A strange life

Christianity

How are we meant to live with a name so mangled? This religion that has a history so marked?

We are so human…

Atheism vs Christianity google an article on either and you’ll see ragged back lashing from either side. Except the Christians claim to love them, Christians say it, but don’t seem to show it.

Where is Jesus?

I am a 17 year old girl living in rural New Zealand.  A backwater compared to the rest of the world I’m sure. I spend most of my time studying and working, realizing that this what is expected of a middle class woman and that I’ll probably be doing one or the other for the rest of my life.

How does this all relate? I’m not sure; maybe it’s a young person who’s trying to point out what is wrong in the world, what’s wrong with her religion, and what’s mixed up in the fact that in the academic world my opinion is nothing. That my life must somehow be the same because I don’t have enough money for a P.H.D. the only thing that lets you have an opinion.

That because I am a ‘good Christian girl” nobody is ever going to want my advice, my help, or my words.  That because I've never been raped, tortured, attempted suicide or been beaten I can’t legitimately help in things I believe need it the most. That no prostitute is ever going to listen to me because I know nothing. And maybe things are meant to be that way. Maybe I’ll live my life, get a job, get a house, get married have kids and die in a rest home.   

Or maybe there is a God out there who is bigger than my circumstances, who say it doesn't have to be that way. That it could be a lot more adventurous, a lot more giving and a whole lot harder.

Or maybe I’m meant to wait in a pew until I get my calling thrust upon me.

I’m pretty sure the guy who said give yourself as living sacrifice didn't have passive waiting in mind. Not that waiting is a bad thing. But for me it’s never really worked.

I guess what I am saying to myself and every Christian out there is we have to do something real. Regardless of the fact that someday the world will end. Regardless of the fact that goodness and heaven are somehow linked.  We have to find it in ourselves to reach out for the good of ourselves and the good of the world.

Rant over

The Courageous Girl

a short while ago I was talking with a friend of mine, in fact we had all been in the car and were talking about strengths when suddenly she said "Last year was really hard, I tried doing all this stuff and I didn't seem to be 'good' at anything, all my friends did really well at one thing or another and I was just average, so I decided that I'm good at being average, and that's all I might ever be good at, that I shouldn't expect to much of myself..."
Wow. How often do you hear that? How often do you know that someone isn't killing themselves to be something? True it's sad that she has such a low opinion of herself that she can't see that she is good at a lot of things.  But imagine what the world would be like if people excepted their capabilities, that could be humble about what they can and can't do. Anyway there's just a little glimpse of a real princess, who I wish I was a lot more like

Life

My life. Right now.. very interesting, very two faced. One day right one day wrong. Everything up in the air, not thought about, everything used without a thought. Confusing. Is this how it's meant to be? How is a black and white seeing person meant to survive without being judgemental? how do they stay open? I just want to know what to do. How to fix my life. How to be happy. Not much to ask? Apparently. Yeah I know life isn't kind. And I know that it's meant to make you stronger. But what about being free? What about not having to worry? Yeah I know that God is meant to fix that. But then how come it's so hard to get close to him? how come you are always drifting back and forth? And I know I don't have time for this, for crying and weeping over myself. There are people out there who are ripped in two and bleeding. Who are trying to cover it up.

How come I want to heal stuff and instead I am shredding things to pieces?

Was it about modesty after all?

Ha! I know that is some title! And I know a lot of you have very different opinions on it.
But I have been wondering was the cut of our clothing "the point"?

Low tops, collar-bone scrapers, mini shorts and long skirts. These things are all very different... here I want to refresh you on some of them:

                                                        (Source: Christina Pernes on pintrest)







                                                     (Source: Paula Bidle-Stear on Pintrest)
         


                                                    (Source Paula Bidle-Stear on Pintrest)




                                                    (Source: Paula Bidle-Stear on Pintrest)


Long skirt? you think High neck? Both of them look see through! 
Well yeah I tried to get ones that were "Fashionable" and not too "ugly" 
I mean honestly I could have pasted on a heap like this:


                                                           (Sharon Yarnell on Pintrest)
But it doesn't really matter. Fashion isn't the point. "Worldly-ness" or "Unworldly-ness isn't either. Well it has nothing to do with what I am talking about. 

I at the moment strongly believe that one should only wear clothes that suit one's body, here's a non-example:
                                          (Source: AainaA-Ridtz A R on pintrest)



But then I noticed what is flattering tends* to reek with sex appeal in books like Trinny and Susannah's "What not to wear" and after alot of looking and talking to Mum it really after all isn't about modesty- it isn't about protecting men, as the above picture is no security guard against lust (normally underneath their as modern as us). Men are men (remember they are human and emotional too; not wolves ready to eat a woman what ever books say) But if you take the men issue away and see why (I think) modesty was invented, to stop objectisim. (I think I just made up a word :D ) 

Take another look at all the pictures. All of them. They have three things in common: they are clothes, they are considered "feminine" and they all make women look like objects. And that is the problem. Women should never dress to be something to look at. You are a person. 

And I think a good way to avoid this is by dressing in a style that you like. That seems to reek what you love, that is a extension of you- not your body. Dress to show you are a woman, but make sure its lose enough to show you are a lady. Dress so you have a sense of self respect - don't give a toss for what anyone else thinks.    

Then you will be able to add the men part back in. And you will be absolutely fine. Sure you can't stop the occasional stares, but by now that is something well out of your hands - you dress in a style that is you and nothing else.

P.S what's this about thinking that you have to meet your Fathers approval? I believe that your Daddy in Heaven is inthralled with you when you dress like you. So be fearless. Be you. And don't ever worry about clothing again. 

                                                (Source Maelily Edmond (me) on Pintrest)





*not always but dresses shouldn't fit your shape like a too tight glove 

-Miss Tiffany
hmm maybe I should do something on makeup next and way this blog is here to air my thoughts :)