Found It

Some time ago, I was looking for something in writing from the Free Presbyterian Church regarding their position on women's dress.  I couldn't find the FP position in print myself, and when I asked a couple of people for help, they couldn't find it either (though they did, to their credit, go to great lengths to try to find more information for me).

It wasn't until some time later that I happened across an article on the Holdfast blog entitled "Long Hair and Femininity," and at the end of it was this link to a resolution of the synod of 2003, as printed in the FP magazine.  I've copied and pasted it here:

At its most recent meeting, in May 2003, the Synod reaffirmed the Church's adherence to the Scriptural standard expressed in this Resolution originally passed in 1970:

There is evidence that the "permissiveness" of the age has influenced the Church. In particular this is the case in the dress of the women, and in the hair styles of both men and women.

The Word of God demands of women that they be dressed in modest apparel, and the Synod urge the women of the Church to give heed to this counsel. Not only does it require modesty of dress but also distinction in dress between the sexes. The practice of men and women wearing clothes which obliterates this distinction is quite contrary to God's Word and expressly declared to be an abomination to Him. "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God" (Deut 22:5).

The Word of God clearly teaches that the hair of women should be long and the hair of men (and boys) short. Long and short are relatives. To argue from hence that the matter cannot be determined is to cast the most serious and solemn aspersion upon the Divine wisdom. "Doth not even nature itself teach you that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (1 Cor 11:14,15).

The Church must therefore condemn these practices as contrary to God's Word and direct her people to seek the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to enable them to live unspotted in the world.

So there you have it.  I'm not sure what I was expecting exactly, but I was happy with the way this resolution was written, in that it does not compromise on important Biblical principles of modesty and distinction in dress; and also in that it is no more specific than the Bible regarding how exactly one should be feminine or masculine (the specific application of these principles being left up to the discretion of church government within a given culture/era).

Slightly off topic, but it would be nice if past resolutions of Synod were more accessible online.  I am sure that many of the resolutions are somewhere to be found in past issues of the FP magazine, which are indeed available online, but they aren't searchable, so it is quite difficult to find something specific when desired.

Another Running Skirt

I've sort of come to terms with running in skirts.  I've found a couple of skirts that are comfortable and practical enough that I can go for a run without having to think much about my clothes.  (I think more about my shoes these days, but that's a subject for another post.)  One of those skirts would be the "exerskirt" I reviewed not too long ago.

I also found something else that works well, and is much less expensive.  I was at Target looking through the racks, and found a skirt very much like my "exerskirt"; it was a similar material, and even had long shorts underneath.  I thought to myself "there is no way that Target is selling a modest running skirt!"  As it turns out, it's actually a "slimming skirt" because the shorts underneath are supposed to slim you.  It works quite well as a running skirt, though.  The shorts underneath are see-through so don't contribute to modesty, but they do keep the skirt above from chafing or clinging, and they are cool.  It's quite comfortable.

Merona® Women's Fit Solutions Solid Skirt - Black

It's longer on me than on the model--mine covers my knees.  Maybe I have short legs or something.

Only downside is, no handy-dandy little key pocket, so I have to hold my key in my hand as I run (can't tie it into my shoelaces when I don't have any--but that's a subject for another post).

I still don't think that a woman should have to wear long skirts while running--I think that a woman can run in other things without compromising her modesty and femininity--but I am now persuaded that a woman can run in skirts.  If that makes sense.

Running in a skirt--success?

If you read my comments section, you'll know that I ordered an "Exerskirt." Here's a picture borrowed from the website.

This is the only modest exercise skirt that I was able to find online.  Modest swimwear is actually much easier to find, believe it or not; here are a few examples.  But anyway, back to the skirt.  It's mid-calf length, made from a stretchy nylon-blend fabric, with matching, stretchy shorts attached beneath (the shorts hit me just above the knee). 

Here's my opinion of it.  It's reasonably well made, and the material is a nice weight.  It looks all right, though I wouldn't say that it's the cutest thing I've ever worn.  When I first got it, i took it for a short test run--just down the street and back--and thought "wow, this just might work."  But I reserved judgment until I had a chance to test it more thoroughly.  That opportunity came yesterday, when I was downtown again and went for a three-mile run/walk around Hermann Park.

