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Post by dmmichgood on Jun 6, 2015 3:12:41 GMT -5
80's & early '90's no denim (Jean) skirts... I remember girls wearing denim skirts who were waiting on tables (breakfast time) at convention being told to go and change their skirts. When I was in Canada (2002 - -2006) it was still frowned on if ladies wore anything but closed in shoes to meeting. (No peep toe shoes) How on earth do they keep up with the rules! Oh, and don't wear your hair down to meeting ladies! my wife has many times worn denim skirts and open toed shoes in meetings and a lot of young professing girls/young ladies wear their hair down here in meetings Now virgo? perhaps.
Not at the times that kittens & whyisitso were talking about?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2015 3:27:45 GMT -5
Respectful Jewish girls wore veils in Abraham's day. Veils weren't a symbol of respect in Jesus' day.
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Post by whyisitso on Jun 6, 2015 5:43:26 GMT -5
80's & early '90's no denim (Jean) skirts... I remember girls wearing denim skirts who were waiting on tables (breakfast time) at convention being told to go and change their skirts. When I was in Canada (2002 - -2006) it was still frowned on if ladies wore anything but closed in shoes to meeting. (No peep toe shoes) How on earth do they keep up with the rules! Oh, and don't wear your hair down to meeting ladies! my wife has many times worn denim skirts and open toed shoes in meetings and a lot of young professing girls/young ladies wear their hair down here in meetings I wor sandals to meeting when I was living in Canada .... Probably offended a whole bunch of people cause I didn't know their rules. In Queensland you just wouldn't wear closed in shoes year round. It's too hot. The stockings to meeting has relaxed through the generations . Probably for about 10 years before I left (left in 2011) I didn't wear stockings if it wasn't cooler weather. (Qld, nsw, or Canada) England was different again (20 yrs ago now since I lived there) They wear denim skirts for breakfasts at convention now. But not Sunday meeting. See a bit more hair down here over the last 5-8 yrs. (younger generations) a lot of hair down in Canada, but wasn't so much in Qld. It would definitely be easier if the rules were the same! It was so confusing!!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2015 6:52:50 GMT -5
I wasn't thinking of how I dress when I mentioned 'the way I behave'. I was referring to the spirit I show, the way I treat other people, and also about wanting to have a part in fellowship with those who feel the same way. If those things were lacking then the way I dress would be irrelevant. However, I do believe that the closer we are to God, the less we are concerned about adorning the flesh. If I may quote what Ross posted - "I think we need to decrease in every way possible so that Christ might increase." - this is something that I feel would apply to every aspect of my life, not just the unseen parts. I wouldn't say that modest clothing etc is a man-made rule. We read in Timothy about women adorning themselves in modest apparel, and not wearing jewellery or expensive clothes. Nobody tells me what to wear, but I listen to my conscience. As for dressing like a sister worker, one has to use common sense and be age-appropriate. There are sister workers my age or younger whose clothes I would be happy to borrow, but I don't wear the same clothes as someone old enough to be my grandmother. Felicity, how did the children of Israel make the golden calf if they didn't have jewellery ? The fact that they had jewellery does not mean that it was acceptable in the eyes of God. Jacobs family had earrings when they left Laban's house, and they had to get rid of them in Genesis 35 - they were buried under an oak tree. When the children of Israel were leaving Egypt they took jewels of silver and gold from the Egyptians, but again that does not mean that God wanted them to wear earrings. Obviously making the golden calf didn't work out very well for them. There are times in the old testament where we read about what the people were doing and it doesn't clearly state whether it is within the will of God or not. There are many times when God was grieved with His people because of what they were doing. However, when it clearly says in the New Testament what we are to do, or not to do, then that is what I go by. If I'm not sure whether to have something or not, then I'd rather not have it than risk doing something that may not be pleasing to God.
