The Accidental Anabaptist: Transition To Modesty

Friday, October 2, 2009

Transition To Modesty

Most people have mixed feelings about my wardrobe and my beliefs in general. I would suspect that because of most peoples defensiveness, they think I project my beliefs onto them. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Everyone who becomes a believer in Christ becomes a follower. We learn to follow the Word and thus a transition of the heart begins at the moment we realize we were nothing but dirty rags to begin with, and through the blood of Jesus, we are saved. In other words; We don't deserve it, and there is nothing we can do to earn it.

However, being a Christian is not without responsibility. Some get hung up on GRACE, and while I believe in grace, I don't believe you just pray the prayer and go on about your business. Grace is there to bridge the gap between your weakness and Gods Holiness.

So the subject of dress comes up quite often between family and friends. It is often suggested that I don't need to dress modestly and God doesn't care what I wear. Well, I think God cares about everything! The Bible says so. You certainly don't want to be responsible for causing a brother to stumble do you? Appropriate dress isn't just *suggested* in the Bible.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows".
Matthew 10:29-31

Did you know sparrows are mentioned over 40 times in the Bible? God used them as an example that nothing is beyond His concern.... this includes our dress and our intentions.

Which leads us back to dress: Do you really believe God doesn't care what you wear? Now, I am not suggesting a cape dress = salvation. It doesn't make you holy, and the quote from my Mother comes to mind: "Pretty is, as Pretty does". Wearing a cape dress doesn't make you any holier than standing in a garage makes you a car.
But, modest dress is an outward reflection of your desire to honor God. As you progress on your journey heavenward, ask God what he wants of you? What would HE like you to wear?

Trust me,.. He will show you if your heart is open. It may not be a cape dress at all. But it will be modest, and reflect your desire to serve The Lord as you put one foot in front of the other.

Go forth, and serve.

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Welcome To The Accidental Anabaptist

I am Kelly,... wife, to Scott, and mother to five... grandmother to six (and counting!!). We live in the great State Of Texas, and have family scattered from Connecticutt to Ohio, to Texas.

Why do I call myself *the Accidental Anabaptist*???

Because it was completely unintentional! While living in Ohio, I was befriended by a Mennonite woman. She invited me to church & opened the door to a *3rd Way* of worship.

The rest is history!

What is the primary focus of Anabaptist?:

Non-resistance, refusing to swear oaths, separate from the world, dressing modestly, & dying to self to start with.

Please see my *links* section at the bottom of the page for more information on the Anabaptists, their history, and how they live out their convictions.

My life is not simply about being Anabaptist... It's about a devotion to God, and that's the earthly label that I identify with most.

I am not *PLAIN* in the most dramatic sense, but I am simple, modest, and conservative in a practical sense. I do not dress to align with any particular church.

I have a world of genuinely plain friends who I love dearly. They have taught me to be a better person through their fellowship. They are not afraid to challenge me, and I adore them for their honesty.

I would like to be a bridge *to* the conservative Anabaptists, their doctrine, different practices, and a simpler life for everyone, for anyone who is interested.

I hope to challenge the reader to be open minded without selling out, to be less judgemental of what you don't understand, and to serve God with passion, and not lip service.

Blessings,

Kelly