Veronica Partridge is a Christian. A very committed Christian, I suppose.
She’s decided to open a conversation about clothing, specifically the ever-controversial female pantaloon situation.
She’s decided to cease wearing “leggings.”
That’s all fine and good. I generally don’t wear them unless I’m exercising. However, I tend not to announce my daily pantaloon choices and the reasons behind them. (FYI, my first criteria is that they fit. No small feat after my mid section changed shape after cancer surgery. Second criteria is that they’re relatively clean… not easy considering I live with two pups and a new kitten. Ha. Now you know my selection process. :))
But Veronica, while making clear she is in “NO WAY (sic) trying to tell people what they can and cannot wear,” goes on to explain why she thinks leggings are not what her deity wants women to wear:
For the past several months, I have been having a conviction weighing heavy on my heart. I tried ignoring it for as long as I could until one day a conversation came up amongst myself and a few others (both men and women). The conversation was about leggings and how when women wear them it creates a stronger attraction for a man to look at a woman’s body and may cause them to think lustful thoughts. God really changed my heart in the midst of that conversations and instead of ignoring my convictions, it was time I start listening to them and take action.
So… God was “convicting” her.
Back when I was a church goer, I used to dislike that phrase. It didn’t tell me, or anyone else, very much. Sure, I could have attended many classes on “hearing God’s voice,” and I actually attended many Bible studies devoted exactly to that topic. Thing is, generally speaking what God wanted generally reflected the opinions of the leader.
Assemblies of God folks tended to see God’s will their way. The more liberal Lutherans wouldn’t even consider discussing this whole pantaloon situation. Don’t get me going on the Seventh Day Adventists who wore long skirts and high topped shoes to hide their alluring ankles from men.
Then, we have the whole Muslim burqa thing… which is quite similar to the Amish and Mennonite women who wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without their heads covered while wearing 19th century fashions.
But I’m heading down another rabbit hole. Let’s talk leggings again:
And at that moment, I made a personal vow to myself and to my husband. I will no longer wear thin, form-fitting yoga pants or leggings in public. The only time I feel (for myself) it is acceptable to wear them, is if I am in the comfort of my own home or if I am wearing a shirt long enough to cover my rear end. I also want to set the best example of how to dress for my daughter. I want her to know, her value is not in the way her body looks or how she dresses, but in the character and personality God has given her. I have been following the vow I made to myself for the past couple of weeks now and though it may be difficult to find an outfit at times, my conscience is clear and I feel I am honoring God and my husband in the way I dress.
Interesting. So… I can’t help but wonder what’s magical about the rear end that it must be covered? Perhaps it’s not “about the bass” after all. How is restricting choice teaching your child to love her body? Is it really hard to find clothing that doesn’t consist of yoga pants (she mentioned she’s having trouble with this new choices)? Finally, is what I wear a reflection on anyone else but myself?
Sticky questions? Probably. But I’ve been married for quite a while and don’t recall this issue coming up much… except when my husband wanted to wear his green leisure suit, silk floral top and large necklace to a family event. I was kind, however. We went shopping. But that’s a whole other issue.
Here’s the link. Check out the comments. This issue brings up some interesting questions and some fascinating views into the author’s mindset.