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Post by maryhig on Jun 6, 2015 6:57:32 GMT -5
Felicity, how did the children of Israel make the golden calf if they didn't have jewellery ? The fact that they had jewellery does not mean that it was acceptable in the eyes of God. Jacobs family had earrings when they left Laban's house, and they had to get rid of them in Genesis 35 - they were buried under an oak tree. When the children of Israel were leaving Egypt they took jewels of silver and gold from the Egyptians, but again that does not mean that God wanted them to wear earrings. Obviously making the golden calf didn't work out very well for them. There are times in the old testament where we read about what the people were doing and it doesn't clearly state whether it is within the will of God or not. There are many times when God was grieved with His people because of what they were doing. However, when it clearly says in the New Testament what we are to do, or not to do, then that is what I go by. If I'm not sure whether to have something or not, then I'd rather not have it than risk doing something that may not be pleasing to God. That's what I do felicity, if I'm in doubt, I don't do it. I personally don't wear jewellery because I see it as vanity within myself. I used to wear jewellery, but I stopped once I had a conscience. Now I don't even think about it!
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Post by xna on Jun 6, 2015 7:54:18 GMT -5
We moved to another state in the USA and were shocked to see women in that part of the country with wedding rings. I guess it's common now. Was told they were a no-no.
As a 2x2 ex to this day we don't own wedding rings. We have other rings but we seldom wear them. Perhaps it's a carry over.
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Post by slowtosee on Jun 6, 2015 7:56:43 GMT -5
Matthew 2 : 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Wonder if Mary wore the gold and cosmetics, or saved them for Joseph or Jesus? For myself, I am not too interested in "jewelry", but I would have a very hard time to make a "case" against it, using the Bible. For myself, in my occupation, the "safety" argument would make a lot stronger "case". (ripping finger off jumping off truck boxes, necklace entangled in machine ...........) James, points out not to give more respect to a man with a gold ring, than a poor man. Sure wasn't anything wrong with the gold ring, as also in the parable about the prodigal son, Jesus spoke very positively about the father putting a gold ring on his son, when he returned. Why would Jesus use the example of putting a gold ring on the son, if there was anything "wrong" with it?
Alvin
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Post by slowtosee on Jun 6, 2015 8:00:28 GMT -5
We moved to another state in the USA and were shocked to see women in that part of the country with wedding rings. I guess it's common now. Was told they were a no-no. As a 2x2 ex to this day we don't own wedding rings. We have other rings but we seldom wear them. Perhaps it's a carry over. Here, wedding rings were acceptable, but engagement rings were NOT. It was common to buy watches , instead of rings for engagement. My wife has an engagement watch. Alvin
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Post by maryhig on Jun 6, 2015 8:12:07 GMT -5
Matthew 2 : 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Wonder if Mary wore the gold and cosmetics, or saved them for Joseph or Jesus? For myself, I am not too interested in "jewelry", but I would have a very hard time to make a "case" against it, using the Bible. For myself, in my occupation, the "safety" argument would make a lot stronger "case". (ripping finger off jumping off truck boxes, necklace entangled in machine ...........) James, points out not to give more respect to a man with a gold ring, than a poor man. Sure wasn't anything wrong with the gold ring, as also in the parable about the prodigal son, Jesus spoke very positively about the father putting a gold ring on his son, when he returned. Why would Jesus use the example of putting a gold ring on the son, if there was anything "wrong" with it? Alvin If it's coming from an apostle of God, then it's good enough for me! And Peter knew Jesus! 1 Peter 3 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
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Post by slowtosee on Jun 6, 2015 8:23:11 GMT -5
I believe it is quite possible to wear clothing and hair in a bun, plaited, and Also have a meek and quiet spirit. It is not a requirement, to wear that "stuff" to prove your "worth", but sure nothing wrong with outward adornment, and shows respect in certain situations. Alvin
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Post by maryhig on Jun 6, 2015 8:53:01 GMT -5
I believe it is quite possible to wear clothing and hair in a bun, plaited, and Also have a meek and quiet spirit. It is not a requirement, to wear that "stuff" to prove your "worth", but sure nothing wrong with outward adornment, and shows respect in certain situations. Alvin I suppose Alvin with me I did it in vanity, I did it for everyone to say "oh you look nice!" But I realised that the jewellery wasn't important to me, and that the obeying the spirit of God through my conscience and setting a good example to my children was more important to me. But I'm talking about myself not others. It pricked my heart so for me it had to go!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2015 9:01:01 GMT -5
Matthew 2 : 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Wonder if Mary wore the gold and cosmetics, or saved them for Joseph or Jesus? Frankincense and myrrh were probably used for their medicinal properties. Myrrh is an antiseptic and analgesic, and frankincense was used for healing, and for anointing newborns. The gold would have been useful as currency, particularly as they had to travel to Egypt, and there's nothing to suggest that it was in the form of jewellery.