It was a windy day--the worst of conditions for running in a skirt--but the skirt didn't blow up at all, or ride up on the windward side.  Nor did it blow between my legs, which is something that will happen with a skirt that is too full.  The material was soft and smooth and didn't chafe.  And it was stretchy enough that I was able to do a few lunges without the skirt riding above my knee.  In all, I found this skirt to be quite comfortable and practical.

I discovered a convenient little pocket hidden inside the waistband, just big enough for my car key and ID.  This detail wasn't mentioned on the website.

I didn't get any odd looks or comments.  At one point I heard a shout "How you gonna be running in that?" from some guys on the golf course, but turns out they were shouting at their friend who was running behind me. :)

Now I don't want to say that this skirt is the perfect solution to all my running problems.  For one thing, it was expensive, at $50.  But I suppose the high price is inevitable since the skirt is produced by a very small company.  I doubt that big clothing factories are going to start mass-producing modest exercise skirts any time soon. :)

I also had a few technical complaints about the skirt.  I thought the waistline came up a little too high in the front and not quite high enough in the back.  I would prefer that the skirt be a couple of inches shorter, so that it wouldn't flap around my calves so much; though since the material is smooth and lightweight, the flapping isn't actually uncomfortable, just annoying.  Last complaint: I wish it came in a lighter color, like a medium gray; I'm afraid that navy blue will be too hot in the summertime.

Overall, I'm happy with this skirt and expect to use it regularly.  If you've struggled with running in a skirt (I know that several of you have, and thanks for the sympathy, by the way) then consider giving this one a try. :)  I'm going to keep experimenting, and if I find other things that work, I'll let you know. :)

Running Blues

You may recall that a few weeks ago, I was posting about my struggles figuring out what to wear while running. A few kind readers suggested (both in the comments section, and privately) that I try something like a split skirt, or culottes, or gauchos, the idea being that they are garments which are still modest and distinctly feminine, but a bit more practical for running than a skirt. However, along with those suggestions came a bit of hesitation, and I gathered that not all would agree with the idea.

Well I didn't want to start running in gauchos (I liked this pair) only to find that I was offending somebody, especially if I were to post a picture on my blog, you know, like when I run that half-marathon someday. So I decided to investigate a little farther, and asked a person whom I thought might have a more authoritative answer: If I wear culottes for running, am I breaking any rules? Am I going to cause offense?

Well he didn't know, but he was so kind as to talk the matter over with a few other people. The long and the short of it is, I have been advised that while there are no hard-and-fast rules about the subject, in order for me to play it safe and not cause offense, I should not wear anything other than a skirt for exercise.

To clarify, the FP stance (that's the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland) is that women should wear women's clothing and men should wear men's clothing. And FPs believe that skirts are women's clothing and pants/trousers are men's clothing. I guess culottes or gauchos or what have you are seen as sort of a gray area that is best avoided, at least in our local congregation.

Now before those of you who are not FPs start thinking "Aaack! Legalism! Run away!" I must express some sympathy with the principles being defended here. Those principles are distinction in dress, modesty, and the avoiding of worldliness. I appreciate that my church takes those principles seriously, and it's definitely a blessing to attend church services where the women are all modestly and soberly dressed.

That said, I'm a little bummed that the "rule" trumps practicality and even modesty in some situations. I mean, generally speaking I am happy to wear skirts as I do think it's easier to be modest in a skirt. But there are times when a skirt is not as modest (I'm thankful that no one I know has seen me running lately).

So I'm feeling kinda blue about running. I've given up on it for the moment, actually, as it's frustrating and exhausting to be fighting with my clothes the whole way. I wish I could just relax and run without having to think about my clothes at all. Maybe soon I'll gather the courage to give it another try.

Researching Women's Dress

Hello again. I've been doing a lot of reading and thinking about men's and women's clothing lately. I think I'll probably be writing several posts on the topic, but I've been learning so much, I hardly know where to start! For the time being, I thought I would share some of the links I've found most interesting.

