Persuasion through Femininity

Being a lady in the land of girls, I was thinking about how I appear to the world. I was dreaming of persuasion and trying to figure it out like its a puzzle when I found a large jigsaw piece. 

Femininity. It distinguish us Apostolic Pentecostals from the rest of the world these days. It's practically a benefit we have, that the guys can't use. How so? It separates us. A persuasion method. After all, actions truly do speak louder than words.

Romans 12:2 starts off, "And be ye not conformed to this world..."

Still confused? How about I make up a possible scenario. (Similar events have happened to those I'm acquainted with!!)

Imagine a Apostolic lady goes to IUPUI (or any secular college). She doesn't sway with her standards, and comes in everyday with modest necklines, appropriate length skirts, long glorious hair, and make-up free. 

This woman may get "looks" at first but she slowly earns the respect of her classmates and they start asking questions, without judgment. They ask her, "Why do you wear things like this?" which turn into "Why do you believe that?"

It's just a separation us ladies have from the secular world. A persuasion method that women can access easier than men.

Won't it be so much more impacting if someone can see the difference of our lifestyle right before their eyes? After all, "Actions speak louder than words."  

However, this persuasion method can go even deeper. 

Your walk and your talk. It impacts so much more. Our lifestyle is not so much about our physical appearance as it about our hearts and the purity therein. How you treat people and your attitude towards situations will persuade someone more than "preaching" to them ever will. 

Audrey Hepburn once said, "For beautiful eyes, see the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness."

Ladies, be sweet. Speak kind words. Choose your language and your words carefully. Love people and be considerate. Have a willing heart and ears ready to listen. Be sensitive but sensible. Be happy and refrain from negativity. 

Do all these things with a pure heart, and ladies - you've got a secret to persuasion.

Lastly is one last physical trait that is absolutely necessary. Just smile. Even if it's been a miserable day, smile. Smile at strangers, friends, and family alike. It may be the encouragement they need. 

Check out more blogs on Persuasion at persuasionseries.blogspot.com

Women Using Wisdom.

Alright ladies. Let's talk brains and actions.

One thing the Bible instructs for us to use is WISDOM. Wisdom doesn't necessarily mean scholarly knowledge. I do believe that we need to take the opportunities of knowledge when available, however. That's besides the fact though. 

Wisdom, according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary is simply having 'good sense'.

I look around today and see women and all I think is... "Really?? Have you no common sense??" It's rather embarrassing...

Women, Step up and think things through. Put thought and reasoning into your decisions. Don't embarrass yourself or the people and things you represent. 

Proverbs 31:26 is boldly worded, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness."

Our actions and words reflect many things. Do we want to poorly represent God just because we chose not to make sense of certain situations? 

Doug Larson once said, "Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk."

Wisdom is obtained by a few things. 

First off, always listen to God. He's the ultimate at helping you make the right decisions. 

Pray about it! Prayer is a window of communication to God. How can we have a relationship without talking? Ask God for the wisdom and to help direct you.

For serious matters, apply the 24 hour rule. Don't react until one day later. Those who react immediately tend to regret the decision - either over or under reacting. 
*Props to the pops/daddio for teaching me this tidbit of wisdom.

Be smart, ladies.

Submission & Obedience.

Ephesians 5:21-25 talks of the submission of the Christian wife. 

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Submission is different from independence. Many ladies believe that they can't be relying on men and they have to do everything their own way. Women have become slightly stubborn  in their thoughts of equality. We are indeed equal to the male race when concerning humanity. HOWEVER, the man is the head of the household and we, as respectable women of Christ, need to respect that. 

Obedience.

Everyone needs to obey. Obey God. Obey authoritative figures. Obey and respect your father and mother. 

Women are no exception. It is said that a virtuous woman is obedient. 

John 15:14 is written, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;"

Titus 3:1 is as follows, "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,"

Last but not least, Proverbs 6:20 is written, "My son, keep your father's commandments, and forsake not your mother's teaching."

Tenderness Through the Tongue

Washington Irving once said, "Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, shall win my love."

We need to have a grip on the classic femininity of women. Today's world is full of bitterness and cruelty. Tenderness and kindness of speech and thought are becoming a rarity, especially in women. 