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Post by faune on Jun 6, 2015 9:01:36 GMT -5
Matthew 2 : 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Wonder if Mary wore the gold and cosmetics, or saved them for Joseph or Jesus? For myself, I am not too interested in "jewelry", but I would have a very hard time to make a "case" against it, using the Bible. For myself, in my occupation, the "safety" argument would make a lot stronger "case". (ripping finger off jumping off truck boxes, necklace entangled in machine ...........) James, points out not to give more respect to a man with a gold ring, than a poor man. Sure wasn't anything wrong with the gold ring, as also in the parable about the prodigal son, Jesus spoke very positively about the father putting a gold ring on his son, when he returned. Why would Jesus use the example of putting a gold ring on the son, if there was anything "wrong" with it? Alvin Alvin ~ The wearing of jewelry in Bible times sounds like a good topical study. However, the wearing of wedding bands, imitation gold watches, white or open-toe shoes or sandels is just another worker's TABOO and has nothing to do with one's spiritual well being, IMHO. It's senseless restrictions like these connected to professing that I still consider a violation of friends personal boundaries. Workers have no right to DICTATE what you wear, acceptable hairstyles, or personal possessions in your home, or suggest you have radios removed from cars, as they did in the past. I even remember when overseers threatened to break off radio antennaes of cars with radios back in the 60's and 70's on convention grounds and did the same. Nothing but power plays to show who's in control of your life and "lording" it over the flock, IMO.
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Post by Greg on Jun 6, 2015 9:20:18 GMT -5
Sorry. again. I was not commenting on the issues of dress and behavior. My comment was on points of doctrine. Okay, that's cool, but my comment before your comment was on doctrine inclusive of dress and behaviour. Yes, doctrine. I got it.
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Post by faune on Jun 6, 2015 9:34:05 GMT -5
Nothing is, generally. Except maybe the meetings and ministry. Maybe. In any conservative church certain behaviours will earn you a "visit". And it might be with good intentions. Adultery, drinking, spousal abuse ... in many churches a concerned clergy might have a visit with you. In the more conservative churches you can add items like wearing a dress with buttons, untrimmed beard, mowing the lawn on Sunday, trimming one's bangs and not wearing the correct kind of stocking, or heavens to mercy, not wearing any at all. What Hat ~ I assure you there was nothing unseemly going on in our home to warrant the senior workers visit. We were newbies to the area and tried our best to be friendly with those in the meeting area during the three months prior and invited them to our home to get better acquainted. We behaved no differently than we did up in the Northeast, where we were well received and liked by the friends in Connecticut and had a number of potlucks gatherings at our home, too. It seems the point of the visit was to pass on some of the friends' displeasure with our presence in their meeting area due to our more liberal views compared to theirs. Also, the fact that we encountered a financial setback due to my husband's job falling through due to the recession and our finally deciding it was best for me to return to work and my husband to return to technical college for re-training. We had made good arrangements for a dependable babysitter and were handling our situation quite well without their outside interference. We never asked anybody for any help or assistance and were just minding our business and doing what was necessary to survive the recession at the time. That's why I considered the workers visit to be meddling as well as insulting due to comments made by the overseer, which just rubbed salt into our wounds and offended my husband to the point that he never did return to meetings again or attend any other church and became an agnostic/atheist afterwards. The total lack of tact on their part as well as the unjustified remarks about "fitting in" better back where we came from were really over the top. The shunning that followed "the talk" continuing on in meetings for another 14 years with our three young children by some of the "inner circle" friends within the meeting. We were treated like "outsiders" due to our divided home as well as