I just returned from my 30 year reunion at VFCC (Valley Forge Christian College). YUP, I am old! :)
Had an awesome time with friends that I haven't seen, well... in thirty years! Some, I had seen 28 years ago at weddings and such and one friend that moved to my home state of Virginia I have seen since, but otherwise, besides keeping in touch via Facebook and Christmas cards, that was it.
There were 22 of us that attended the actual dinner. I know that doesn't sound like a lot of people, but it really was a good turnout. The other classes had less than we did, so I was very pleased.
Great to reminisce and share old times and laugh.
Also, got to hang out at a really neat Bed & Breakfast (my first encounter) about 10 miles from campus. It was a beautiful Victorian home and my three best friends from school days and their hubbies all stayed there. So, we had an awesome time. Again, reminiscing. And did I mention that we laughed a lot?
One of the activities that we attended was the Friday morning chapel service at VFCC. Chapel is required every weekday.
Okay, so here are the thoughts I was thinking (is that redundant?)
Chapel service was good. I was struck, though, by the dress-code or lack of one. I know, I'm old, I already said that, but, come on folks, this is a Christian college and this is a incubator for ministry and excellence, right? Can't we at least wear a decent shirt, jeans with no-holes and something besides flip-flops to chapel?
I know, we're trying to be "culturally relevant" (that term scares me sometimes) but it's not like these kids are out in the world reaching people while they're in chapel. There needs to be some semblance of standard here. I'm all for reaching people where they are at, but I'm also for there are correct times and places for casual and sloppy clothing.
I just think our culture is changing so much and we are trying to fit in so much that we are forgetting who we are and that we do need to be different. I am NOT saying that we hang on to the old just for the sake of hanging on to the old. But I also think there is danger in trying to be just like the world in everything we do and say.
I know it's a dangerous subject to open. But I did and that is what I think. What's wrong with looking nice? What's wrong with dressing up (not even dressing up, but just wearing decent pants and a decent shirt)? What's wrong with wearing shoes instead of flip-flops or going barefoot? Which one will exclude people? Which way will include and make people feel more comfortable?
I realize our culture has become extremely casual and informal. Not only have we done it in our dress, but in our morality. And I believe that the two can be connected. I did not say that just because you dress casually means you are immoral. (I am one who loves to walk around in a t-shirt and jeans.) But, I do believe that we have let our guard down as Christians and we have accepted the "norm" of society as our own norm. I think clothing is just one of many areas that we need to be careful with. It also includes issues of what and how Christian women should dress and modesty. Okay, there, I said it! You may not agree, but that's what I think.
Anyway, we had a great time and did I mention that we laughed a lot?
Had an awesome time with friends that I haven't seen, well... in thirty years! Some, I had seen 28 years ago at weddings and such and one friend that moved to my home state of Virginia I have seen since, but otherwise, besides keeping in touch via Facebook and Christmas cards, that was it.
There were 22 of us that attended the actual dinner. I know that doesn't sound like a lot of people, but it really was a good turnout. The other classes had less than we did, so I was very pleased.
Great to reminisce and share old times and laugh.
Also, got to hang out at a really neat Bed & Breakfast (my first encounter) about 10 miles from campus. It was a beautiful Victorian home and my three best friends from school days and their hubbies all stayed there. So, we had an awesome time. Again, reminiscing. And did I mention that we laughed a lot?
One of the activities that we attended was the Friday morning chapel service at VFCC. Chapel is required every weekday.
Okay, so here are the thoughts I was thinking (is that redundant?)
Chapel service was good. I was struck, though, by the dress-code or lack of one. I know, I'm old, I already said that, but, come on folks, this is a Christian college and this is a incubator for ministry and excellence, right? Can't we at least wear a decent shirt, jeans with no-holes and something besides flip-flops to chapel?
I know, we're trying to be "culturally relevant" (that term scares me sometimes) but it's not like these kids are out in the world reaching people while they're in chapel. There needs to be some semblance of standard here. I'm all for reaching people where they are at, but I'm also for there are correct times and places for casual and sloppy clothing.
I just think our culture is changing so much and we are trying to fit in so much that we are forgetting who we are and that we do need to be different. I am NOT saying that we hang on to the old just for the sake of hanging on to the old. But I also think there is danger in trying to be just like the world in everything we do and say.
I know it's a dangerous subject to open. But I did and that is what I think. What's wrong with looking nice? What's wrong with dressing up (not even dressing up, but just wearing decent pants and a decent shirt)? What's wrong with wearing shoes instead of flip-flops or going barefoot? Which one will exclude people? Which way will include and make people feel more comfortable?
I realize our culture has become extremely casual and informal. Not only have we done it in our dress, but in our morality. And I believe that the two can be connected. I did not say that just because you dress casually means you are immoral. (I am one who loves to walk around in a t-shirt and jeans.) But, I do believe that we have let our guard down as Christians and we have accepted the "norm" of society as our own norm. I think clothing is just one of many areas that we need to be careful with. It also includes issues of what and how Christian women should dress and modesty. Okay, there, I said it! You may not agree, but that's what I think.
Anyway, we had a great time and did I mention that we laughed a lot?
2 comments:
y I definitely agree on modesty. I will never be able to understand why Christian women and young ladies will bear their bosoms and wear skin tight clothing. What message are you sending when you dress like that? Our Pastor said that if you show it then you are sending the message that it is OK to touch. In other words you are sending an invitation to the opposite sex that God does not approve of. We are to be in the world, but not "of" the world!
Yes, I remember Pastor Mel's comment, "if you show it, you will share it." Very true!
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