So we're going to need to peer into our reflections.
And that means we'll need a mirror,
 but not the one where we put on blush or pick broccoli out of our teeth. This mirror is not reflecting our external appearance, but rather the inward person -- our hearts, minds, and souls. I like to call these heart reflections, and sometimes it can be easy to push aside the grooming of the inward heart. Maybe it's because we don't want to or we have an overly hectic schedule. Things happen, and day by day it's easy to put off the inward upkeep for the One who always sees us -- Christ! If you don't floss and brush your teeth, what will happen? Decay will set in and your smile might resemble more of a jack-o-lantern. If you don't care for your hair, it will become knotted, gunky, and smelly. So why don't we think about our inward hearts the same way?

We are most prone to decay of the inward heart because Satan wants to pull us away from Christ. Can he succeed? The Bible says nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, but can he stunt our effective Christian life? Yes! We will not be positively impacting others.

So what type of mirror do we need? Our Father has made one that enables us to peer right into our souls. It's the Word and if you haven't read it today, yesterday, or the day before, you are in need of some serious grooming. His Word will wash you and make you ready.

 I know what a busy life is like and I struggle in this area, but would we ever leave our homes half-dressed and smelly? Probably never! Yet many of us are walking around like this on the interior. We are in need of an inward makeover.

For the next few weeks, let's talk about heart reflections and how we can spend time peering into our souls. The last post on Silk and Purple was a photo. Use it as a gift from Silk and Purple! Print it out and hang it on your mirror to help you with some exterior, and interior, grooming before you walk out the door.

Today's Young People:

Can't Change the World or Too Afraid to Try?   

On this earth today, particularly in these United States of America, you hear a lot more about "changing the world" than ever before. Whether we want to admit it or not, everyone knows that our planet is deteriorating, and for those that don't know about God's plan for us in heaven, this can be a scary thought. Throw global warming, the belief that there is no life after death, and all the confusing false religions out there into the mix, and many people fear for their lives on a regular basis. I believe that these people have every right to be afraid -- they should be if they no hope in Christ.

   We may be unsure about the status of our world right now, but those of us who have faith in the Lord know exactly where it's headed. In fact, His book explains all of it for us with definite clarity. But what about the unbelievers? How are they supposed to know that our earth isn't ever going to spontaneously blow up? They certainly don't look to a Heavenly Father to let them know that everything's going to be all right and everything is in His good plan. They face an eternity away from grace, love, peace, joy -- most of all, away from Christ. As followers of Jesus, we have a great responsibility to help save these souls from such a fate.

  Which brings me to the main point of this post: with the social and technological advantages available to today's youth, we have the power to spread the gospel to all the earth, but many of us are afraid to do so. I've noticed that different people have different reasons for being afraid to share the gospel -- shyness, trying to "fit in," and not being fully comfortable with their own eternal destiny. If we conquer these fears, we could make the world a much better place and have an even better relationship with God. I know I'm making it sound a lot easier than it really is, but if you ask God to help you conquer your fears so you can further His Kingdom, I'm sure that, being the omnipotent Father that He is, He'll be more than happy to lend you a hand. A lot of people think that we're too young to make a difference, but really there isn't much stopping us. If we're ready and willing to serve God, we can do anything if we gain determination. I mean, look whose side we're on! If God can raise His Son from the dead, then surely there's no stopping Him from giving us the strength and assurance we need to get the job done. Just remember that the outcome has already been decided. The only thing left to do is to tell as many people as we can how to be saved.

  So remember, we may be young, but our generation has been given an incredible time to live. I believe that if we set our hands to the plow, we can impact this world in a way that it has never been impacted before. And remember, this is a team effort, so share this post with as many people as you can. Then get together with some friends, read passages from God's Word, and use the passion and drive the Spirit gives to share the gospel with many people. But most of all, keep in mind that while we're not perfect, we can change the world!!! 

 

The Buzz

We are so honored to have Fashion Belle list Silk and Purple as a resource in their blog library and feature us today on Fashion Belle's home page.

Check out the post and more here!