the prejudice among some of the friends in our assigned meeting. The Rumor Mill was just another facet of this unseemly behavior, which I also didn't appreciate along with the lies being circulated about our family. The prejudice demonstrated was felt and hurtful. What more can I say? However, the folks back home did not treat us so unkindly and were good friends who we enjoyed in our home and were invited to theirs as well. Honestly, the only thing that really changed was our physical location from a more liberal locale to this more ultra conservative area known as "The Bible Belt." The national recession and husband's job loss was just a complication we encountered and handled the best way we could at the time to survive the setback. I did not wish to go back to work at this time with three young children, but we had no other choice at the time due to the economy.
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Post by maryhig on Jun 6, 2015 9:51:16 GMT -5
Matthew 2 : 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Wonder if Mary wore the gold and cosmetics, or saved them for Joseph or Jesus? For myself, I am not too interested in "jewelry", but I would have a very hard time to make a "case" against it, using the Bible. For myself, in my occupation, the "safety" argument would make a lot stronger "case". (ripping finger off jumping off truck boxes, necklace entangled in machine ...........) James, points out not to give more respect to a man with a gold ring, than a poor man. Sure wasn't anything wrong with the gold ring, as also in the parable about the prodigal son, Jesus spoke very positively about the father putting a gold ring on his son, when he returned. Why would Jesus use the example of putting a gold ring on the son, if there was anything "wrong" with it? Alvin Alvin ~ The wearing of jewelry in Bible times sounds like a good topical study. However, the wearing of wedding bands, imitation gold watches, white or open-toe shoes or sandels is just another worker's TABOO and has nothing to do with one's spiritual well being, IMHO. It's senseless restrictions like these connected to professing that I still consider a violation of friends personal boundaries. Workers have no right to DICTATE what you wear, acceptable hairstyles, or personal possessions in your home, or suggest you have radios removed from cars, as they did in the past. I even remember when overseers threatened to break off radio antennaes of cars with radios back in the 60's and 70's on convention grounds and did the same. Nothing but power plays to show who's in control of your life and "lording" it over the flock, IMO. In our meeting where just told what it says in the bible, and were not forced to do anything, we believe it has to be free will or else resentment sets in. But we are told what's right and wrong then we have to make our own decisions before God. We've been taught what's right. So it's then between each individual and God!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2015 9:55:31 GMT -5
The style of my watch, or whether I wear sandals or not, is not going to affect my salvation in the slightest, but the way I accept advice, or not, could certainly have an effect. It's easier to accept advice when we see the point of it, or see that there's a benefit in it for us, but when we're asked to do something that makes no sense to us it's harder to accept. Maybe that's God's way of testing us to see if we are obedient or not, or to see if we really love Him or not? God didn't intend to take Isaac's life, but He tested Abraham's love and faith by asking him to offer his son. There can be blessing in fitting in with things that we don't understand or see the point of.
Maybe there have been some who have exceeded their authority, but many of these things are just products of their generation. For example, I can remember a time when nice girls just didn't wear denim jackets. My mother remembers a time when nice people didn't wear red. My grandparents used to talk of times when nice people didn't wear brown shoes, or stockings. These weren't just professing people - it was the culture of the time and place they lived in.
Nobody here "dictates" what we wear or own, but I appreciate advice from godly people who have the best interests of my soul at heart. I do not see this kind of advice, given in love and kindness, as a violation of personal boundaries. Luke 22 v 25 - 27 comes to mind, also what Peter wrote: "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." - that's the kind of workers that I know and value.
