My decisions are as follows: to remain at home until I get married; to not go to college (Christian or not); to not work outside the home (now or when I get married); to dress in this conservative fashion; to not watch particular movies/go to the movies, listen to particular music, or read particular books; to not date or hang out with men; to not seek out a social life in my community; to serve in my church on a regular basis; to be submissive to my parent's opinions whether I agree or not (though most of the time I do); and those are just the basic foundations of hundreds of others.
To be honest, I believe that this is a misunderstanding that will continue until the Lord comes because some people don't see or don't want to see the truth. But it kinda gets on my nerves sometimes and I figured it couldn't hurt to share a little. :-)
I want to also add a very important note to this. My decisions are all made on the basis of what I feel the Lord is showing me is right to do. These aren't fanatical whims or family traditions but solid decisions that have been made with the basis of the Bible and God's will. Therefore I have benefited from these decisions and have led a better life because of them. The people I see everyday, who have made their own decisions based on other things and whose decisions line up with what the world expects, aren't having the same satisfying results that I am. They have had their heart broken by boy after boy; they've seen, read, and heard things that will change them forever; they have had children out of wedlock (not the "perfect" situation); they've gotten in trouble in numerous ways; and more. Still, I continue to get looks and questions about why I'm still at home, or don't have a job, or don't have a boyfriend, yada yada yada when if they would honestly look at the two situations, I come out on top. Let me say again though, none of the praise ought to go to me but to the Lord.
I hope that I haven't offended anyone unnecessarily by this but have maybe made someone think about what decisions they expect out of the young people around them.
" I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." Psalms 119:59
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalms 16:11
With Prayers,
Sarah