The Syndromes

I know it can be discouraging at times. I've walked miles in malls and shopping centers in search of clothing that not only was modest, but reflected my own style. It's been my experience that many young women think that in order to be modest we have to "give up" our personal preferences because the store only has limited options of modest, affordable clothing.

I could say that it's not fair, but Jesus never said that following Him would be easy.
It is worth it, though.

I have observed that young women who start out with the best intentions to look modest sometimes become disheartened and fall into either one of two syndromes. These syndromes reflect two extremes and usually don't happen overnight. There is a balance to everything, and I certainly can't hold up the perfect way to dress. My advice to you is to see which way you tend to swing within the two syndromes. It may reveal a deeper heart issue in which you'll need to prayerfully seek God's guidance.

Give-in

Our culture wants us to give in. It wants us to raise our white flag of surrender, proving that there's nothing really special about our King. It wants us to look just like everybody else, not set apart as Jesus calls us to be. I have known many young ladies with the best intentions to be modest examples of the faith, only to be doused as soon as they had to purchase clothing, shoes, or makeup. We go to the malls expecting to find feminine, modest apparel whenever we need it. Oh, how I wish that was true! So many gals get frustrated and give in to follow what fashion dictates. Giving in can be the “easy” way, but we would miss out on the precious purity of presenting ourselves as ambassadors for Christ!

Giving in doesn't always start abruptly. It starts in small choices and slow fades. A young woman doesn't wake up one morning deciding to be the hottest chick on the block. It's choices like, "I can buy this; it's just a little shorter."

Ladies, we can justify and talk ourselves into anything! This is why it's so important to have God-fearing people in our lives to help us make wise decisions -- be it regarding clothing or any life choices. Accountability is key.

Give-up

You might be saying to yourself, “I’ve not given in. I am NEVER immodest, and I don’t care what fashion says.” This is great to hear, but are you in danger of practicing the ways of Pharisaical pride and looking unwelcoming, rather than practicing the values of the Proverbs 31 woman? Perhaps you are tired of trying to fit into the culture or you simply don’t know where to start in looking well-groomed as an ambassador for Christ.

Giving up is one of the most common attitudes in Christian young ladies. They are faced with the world's perspective of appearance, and instead of fitting in or giving in, they fall into not caring for themselves and have a lazy spirit about upholding feminine beauty. They say to themselves, “Why try? I don’t care," or "I don’t want anyone to look at me.” They are determined not to join the world and this is very admirable, but they end up retreating in the fight against immorality, not standing firm. 

So why does this matter? 
Well, either way, the culture wins. If it can’t get you to give in, its next step is to beat you down so you will not stand for feminine excellence. If we raise our surrender flag in this way, our culture will use us as an example of, "She let herself go; you don't want to join her fight.” Pop culture rationalizes that its way is the only way because it appeals to women's vanity. Looking homely will turn people away from who we are, because as I have said many times before, the world is summing us up in the few seconds it takes to glance our way.

Solutions to finding balance in beauty can be as simple as finding colors that become you or adding a cardigan to a dress. These quick fixes, and many like them, will help ward off the syndromes. Use the creativity our Creator has given you and find like-minded young ladies who have great ideas. I agree that when you go to the mall you can easily become overwhelmed by immodest clothing and photography. Not to mention the prices $$$! Yet, as we've seen on Silk and Purple, it is possible to find clothing that is not only modest, but is lovely and age appropriate. Have fun in the searching and keep a joyful spirit.

I hope Silk and Purple encourages you so that you may stand firm -- not giving in or up -- as an ambassador for Christ!

************************

P.S. Don't forget about our giveaway from the Botkins!!!

Drama in the Kingdom (Follow up)

Here is the follow-up post to our allegorical tale of Drama in the Kingdom.
Did you ponder over these questions? What were your conclusions? Here are mine:

Who do the characters in this story represent?

The characters all represent members of the body of Christ. All are people in the kingdom of God, but some represent people who have grown deeper in their walk with Christ, like Meek.