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Post by slowtosee on Jun 6, 2015 10:08:46 GMT -5
I believe it is quite possible to wear clothing and hair in a bun, plaited, and Also have a meek and quiet spirit. It is not a requirement, to wear that "stuff" to prove your "worth", but sure nothing wrong with outward adornment, and shows respect in certain situations. Alvin I suppose Alvin with me I did it in vanity, I did it for everyone to say "oh you look nice!" But I realised that the jewellery wasn't important to me, and that the obeying the spirit of God through my conscience and setting a good example to my children was more important to me. But I'm talking about myself not others. It pricked my heart so for me it had to go! . Thanks all, for posts. No problem, and good for you, not to wear jewelry. For sure, we should not judge by outward appearances. PERIOD. I am more apprehensive or "scared" of people who dress extremely "conservative " than just "normal" because of my experience with the " conservatives ". Meek and quiet spirit , has NO connection to the way people dress, in my experience. Alvin
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Post by maryhig on Jun 6, 2015 10:17:53 GMT -5
I suppose Alvin with me I did it in vanity, I did it for everyone to say "oh you look nice!" But I realised that the jewellery wasn't important to me, and that the obeying the spirit of God through my conscience and setting a good example to my children was more important to me. But I'm talking about myself not others. It pricked my heart so for me it had to go! . Thanks all, for posts. No problem, and good for you, not to wear jewelry. For sure, we should not judge by outward appearances. PERIOD. I am more apprehensive or "scared" of people who dress extremely "conservative " than just "normal" because of my experience with the " conservatives ". Meek and quiet spirit , has NO connection to the way people dress, in my experience. Alvin I don't look at what others are wearing, even if they wear mini skirts and short tops, it's nothing to do with me, I don't understand why people are forced to do what others are telling them to do. Because that's not right be God! Anything you do has to be done with free will. And it's not the outward appearance, it's the heart. Some people can wear all that and not be vain. But to be honest I was vain with it all. So that's why I felt in my heart it had to go. My family wear makeup and dye there hair and I don't think any different about them. I would never think like that about another person. I've done it all myself! PS. I might dress modestly, but I'm also quite talkative. So I don't think people would find it hard to talk to me. Because I usually start the conversation I don't think you would be scared of me . I'm more shy through in big crowds! And I used to be very shy, but I've come out of my shell a bit now.
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Post by withlove on Jun 6, 2015 10:56:57 GMT -5
Matthew 2 : 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Wonder if Mary wore the gold and cosmetics, or saved them for Joseph or Jesus? Frankincense and myrrh were probably used for their medicinal properties. Myrrh is an antiseptic and analgesic, and frankincense was used for healing, and for anointing newborns. The gold would have been useful as currency, particularly as they had to travel to Egypt, and there's nothing to suggest that it was in the form of jewellery. I agree with you, but have been told by a worker that some present-day cultures use jewelry as a savings-account or life insurance, if you will. If something happens to the husband, the wife has gifts from him to help her support herself with. This may have roots that go way back, but not sure.