Proverbs 31:26 is written, "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

1 Peter 3:8 says, "Finally, all of you, have unity in mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."

Zechariah 7:9 is as follows, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,"

Our kindness shows even more femininity. In a world of perverseness, we need some women who aren't afraid to show sympathy and emotion. It is highly likely that this could be a witnessing skill. Tenderness and kindness draw people. It shocks most people in this world today. Show the love of Jesus with a soft and caring spirit.

Jane Austen, famous author, once wrote "There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart."

John Lubbock wrote the following, "Do not be afraid of showing your affection. Be warm and tender, thoughtful and affectionate. Men are more helped by sympathy, than by service; love is more than money, and a kind word will give more pleasure than a present."

Masking With Make-Up

"When I was your age...I wish I'd known that I already had everything I needed within myself to be happy, instead of looking for happiness at beauty counters."
                            -Ilene Beckerman

In our world, every face seems to be painted. Just like an artist, the face is a canvas being masked by a brush. The 'artists' of this world vary tremendously in style. You know what I'm talking about. 

The use of cosmetics is not an uncommon conversation for the Apostolic believers. Each church has different opinions of how much make-up should be condoned or if it all should be thrown away. 

In Jeremiah 4:30 scripture says, "And [when] thou [art] spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; [thy] lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life."

It has been taught that make-up primarily is used to enhance sexual appeal. Thus, most churches deem cosmetics as immodest. 

The Bible doesn't directly preach against the use of make-up but in the most round-about way, we will find that using cosmetics is looked upon negatively.

Personally, I believe it is okay to wear light foundation/powder. Nothing that dramatically changes you, but merely cover minor blemishes. This is strictly my own thoughts. 

Beyond, the thought of cosmetics being used to enhance sexual appeal, the Bible tells us that we are made just the way God wants us. Why would we want to change that? The below scripture shows this. 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalms 139:14.

Lady-Like Locks

Let's talk hair.

I have a love for hair, it's a secret obsession. Thus, this article is gonna be fun for me.

Ladies! First off,  a woman with 'long' hair, it is her glory. Why is 'long' being emphasized here? There is controversy on what is determined as long, due to judgement on hair growth.

1 Corinthians 11:15 is written, "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her..."

Our beautiful long hair also gives us power - because of angels!

1 Corinthians 11:10 says, "For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels."

Another issue when dealing with hair is whether cutting the hair is disproved by the Bible. The controversy is brought to light because of a portion of scripture.

1 Corinthians 11:6 which is as follows, "For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered."

1 Corinthians 11:13 follows up the subject, "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?"

For those who do not cut hair, there ARE tips on how to have magnificently long and beautiful hair while keeping it healthy. Show off your glory. Your hair is a way to witness as well, but take good care of it. Would you want something representing glory and power from angels and God to be dirty, fried, or unattractive? I didn't think so!

Modesty in Dress

The apparel of most females today can be shocking. Modesty comes with many purposes. Such purposes can be things like the following: Separation from the world, protection of man's mind, and respecting your body (which belongs to God). 

1 Timothy 2:9 says, "... that women should adorn themselves in modest apparel..."

What is modest apparel? This includes loose fitting clothes, the intent is to hide the form of a woman's body. Not only should the clothes be loose but covering her body to a great extent. The thought of how long a skirt should be, how high the neckline must be, the sleeve length, and so forth varies on your convictions and your pastor's preaching/teaching. The general thought is that your skirt should be at least covering your knee caps (Don't forget about slits in the back/front!), neckline should no lower than 4 fingers from your collar bone (We don't want to see that stuff!), and that sleeves should be at least halfway between your shoulder and elbow. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is written, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

The above scripture is showing us that even though we may think we are owners of our own selves, we belong to GOD! This includes our bodies. Would we want to disrespect a temple by subjecting it to fleshly desires?

Matthew 5:28 shows us that we, as ladies of God, need to do what we can to prevent men lusting. "But I say to you that everyone who  looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Separation from the world comes with modesty. In a world that is rather provocative in their dress, women with biblical femininity stick out greatly. This is a magnificent way to witness, and be an example to a generation that is losing it's values.

*ALSO: Modesty doesn't mean we cannot be fashionable. It is possible to have many different styles of clothing that still are respectable. :)