Our relationships within the body of Christ are very important. They can strengthen us and encourage us to grow in Christ. Unfortunately, when we treat relationships with a self-centered attitude of what we can gain from the relationship rather than what we can give, we can find ourselves in broken friendships.

On what does Vanity and Prance base their relationship?

From the evidence of their activities and conversations, their relationship is based upon a fellow and how they can attract the eyes and attention of the fellow and make everyone jealous. 

Do they strive to grow a deeper relationship with each other?

Because Prance and Vanity base their relationship on shallow things, their relationship is shallow. It's based on variables -- fellows, fashion, and fame are always changing. Basing relationships on things that change will only make a friendship unsteady. If Prance and Vanity had developed a friendship with Christ as their foundation, their conversations and priorities would be different and their relationship a much deeper one. 

What is the difference between Meek vs. Prance and Vanity?

Meek shows us what a person who cares about others looks like. No, she may not have the latest and greatest fads, but her concern is not on fads and what the popular culture decides. She would rather honor her grandmother.

What does each character value in this story?

Vanity and Prance value clothing, popularity, attention, and scoring a dance with the prince.

Meek values people, is wise about how she spends money, and takes time to talk with others -- even those who might not "like her."

Does this story reflect real life issues?

Unfortunately, yes. You may be going through a tough time in a friendship right now. Take a step back and evaluate what you have based the friendship on. Ask yourself how you could have been a better friend and if you've sinned against her. If necessary, go to her and ask for forgiveness.

Is the argument over the shoes the real issue in this tale?

No, the real issue is all we have talked about above. The shoes are only a small scenario of how Vanity and Prance really value each other.

Who has more fault? Vanity or Prance?
They are both at fault and both could work to restore the relationship. They are both competitive about who will be deemed the fairest in the land. The ending of this store doesn't have to be tragic. Each could work to deepen the relationship with each other, but before they do this, they need to grow in Christ! Growing closer to Him will help them in all the relationships they have, and it will do the same for us!

True Perfection: What Society Says and What God Says

"Unless I accept my faults I will most certainly doubt my virtues."

-- Hugh Prather

A common misconception in our society today surrounds the definition of true perfection. We seem to think of it as an attainable thing, as if owning the newest shoes or the shortest skirts can help one to reach this goal. For this reason, when many people think of perfection, they think of it as a physical state rather than a moral state. Let me ask you this: if perfection were something I could hold in the palm of my hand, then why in the world can't I achieve it? How come my skin isn't always flawless, and why have I had braces on my teeth for the past year? Neither of these things are considered "perfect" in our society, but lots of people experience them. And what about the lifelong concern many people have regarding their weight? They obsess over having the "perfect body", when in reality, it doesn't exist. God made us all different shapes and sizes, and He sees each of us as beautiful in our own way.

Another thing some people think will make them perfect is being especially nice to other people. While it's definitely true that God wants us all to encourage one another, it won't do a thing to help or hinder someone's "perfection status." I mean, I could go door to door and hug every person in my community, but does that make me a better person? Not at all. I'd be very memorable to people of course (which isn't always a good thing, if you know what I mean), but there wouldn't be a soul in my town that would think, "I bet that girl's perfect the way she's going around hugging everybody."

One thing that bothers me is that there are a lot of people out there that spend so much time trying to make their friends think they're more perfect than the rest. These people miss out on enjoying others! I know they mean well, but let's just face it -- if someone tries too hard to be the "saint" of a relationship by correcting other people on their flaws, probably nine out of ten of us will get the impression that this friend is meaning it as a personal jab. A true friend tries to encourage others. Be sure not to confuse encouragement with just being "nice." True friendship in the body of Christ helps each other see our errors, but not in a way that makes the one person look better. There is a time and place for reproach, but we must look at our hearts and seek counsel from scripture as to how to help each other deal with sin.