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Post by withlove on Jun 6, 2015 12:00:59 GMT -5
The style of my watch, or whether I wear sandals or not, is not going to affect my salvation in the slightest, but the way I accept advice, or not, could certainly have an effect. It's easier to accept advice when we see the point of it, or see that there's a benefit in it for us, but when we're asked to do something that makes no sense to us it's harder to accept. Maybe that's God's way of testing us to see if we are obedient or not, or to see if we really love Him or not? God didn't intend to take Isaac's life, but He tested Abraham's love and faith by asking him to offer his son. There can be blessing in fitting in with things that we don't understand or see the point of. Maybe there have been some who have exceeded their authority, but many of these things are just products of their generation. For example, I can remember a time when nice girls just didn't wear denim jackets. My mother remembers a time when nice people didn't wear red. My grandparents used to talk of times when nice people didn't wear brown shoes, or stockings. These weren't just professing people - it was the culture of the time and place they lived in. Nobody here "dictates" what we wear or own, but I appreciate advice from godly people who have the best interests of my soul at heart. I do not see this kind of advice, given in love and kindness, as a violation of personal boundaries. Luke 22 v 25 - 27 comes to mind, also what Peter wrote: "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." - that's the kind of workers that I know and value. I like everything you say in this post. Just want to add some input. Adults don't have to accept advice that doesn't seem smart or beneficial, and they shouldn't. Maybe they want to carefully weigh the options and research before tossing out the advice though. But blindly accepting advice from another person, no matter how godly that person seems, if the advice doesn't seem right, is not a good choice. God gave us brains to think critically with for our own safety and and so that we could freely choose him, and also so that we would not be in unnecessary bondage. There is a difference in God speaking directly to Abraham and God speaking through a person to another person. If a worker or saint says, "God or the holy spirit has told me that _________ is not proper for God's people," we can be gracious and still process for ourselves and between ourselves and God whether that is an accurate statement. The worker may indeed have our best interests at heart and still be mistaken about God's thought on the matter. More often in recent history in the places I have lived, there are fewer specific dictates about dress and more examples and the brother workers saying, "The sister workers are good examples in dress and are safe to follow." Everyone understands what they mean by this...there is no need to break down into specifics what the workers consider appropriate. The friends have common standards. There is a pressure to conform...most people would feel uncomfortable being the most liberally/casually/formally/fancily dressed in a crowd. So dictates aren't necessary to influence a person. There isn't anything inherently bad in dressing 30 years behind the times. Workers, whether they intend it or not, can have a big influence on the minds of the friends. They have a burden of reminding the friends that they are not authorities. I think it should be spoken regularly and often that it is important make healthy decisions...for example...if you need to seek therapy, do so, rather than ask the workers advice on certain topics. If you want to know how to dress, think about what is comfortable and what does not feel seductive or too materialistic...think about people who dress in a way that feels respectful and not restrictive. Seemingly small things like only wearing skirts can add up to a lifestyle that is restrictive, whether the person involved realizes it or not. This can be obvious to outsiders and deter them from looking further. Paul wanted non-Christians to recognize the fruits of the spirit. I think one reason the numbers of the friends are declining is because the fruits are less visible than the unwritten rules.
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Post by snow on Jun 6, 2015 15:02:46 GMT -5
We moved to another state in the USA and were shocked to see women in that part of the country with wedding rings. I guess it's common now. Was told they were a no-no. As a 2x2 ex to this day we don't own wedding rings. We have other rings but we seldom wear them. Perhaps it's a carry over. Here, wedding rings were acceptable, but engagement rings were NOT. It was common to buy watches , instead of rings for engagement. My wife has an engagement watch. Alvin Yes, that's what I remember too.
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Post by xna on Jun 6, 2015 17:13:18 GMT -5
Here, wedding rings were acceptable, but engagement rings were NOT. It was common to buy watches , instead of rings for engagement. My wife has an engagement watch. Alvin Yes, that's what I remember too. I noticed that a lot of the men workers would ware their watch with the face in vs out. A few other non F&W do this, but it is more rare. Not sure If anyone else noticed.