These are in no particular order.

Firstly, here is the Wikipedia article on trousers. It gives an overview of their history, and includes an interesting paragraph about women in trousers.
Trousers--Wikipedia
You might also find this one interesting:
Women Wearing Pants--Wikipedia

Here is an old book which has been put online by my alma mater, Indiana University. It includes interesting photographs and color illustrations of historical garb from various parts of Asia.
Oriental Costumes--Their Designs and Colors

A few early feminists started the "dress reform" movement which was considered quite radical in its day.
19th Century Dress Reform, In Pictures
Be sure to check out the additional pages--all quite interesting.

In 866, the Pope was asked whether or not the women in Bulgaria needed to cease their custom of wearing pants in order to join the Catholic church.
Responsa Nicolai I ad consulta Bolgarorum
The interesting element of this link is not the Pope's opinion on the matter, but the fact that Bulgarian women in 866 wore pants.

In many cultures today, men still wear skirt-like garments. Here is a site that lists traditional male unbifircated (undivided) garments from around the world. The kilt is the most obvious example, but there are a number of others that I wasn't familiar with.
MUGs Around the World
Note: The rest of this site is questionable, but this particular page is interesting.

Here is a link with illustrations of what men and women probably wore in Bible times. I'm not sure about everything described here--for instance, the author seems quite sure that Jewish women wore makeup. But I can't find a better link with illustrations of Bible-era clothing. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Living in Bible Times

Here is an article by a family friend that represents probably the more conservative end of the Free Presbyterian view.
Christian Clothing--Scripture Standards for Dress and Conduct

*****PLEASE NOTE*****I am NOT endorsing every opinion or article of clothing presented in the links above.

In case you're wondering "What exactly is Sharon advocating here?" ....I'm not advocating anything (yet). I'm just sharing some of what I've learned about what it means to dress as a man or a woman in different cultures, and what it meant in days past.

I may post other interesting links as I come across them. Happy reading!

Of Spring, and Running

So apparently, yesterday was the first day of spring: sunny, breezy, and 76 degrees. I happened to be downtown yesterday (I'll be downtown a lot for the next few months, more on that later) in the vicinity of Rice University, and as is usually the case near college campuses on the first day of spring, the sidewalks and paths were crowded with...RUNNERS.

There were herds of them, loping along gracefully, looking lean and trim and not the least bit out of breath. I watched them out of the corner of my eye with a touch--just a touch--of envy. And started formulating running plans in the back of my mind.

Running is a tough topic for me. I love to run, mostly just because (if you run, you know what I'm talking about) but also because it really gives me a lot more energy, and energy is a nice thing to have when you're a mom, especially when you're a mom to two very rambunctious little boys.

But sometimes I feel as though everything is conspiring to prevent me from running. First and foremost, of course, is the fact that I have two children who are obviously too small to be left alone while I head out for a run. When I first moved to Texas, Mom & Dad had not yet left for Israel, so I would get up early and go for a run before the boys woke; if they did wake up while I was gone, Mom was there to keep an eye on them till I got back. Now that Mom's gone, I can't do that.

Theoretically, I could still go for an early run, and let my brother deal with them if they woke. But he is a busy person and would probably not appreciate having them wake him, or interfere with his morning routine; so I would have to go really really early, to be quite sure that I would be back before they wake. But running so early would mean running in the dark, along desolate country roads, with no shoulder to speak of....I could do it, and have done it, but would rather not, you know?

Finally, the other day, it occurred to me that I could run back and forth down the street in front of our house while the boys play in the driveway. This will be incredibly tedious, as one lap back and forth will only be about a tenth of a mile. But at least I can be running.

So the next issue is (guys, feel free to tune out now) what to wear. :) Last summer I was struggling with how to run modestly, experimenting with various options and finally settling upon a pair of loose capris. But now I have discovered that what I thought was a strongly held tradition in our church--women wearing skirts--is actually a rule. A rule that is hard to find, therefore effectively "unwritten." I might as well say that I don't agree with this rule, nor with the idea of a rule being unwritten; but I'm willing to abide by it since when it comes to churches, there isn't another place I'd rather be. :) And one can always hope for change...does that make me sound like a dangerous insurrectionist? But for the time being, at least, this rule creates a new challenge to deal with when it comes to exercise.

