Convictions, cont’d.

Lessons upon lessons.

                Nails c/o Jamberry Nail Wraps

       Having the most amazing Nutella & Banana crepe at Artopolis in Harlem.

 Sunnies (here) // Zara Top (Sold out) // Trousers (here) // Belt (sold out; similar here) // Talbots Sandals (similar here) // Talbots Seashell clutch (sold out; similar here)

Just yesterday I talked about how inappropriate my outfit was on Tuesday. So concerned with the post, I completely forgot to pray before writing. Had I done so, I would’ve been checked by God about those shorts that have no business in my closet, let alone on my body. Again, my own personal conviction. I didn’t say wearing shorts is a sin.

So there I was, discussing my personal convictions while ignoring another conviction.

Well, in today’s continuation of convictions, I’d like to address the result of me wearing something not approved by the Holy Spirit. Below is a conversation I held with a gentleman I went to school with years ago. We are not friends. I do not keep in touch with him. In fact, prior to yesterday’s conversation, I had not heard from him since January 13, 2013.

This private message on FB initiated shortly after posting a picture of yesterday’s outfit.

Now there are so many things I could say about this unwelcoming conversation; but I’ll just leave a few things I’ve learned concerning how to dress as a Christian woman.

1. Dress the way you want to be addressed.

2. Don’t be confused when you’re still disrespected for dressing conservatively.

 I was extremely down yesterday after this conversation. Disappointed in the audacity of this man, like so many others, to disrespect me. Disappointed in myself for being so naive about things concerning the Kingdom. Disappointed in the idea of me initially wanting the attention my outfit warranted. Disappointed in my initial response to him.

I don’t know. It’s difficult for me to be stern with people sometimes. This isn’t a joke. Hence the reason I adjusted my following response and strategically omitted any ‘LOL’s.

Did I want this man to contact me in this manner? Absolutely not. But I do love feedback, and social media ‘likes.’ Just keeping it real.

 I’ve been disrespected and sexually harassed while wearing the most conservative clothing. I recall a time I was riding the bus in Philly when a man groped me. I’ll never forget. I was wearing the exact skirt below…

…A loose-fitting cami, and leather jacket on top. The bus was crowded and I was among passengers standing up. This man was heading off the bus when he grabbed my butt then pulled me close to his private area. I turned to look at him as he proceeded to leave the bus. In total shock, I couldn’t even say anything. I remember feeling so disgusting and low that I got off the next stop and walked the rest of the way home. I couldn’t stand to be on the bus any longer. I felt like crying. And I did. The ENTIRE WALK HOME.

Why do I mention this? Because even while fully clothed, you can still attract unnecessary attention and/or get harassed.

I’m just wondering though. Had I heeded to the voice of the Holy Spirit, could this interaction have been avoided? Since our God is all-knowing, is it safe to say that He saw this coming and wanted to warn me?

Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. [1 Corinthians 8:13]

Still, we have a duty and a requirement to abstain from things that make our brothers and sisters in Christ stumble. Paul in Corinthians wasn’t only referring to food, but every and anything that causes people to sin. Regarding the way I dress, if I know it’ll cause men to lust after my flesh, I have no right to wear it.

Hope you’ve been encouraged. Thank you for all who messaged me regarding yesterday’s post. I would like to know your thoughts on this one as well.

– God Bless You!

5 Element Photography