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.~ Proverbs 25:6  

The most important thing to know is that no one but God is truly perfect. All of us here at Silk and Purple are aware of that and I'm sure that most of y'all are, too. We are sinful, forgetful, fallen human beings, and we've been that way since the fall of man all those years ago. This may seem like a tough break, because we weren't even there when it happened, but don't blame Adam and Eve. I can tell you for certain that I probably would have done the same thing. We're not perfect, but we've got a God who is. He's saved everyone who is willing to accept Him, so while I'm on this earth I must strive to please Him rather than please the false perfections of this world. My sins are forgiven, and God's got an Eternal Home waiting for me when my time here is finished. So relax and lean back into His arms. Based on everything He's done for us so far, I'd say He's got us covered + so much more!

  

The Life of a Blogger...

I'm not a writer.

I've said this a million times. And it's true every time I say it.
I'm not a writer, a graphic designer, a web developer, or a fashionista, but I have a drive. A drive and a passion that Christ and His word be lifted up!

Every blog has a drive behind it. Whether it be personal fame, a hobby, money, career building, or relationship building, every time you read a blog you are reading a blogger's drive. So what drives you?

Money, fame, hobbies, and dreams oftentimes will fail us -- then what are our blogs left with? Just empty cyber diaries filled full of nothing that will last. If Christ is the center of your life, He will fill your life with the things that are eternal!

So I'll write, read, study, develop, design, learn, push, wait, talk, and share -- all with the hopes that you will see Jesus! All that we do on Silk and Purple is vanity if Christ be not glorified.

Let your drive be founded in Him!

Rappers, Rock Stars, and Ruffians

Is it just me or do many of the clothes in stores look like a tiger has clawed through them after having been drug on the back of a truck across America?

What is with the new wave of putting seven-years-olds not in bows and sparkles, but rather in studded hot pants and strappy mini dresses? Let's talk about the wave of fashion from rappers, rock stars, and ruffians. We have been taking fashion advice from this group and other celebrities for decades. There is something so alluring about the way they dress and act. The attitude is, "I don't care what you think. I am going to be myself!" This is the problem... 

Sisters, the last thing I want is to "be myself." "Myself" is a sinful, self-centered wretch that will eat me alive. Christ has saved me from myself and now my life is renewed in Him!

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.  In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.  Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (bolding mine)

Colossians 3:5-11

 And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled,pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Titus 2:4-6

So my question is: If rock stars and rappers dress in a certain way to express their worldview of following one's self, then should we desire to dress like them?

Well, it goes back to the question of how you want to be perceived. People are looking at you and summing you up as soon as you walk out of the door by how you dress. Grungy rock star or tight and flashy pop star clothing will send out a message that you want to be like them.

"And behold, the woman meets him dressed as a prostitute..."

Proverbs 7:10

The Proverbs 7 woman is an example in the Bible of a bad girl. She is after sin and lustful ambitions. This verse tells us how she dressed, because her appearance told men she was open to their affections. In biblical times, there was strong distinction of dress. Virgins dressed differently than married women. Sometimes in today's society, it can be hard to tell what a girl is trying to show through her attire... but maybe it's not so hard.

Oftentimes, we dress for acceptance and this is okay, but first think about the crowd you long to be accepted by before jumping into the way they dress and act. Ask yourself if their attitudes and lifestyles are ones that are aligned with scripture and for the glory of the Lord. This will help you determine if you should desire to dress like them or if you should run from their fashion statements.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and not the things of this world; He will help you make wise choices as daughters of the Highest King! We are not lost daughters of the earth, doomed to empty goals, following our own selves to death. So let's pass over the items in the store that are inspired by Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Madonna, and Miley Cyrus. Their paths are set in darkness, and we have the privilege of showing light!

Identify Identity

Identifying true identity is a simple truth we often lose sight of. This truth is so important we created a video about it to emphasize its importance.

Share this video with your friends and tell the world we are loved by a loving, holy God. And we can identify ourselves in this! 

What does He think?

A girl stands before the mirror for the hundredth time and thinks to herself...

"What will he think about this outfit?"

Don't deny it! I'm guessing you've contemplated the same thing, too. I'll raise my hand and be the first to admit that it's passed through my mind. Most women grapple with selecting apparel that can bring approval and attention from men, but I'm going to say something that might shock you.

It's okay to think this. In fact, you should think this.

