Repost: Spirit of the Style

This is one of my first posts here on Apostolic Fashion. I am reposting it for two reasons:

1- it really is the basis of why I started this blog; I saw some things going on around me that I was concerned about, and wanted to make a difference.

2- this is my last post. I have felt for some time now that this blog has served it's purpose - I see other blogs about modesty and holiness, and that encourages me. I'd like to think that I've made a difference in someone's life. The Bible says that there is a time and season for everything - that includes this blog - there was a time and need for it, but now the time has come for it to end. It's been a pleasure writing, as it was my hope to help people in their holiness walk.

The Spirit of the Style

When I was 14, I became infatuated with the Goth style. For those of you not familiar with it, Goth clothing is mostly black, and can usually make people feel like crossing to the other side of the street, because the wearer of said clothing looks scary, depressing, etc. Anyway, to continue my story, I began wearing a lot of black. I probably didn't strike people as Gothic, simply because I didn't own much black, and I was trying to be careful so as not to alarm my parents. When I put my black long-sleeved shirt and black skirt on (I still dressed modestly – perhaps it could be called “Apostoli-Goth”), I felt different. I felt a little “bad”. OK, I know you're probably laughing, but I was 14! I felt like a different person; almost as if I had put on a costume for a play and was going out to act like someone else. This “costume” of mine, unbeknownst to me, had a spirit attached to it... a spirit I wasn't prepared to deal with. Thank God for godly parents that prayed and prayed for me during that rough time in my life! I made it out of that phase, only by the Grace of God! (so there's a little bit of my personal testimony). Just for the record, it was a very short-lived phase... Maybe a few weeks.
Now, do I still wear black? Of course; in fact, I have a super cute black suit that I love to wear with a big black hat. The difference? The spirit. For those of you out there who don't think there is a spirit involved with what you wear, you are dead wrong (no offense...)! While I at the time did not realize what it was, I was flirting with a spirit that didn't jive with my Holy Ghost spirit. Clothing is very much linked to the spirit world. Think about it. When I put on my Goth clothes, I was putting on something else – the spirit associated with it. I won't try to figure out exactly what spirit it was – probably the spirits of depression, anger, and rebellion – but I do know that the spirit wasn't Godly. When girls dress provocatively, they are putting on the spirit of a harlot; for men dressing in the metro style, they are putting on the homosexual spirit. These spirits come with the outfit – you cannot wear the outfit without the spirit affecting you! Be wary of the spirits you keep in your closet!
Just as ungodly spirits can come with clothing, clothing can come with a bonafide Holy Ghost approval. The kind of clothing with the HG stamp of approval will help you keep your Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is our guide in all areas of our lives, including clothing. If we are full of His Spirit, we will notice a different feel in the clothing we pick out. That skirt may be long enough according to your church's standards, but sometimes you may not feel comfortable in that skirt. You may not be able to put a finger on why that skirt is not good, but your Holy Ghost will help you make godly decisions.

-A.F

Advice for Gym Night

First thing - wow it's been forever since I posted!

Some really quick advice for gym night. Let me clarify that apostolics enjoy healthy competition, but we do not engage in organized sports. We do, however, love to have "gym nights" after revivals, conferences, and youth services.

When attending a gym night, one falls into one of three categories.

1) hardcore, "I'm gonna play all night and be extremely sweaty by the end."

2) I might play, but if I do, I'll only play one game. I'm there for the socializing, mostly.

3) I am here solely to hang out with friends, have a good time, and watch. Don't bother asking me to play.

You can typically tell who falls into each category by their outfit choice. Here are some suggestions for holiness during fun times at gym night!

1) typically guys, though girls can be like this, also. For guys, this includes warmup pants, basketball shoes, long sleeve t-shirt, LONG undershirt (tucked in). The shirt can be tucked in, also, to help with modesty. Please please please, guys, tuck your undershirt in! I love to watch basketball, but the midriff viewing is more than I typically bargain for. For girls, wear a nice, long skirt that is roomy and not snug on the rear end. Have a long undershirt tucked in, and a roomy shirt that won't show your body's movements.

2) this group usually aspires to look cool, while maintaining the option of playing, if they feel the urge. Loose-fitting jeans, a button-up shirt, and comfortable shoes will work for guys. But please remember that no one wants to see your stomach, if you decide to play. Girls usually go for a jean skirt or knit skirt, a cute top and flats. As long as your outfit is loose-fitting, you should have no problem playing if you so choose!

3) this is the group I fall into! This is the fashionable group, because they don't have to worry about sweating. Some of these people don't even change after church. Others do the whole "I look perfect" thing. On rare occasion, one of these group breaks out of the stereotype and plays volleyball in their suit. Usually, though, they stand at the sidelines and look cool (I'm personally still working on that part of it).

Whatever category you fit into, remember to always dress modestly!

-A.F.