Boots for Fall

It’s autumn, and girls all over the world are pulling out their fall clothes—leggings, jeans, socks, oversized sweaters, layers of shirts, sweaters and vests, boot liners, and, of course, boots.

I like boots. In fact, I’ve got my radar on for some new ones this year. (My old ones—sniff, sniff—pulled irreparably apart a year ago.) I really enjoy wearing boots on rainy days, with midi skirts.

So, what is it about boots that’s so popular? I’m not sure, but it seems like every single woman in the world has to be wearing boots from early fall to early spring. It’s like no one wears shoes in the winter any more.

Can I be candid? Can we talk about boots and modesty?

This year, most boots in style in Europe are ankle height. I’m not talking about them at all. (Just so we’re on the same page.) When I say “boots,” I'm talking about below the knee, to the knee, and above the knee, okay?

Fashions come and go. This one seems to have stayed around a long time: sweater or layered top and leggings or jeans, tucked into boots. It’s almost become a uniform, and even though I’ve seen a few people wear this look somewhat modestly, I think for most it isn’t. Why? Well, even if the sweater is long, it looks from a distance like the woman is wearing a very short dress with tights and boots. One’s eyes go straight to the thighs—what’s between the hem of the sweater (or top) and her boots. This look calls attention to the thighs. Is that where Christian women want to attract attention?

Photo courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography, Free Digital Photos

Oh yes, the girl is covered. But, it’s about the nature of boots: attention is naturally drawn to whatever’s seen between the boot and the dress, skirt, or top.

Today, the “Peter Pan look” is in. Girls wear leggings and short tops. The tops get shorter and shorter. So the attention goes up and up . . . .

Why do prostitutes wear over-the-knee boots? To show off thighs. It’s as simple as that.

Another thing I’m noticing about women’s boots is that they’re getting more masculine every year. They look like combat boots, or horse-riding boots, or they hide the ankle in chunky leather. Biker boots are popular this year. Heels are flat, and boots have a unisex feel.

I’m all for comfort, and I’m not advocating stilettos for fall. But, I think we need to pay attention to our overall look. Do we look feminine? Does our boot choice mix well with feminine clothing? Will the length of our boots work with our skirts? Is my profile feminine? Do my boots make me look pretty—or horsey? Do I look clunky or ladylike?

Let me ask you a question. It’s not about boots; it’s about the heart. Who are your fashion models?

The Bible says,

• In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
• Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves (1 Peter 3:3-5a).

The Bible indicates that our models for dress should be godly women. Do you know a woman who exemplifies godliness? How does she dress? Watch how she puts together modest clothing. Observe how she looks feminine—even in boots.

     

Here are a few tips for your boots this fall and winter:

• Look for pretty boots. (Rule out combat, biker, and clunky boots.)
• If you’re short, look for boots that hug the leg and don’t get wide and bunchy at the ankle. Go for a little bit of a heel.
• Try your boots on with a skirt. Make sure they look good together.
• If you want to wear leggings with boots and a top, make sure your top is as long as a dress. You do not want to look like you’re wearing a “mini-dress.” (Remember, there’s very little visual difference in leggings or skinny jeans and leotards.)
• Look at your complete outfit in a full-length mirror. Do you look feminine? Does any part of your clothing attract attention where you don’t want it? Is your silhouette pleasing to God?
• Most important, ask yourself: can anyone looking at me tell I’m a Christian? Do I represent Christ? Do I look like a godly woman? 

Enjoy your boots, and look lovely!

God bless you!


Thanks to my friends for the last two pictures!

  

They Encouraged Themselves in the Lord

Some time ago, the biblical phrase encouraged himself in the LORD his God made me curious if there were any other references to the same concept. To my pleasure, there is one other. Let’s take a look at these inspiring examples.

Abraham—He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he (God) had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him (Abraham) for righteousness (Romans 4:20-22). This passage is about God’s promise to make Abraham a father of many nations, even though both he and his wife were very old, and Sarah had never had a child. (Romans 4:17)

The phrase was strong in faith can be translated “he strengthened himself in faith.” From the context, we understand that Abraham’s faith was in God’s promise. What God promised, Abraham believed. It was as simple as that! Look at the phrases above: staggered not and fully persuaded. Abraham had an accurate picture of God. God could do whatever He said He would do.

I wonder how we see God. Do we limit him? Even though circumstances look bleak or even impossible (old age, barren womb), do we doubt that God will do what He’s promised in His Word? If He promised, it will happen. Let’s strengthen ourselves in our faith in God’s Word.

David—And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God (1 Samuel 30:6). As you can tell, David was in dire straits. His life was in danger. The Amalekites had surrounded Ziklag and burned it to the ground. They took women and children as captives, including two of David’s wives. The people sorrowed, and then they were angry with their king, David. So David encourages himself in the Lord, and the first thing he does is to seek God’s leadership. And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all (1 Samuel 30:8).

Notice what David didn’t do:

• He didn’t sit in lotus position and zone out.
• He didn’t put on a fake smile and think positive thoughts.
• He didn’t get in touch with inner self.
• He didn’t go out on the town and get high/drunk/plastered.
• He didn’t even call for musicians or play his harp.
• And, he didn’t eat a Happy Meal.

David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. Then, he found out whether God would prosper him if he went after the enemy. When he knew what to do, he immediately set forth to do it. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all (1 Samuel 30:18-19).

What’s our first reaction when threatened? What’s our reaction when people are angry with us? David encouraged himself in the Lord. David asked God what he should do. When David knew God’s will, he did it. And, God prospered him.

Do we ask God what we should do? When we get an answer, do we immediately obey? It’s the only way to have spiritual success. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).

Both Abraham and David encouraged and strengthened themselves in faith because they had confidence in God’s Word. They trusted that God could do whatever He said.

• Do we trust without staggering?
• Do we act on God’s guidance?
• Do we know the Bible so well that we understand God’s will?

Encourage yourself in the Lord your God!