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Post by What Hat on Jun 6, 2015 17:21:35 GMT -5
In any conservative church certain behaviours will earn you a "visit". And it might be with good intentions. Adultery, drinking, spousal abuse ... in many churches a concerned clergy might have a visit with you. In the more conservative churches you can add items like wearing a dress with buttons, untrimmed beard, mowing the lawn on Sunday, trimming one's bangs and not wearing the correct kind of stocking, or heavens to mercy, not wearing any at all. What Hat ~ I assure you there was nothing unseemly going on in our home to warrant the senior workers visit. We were newbies to the area and tried our best to be friendly with those in the meeting area during the three months prior and invited them to our home to get better acquainted. We behaved no differently than we did up in the Northeast, where we were well received and liked by the friends in Connecticut and had a number of potlucks gatherings at our home, too. It seems the point of the visit was to pass on some of the friends' displeasure with our presence in their meeting area due to our more liberal views compared to theirs. Also, the fact that we encountered a financial setback due to my husband's job falling through due to the recession and our finally deciding it was best for me to return to work and my husband to return to technical college for re-training. We had made good arrangements for a dependable babysitter and were handling our situation quite well without their outside interference. We never asked anybody for any help or assistance and were just minding our business and doing what was necessary to survive the recession at the time. That's why I considered the workers visit to be meddling as well as insulting due to comments made by the overseer, which just rubbed salt into our wounds and offended my husband to the point that he never did return to meetings again or attend any other church and became an agnostic/atheist afterwards. The total lack of tact on their part as well as the unjustified remarks about "fitting in" better back where we came from were really over the top. The shunning that followed "the talk" continuing on in meetings for another 14 years with our three young children by some of the "inner circle" friends within the meeting. We were treated like "outsiders" due to our divided home as well as the prejudice among some of the friends in our assigned meeting. The Rumor Mill was just another facet of this unseemly behavior, which I also didn't appreciate along with the lies being circulated about our family. The prejudice demonstrated was felt and hurtful. What more can I say? However, the folks back home did not treat us so unkindly and were good friends who we enjoyed in our home and were invited to theirs as well. Honestly, the only thing that really changed was our physical location from a more liberal locale to this more ultra conservative area known as "The Bible Belt." The national recession and husband's job loss was just a complication we encountered and handled the best way we could at the time to survive the setback. I did not wish to go back to work at this time with three young children, but we had no other choice at the time due to the economy. That's what I thought, Faune. Thanks for confirming. Very unfortunate that things like this happen.
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Post by matisse on Jun 6, 2015 17:31:26 GMT -5
Yes, that's what I remember too. I noticed that a lot of the men workers would ware their watch with the face in vs out. A few other non F&W do this, but it is more rare. Not sure If anyone else noticed. Many sister workers did that where I grew up....along with tucking a tissue in their sleeves. I thought the watch thing was about being able to discreetly check the time while speaking in meeting.
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Post by xna on Jun 6, 2015 17:33:31 GMT -5
I noticed that a lot of the men workers would ware their watch with the face in vs out. A few other non F&W do this, but it is more rare. Not sure If anyone else noticed. Many sister workers did that where I grew up....along with tucking a tissue in their sleeves. I thought the watch thing was about being able to discreetly check the time while speaking in meeting. That makes sense about the watch. . For some they should just hang a calendar up.
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Post by snow on Jun 6, 2015 18:14:01 GMT -5
Yes, that's what I remember too. I noticed that a lot of the men workers would ware their watch with the face in vs out. A few other non F&W do this, but it is more rare. Not sure If anyone else noticed. Yes, now that you mention it, I do remember them doing that. I know I wore my watch that way at one time, but I just thought it looked better and didn't have any reason other than that. But I got the idea from them without even thinking about it I guess. Was there a reason for this xna? Matisse, just read you post about watches, and that makes sense about being able to see how long they were talking without making it obvious they were checking their time. xna, a calendar, lol... they were long winded where you came from??
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Post by xna on Jun 6, 2015 18:19:32 GMT -5
I noticed that a lot of the men workers would ware their watch with the face in vs out. A few other non F&W do this, but it is more rare. Not sure If anyone else noticed. Yes, now that you mention it, I do remember them doing that. I know I wore my watch that way at one time, but I just thought it looked better and didn't have any reason other than that. But I got the idea from them without even thinking about it I guess. Was there a reason for this xna? I think Matisse gave a good explaination. Not sure why checking the time needs to be such a covert operation.
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