Does anyone who read this blog run in a skirt?? Can you help me please? What do you wear and does it really work? How do you find a skirt that's full enough to stretch in yet not so full that it tangles itself around your legs while you run? I've tried a knit skirt (clung to sweaty legs; sorry guys, I warned you to tune out), a smooth polyester skirt (it BOUNCED), a denim skirt (it chafed), a light cotton skirt (wind...'nuf said), and now I'm out of ideas.

I'm a little bit afraid that someone is going to tell me "Well if you can't run decently in a skirt, then you shouldn't be running at all." And since I haven't been running lately, I don't have the energy to combat that hypothetical argument, so I won't. :)

Wardrobe Inspiration

So I (re) discovered Polyvore. You can create outfits by clicking and dragging images...lots of fun. I just put this one together:

december in Texas by Texas Rose featuring American Eagle Outfitters

This outfit is very "me"--that is, comfy, casual, and well suited to doing the stay-at-home mom thing. You know, lounging around on the couch, watching soap operas, and eating chocolate.

PLEASE NOTE: that was sarcasm.

Of course if you want to buy any of the items you're playing around with on the site, they provide you with helpful links. Though I'm not actually shopping for clothes right now--and I would never spend that much for shoes or a bag anyway (they're $200+ each), plus the yellow shirt wouldn't work because the neck is too low. This was just for fun, and maybe for future shopping inspiration. Actually, I am kind of tempted by that skirt, though--only 17 bucks?

Success! ...sort of

Well today I went clothes shopping again, yes, in spite of my lousy experience last time. My unfailingly optimistic self was just sure that I would find something this time around. And yes, I did have some success--sort of. After five hours (not kidding, sadly) of searching and trying things on, I found a shirt that is cute, feminine, and modest, mostly. Of course, the neckline is too low and loose, but I think it should be pretty easy to fix--it's gathered with elastic in a casing, so all I have to do is open up the casing and take in the elastic a little bit. I was so happy to find something that would work, I bought two! I also found a tank top to go under things. So all in all, I had a fairly successful day (if you call finding three things in five hours a success).

Still searching for: a pair of sandals that I could walk a couple of miles in. Sadly, I am having trouble finding a good affordable and practical sandal that fits well.

Now clothes shopping was not actually part of the plan for today. I actually meant to finish up some of the trim work in the living room, and I was also hoping to go for a run (*ahem* meaning, a walk with brief jogging intervals). But now I only have an hour until the boys come back from their dad's, which is not enough time to do both, and besides I have to start getting ready for tomorrow (making sure church clothes are cleaned and ironed, planning meals, tidying the house, etc.)

OH I almost forgot! Yesterday I went to a performance of "St. Matthew's Passion" by Bach. What a treat! Actually it was a dress rehearsal, not the actual performance, but a delight none the less. I've never heard this piece before, but a few parts were quite familiar; for instance, I was delighted to hear the melody to one of my favorite hymns, "Oh Sacred Head, Now Wounded." I enjoyed myself quite thoroughly, even though the pews in that church were very hard and uncomfortable, and the rehearsal wasn't over till 11:30 p.m.!

All right, I'm heading to the park to go for a run (err, walk).

I hate shopping!

Why does clothes shopping have to be so difficult? I spent a good part of my day looking for some clothes that would be
1. modest
2. attractive
3. affordable
4. comfortable
5. practical (i.e. suitable for an active lifestyle)
6. well made
and had absolutely no success. I find clothes shopping to be physically and emotionally exhausting.

If I buy stuff in my size, it's too form-fitting to be modest or comfortable. If I go up a size or two, I look sloppy. Am I the only person that finds this so difficult?

If I had more time, I could sew my own clothing; if I had more money, I would be more likely to find what I needed in the stores; but I have neither. *sigh*

I am seriously exhausted and I am going to bed (daylight savings time kicks in tomorrow, yay)