Oh my...you will love this.
I got mail!
Here's a copy of the email:
Christine,
As an educator in both Christian & public schools, I appreciate your insightful evaluation of Rick Warren's philosophy. You have shown clear thinking in this respect. These errors need to be brought to the attention Christians, many of whom tend to jump on the bandwagon of every new trend that comes along.
There is one thing I question: Why did you choose to post a photo of yourself and your daughter (?) in which you show so much skin, including cleavage. I couldn't pass this article along to my young pastor because of the photo. [A few years ago he led our church in the study of "Purpose Driven Life".]
If we are to be faithful in following God's Word, we must do it to the best of our abilities. The Bible teaches modesty. If we overlook this aspect of Scripture, then there might be other areas in which we are negligent. It is well known that men are tempted to lust by what they see, while women are more tempted by touch.
We don't want to be caught in the position of pointing out the toothpick in another's eye, when we have a beam in our own...
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) Marty Roberts
My reply:
Dear Mrs. Roberts,
I appreciate your concern about my "cleavage" in that photo. It is unfortunate that it disturbs you. I am wearing two tank tops. The second one provided more coverage than the first. The photo was taken in the summertime and my daughter selected it for my blog.
I don't consider what is shown as "cleavage." However, if you see it that way, so be it.
I have had that blog photo up for two years now, and you are the first Christian woman who has ever complained.
In my opinion, these are photos of women showing cleavage:
Example #1Example #2No comparison to my blog photo.
Have a blessed day!
Christine
P.S. Time to get out the burka?
*******
Just returned from voting and having a nice lunch with my son!
Upon opening my email, I found a reply from Mrs. Roberts!
To be honest, I really thought that the first email was a spoof sent by someone who probably just wanted to stir up trouble and found such a topic as a humorous way to mock me and my Christian faith. But now, with the additional information regarding the loss of her mother, perhaps it is genuine correspondence.
I send my sincere condolences to Mrs. Roberts for the loss of her godly mother.
Please know that the humor I am sharing in this update is not an attempt to lessen the seriousness of that part of Mrs. Roberts' email
With that said, I must state that I have noticed something. Is it just me, or does anyone else see her sweet words at the beginning of both letters turned bitter at the very end of her emails?
Hmmmm.....
Dear Christine,
Thank you for your prompt reply to my concerns. And thank you for discussing this subject with me. I feel that you have taken offence at my observations, and I am sorry.
Let me introduce myself to you. I am a teacher of Foreign Languages: French, Spanish, (English). I am very aware of fashion, having escorted a number of groups to Paris, and throughout France, as well as to other countries.
I have spent a good part of my life counseling/ teaching young people. Before marriage, I counseled at a Christian camp for several years, in addition to teaching in Christian schools. I personally would not knowingly want anything in my life to be a hindrance to these young people.
One thing I have noticed during my lifetime is that the farther "the world" pushes the envelope in its morés, the farther many Christians move in the same direction -- usually a safe distance behind -- but keeping it in sight.
What I noticed in the photo was a definite indention in the breast area. However, I also feel that a woman's body should be covered more than the photo of your & your daughter's appearance in the photo. A good rule is to have the neckline be no lower than a horizontal hand's width, thumb in throat indention, fingers closed. Furthermore, even Coco Chanel said the knees are the ugliest part of a woman's body and should always be covered. I have no problem with staying in style to the extent that it does not interfere with one's Christian testimony, or with proper use of discretionary money.
Today was probably the first time I had read one of your articles. Since you had been so insightful in your coverage of Rick Warren's philosophies, I wanted to know more about you. That is how I got into your blog.
I don't claim to come close to the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31; however, last month our family of 8 siblings buried my godly mother, who did exemplify the qualities of this wonderful lady. Perhaps you will think and pray about the things I have said and the Lord might convince you of the importance of modesty for Christians.
Sincerely,
Marty
PS: One thing that teachers and parents must deal with is people justifying bad behavior by pointing out worse behavior of others.
Now, I'm not supposed to show my knees, either? Sheesh!
My old nemesis, GMPilot, over at the Talk Wisdom message board used to call me "The Church Lady."
I think that this woman might very well have me beat regarding that label!
Help me choose my new bathing suit for 2008?
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