Now, please don't leave the blog and remove your following of Silk and Purple. Let's flesh this statement out. It may be good to reflect on these thoughts in front of our mirrors, but we might be thinking about the wrong he or how we should want the he's in our lives to think about us. Being secure in the fact that a woman is created to complete a man is an important foundation.

 ^"Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 
Genesis 2:18


We have a deep-rooted desire within us to be attractive to man because the Lord created us to be the completion of him. We are not complete without man and vice versa. Man and woman's unity is a beautiful picture of Christ and His church.

So who are the he's in our lives at this point? Dads, brothers, grandfathers, uncles, pastors, elders, teachers, and friends. Later the Lord might bless us with a husband and sons! As we talked about in a previous post, we have a big responsibility to help the he's in our lives now, and the ones yet to come, with regards to promoting purity. God places all the he's in our lives for a beautiful reason. We may not know why, but we can trust His sovereignty and be a wonderful blessing to the men around us.

Asking what he will think about my outfit is important, but maybe we should expand the one question into two:

What does HE think about this outfit?
and
How will it affect the other he's in my life?

Our ultimate goal should be what the ultimate He thinks of how we dress. God is our He who calls us to be holy as He is holy. When we strive to please Him, then we have success!

The second he we should think about when we stand in front of our mirrors is our father. Fathers are placed in our lives by God to be our leaders until marriage. Our dads want to protect us, and they want to make sure all the other he's in the world know that we are treasure and not trash. If we are striving to please Christ first, our fathers second, we find that attaining the goal of purity practiced is a great deal easier. Dressing to make guys lust after us is a sin and is no way to train our hearts to be committed to our future husbands.

Whenever I do think of the other he's in my life when selecting apparel, I evaluate how I want to be perceived.

• Does this outfit promote purity? 
• Will a young man desire to protect me rather than fight lustful ambition?
• Do I exemplify a woman who is of high worth?
• Am I cultivating a noble reputation or one of wily character? 

So I will continue to evaluate the way I am dressing, and I hope you will join me in asking, What does HE, our Lord and Savior, think?

The Lily Lesson

"But I can't dress nicely. I don't have enough money to purchase clothing, let alone purchase things that are 'pretty.'"

Believe me -- I know what it's like to be empty-pocketed when it comes to purchasing what might be considered frivolous. My family was hit hard when the recession began. I was so blessed to have a dedicated father working two jobs at the time, and my mother, brother, and I all worked together in food service at our church. We learned gratitude as we never could have imagined. (And created some of the best recipes that we still use today.) Trusting our Heavenly Father for our daily needs can be a hard lesson to learn, but also very fulfilling!

So what is a girl to do when it comes to fashion and appearance when funds are low?

 ^"And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

Matthew 6:28-29

 ^"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!"

Luke 12:27-28

Is it not interesting that this account of Christ's comforting command to trust Him for how we are to be clothed is documented not only once in the gospels, but twice? This verse must be directed toward women, because I know very few men who worry about what they will wear ;)

In all seriousness, what a simple and profound truth. Flowers are adorned more beautifully than anything a great king could wear! Yet we are so much more precious than flowers. We are daughters of the greatest King of all! Worrying about what we wear will not bring us peace or confidence in the Lord. We will only gain a discontented heart, while playing the wearying game of want.

As I said above, trusting our Heavenly Father for our daily needs can be a hard lesson to learn, but oh-so fulfilling when we do! When we had very little extra to devote to purchasing clothing, the Lord provided for us through random sacks of clothes, birthday gift and rewards cards, piles of fabric scraps, and thrifty buys! We got creative, and we decided to have fun!

So get creative! Wear a skirt as a scarf, make a fancy flower appliqué from fabric scraps, or turn an old pair of tights into a headband. Read craft fashion blogs, draw inspiration from friends and etsy, and purchase out-of-season clothing to get extra savings! Here is a post we wrote a few months back about thrifty shopping.

But don't worry. Our Heavenly Father will provide what is best for each of us, and we will learn that simple and profound truth.

Ladybird Ln