Bridget's Bunia Blog 42

In their OshKosh B'Gosh denim dungarees, little girls look so cute. But it's Osh Kosh My Gosh on seeing bigger girls in tight-fitting denim jeans. The times and fashions they are a-changing here in Congo. President Mobutu's democratisation decree in the early 1990s permitted women to wear trousers. Some did so. Living in a border town with trade routes to Kampala, Nairobi and Dubai, and Bunia being a base for MONUC personnel, the Bunia women are very au fait with world fashions. Here, many women wear trousers. Some trousers are overtly worn, others are included as part of a sari trouser-and-chemise outfit, many of which are creatively designed and sewn by local seamstresses.

The young women have no problem with wearing trousers. But the men are undecided. 'Our culture is being changed!' 'It's the influence of the West!' 'All women who wear trousers are prostitutes!' Such a hot subject and so perfect for study in many courses at ISP.

The 3rd year students discussed the issue of dress in their Christianity and Culture class. What should a Christian wear? What does the Bible say and NOT say? How should you decide what to wear in such a time of change and possibility?

The 2nd year students were challenged to exegete Deuteronomy 22:5 "...a woman must not wear men's clothing," in the Bible Interpretation class. Does this verse say that female Christian students can't wear trousers?

And since everyone has such opinions on the subject, the chapter on clothing in the book 'Talking about Values' is a great vehicle for using the language of opinion: 'I think...' 'Personally, I believe....' 'Not everyone will agree with me, but....' in the conversation class.

However, I have observed many women keeping the letter of the law but certainly not the spirit. They may be dressed in locally-sewn clothes made from locally-purchased cloth, but the quantity of the cloth does not correspond with the width of the derrière. So, all you protesting male students, it's clearly not the type of garment which is involved but the intent of the female dressed in it.

As you take time to dress your body to make it attractive, Think about what to put on to dress your spirit.

Be clothed in:
A gentle spirit,
compassion, kindness, humility, patience, love,
spiritual armour of truth, righteous, peace, faith,
a new self in Christ Jesus.

These are the fashions that never change,
the colours and styles that suit everyone,
the beauty that never fades.

Blessings,
Bridget