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Women Living Well Blog: What Sundays Were Like In the 1950's

Women Living Well Blog

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

What Sundays Were Like In the 1950's

On the Rachael Ray Show I was dubbed a "1950's Wife". But my grandmother (pictured above), a mother of 4 (one baby is not born yet in this photo), is the REAL 1950's wife. She is ALSO a Proverbs 31 woman.


Let's take a look at what her Sundays looked like compared to ours.


Life was different in the 50's. In Ohio, there was a Blue Law that required stores and most places of work and business to be closed. This made it possible for most people to be in church. My father recalls that almost everyone went to church. This social expectation even crossed into the classroom. My father recalls his public school 5th grade teacher asking on Monday mornings who went to church and they had to raise their hands. His family sometimes missed and he was a little embarrassed he couldn't raise his hand - could you imagine that now in our schools?


My grandmother usually spent her Saturdays preparing for her Sunday day of rest. This meant that she cooked her Saturday meals (usually simple hamburgers) plus her Sunday meal (usually a roast and sheet cake). After attending church on Sundays, she merely reheated the prepared food and served it.


Following the meal they spent time with friends and relatives. They would talk and visit all afternoon and then return back to Sunday evening church. My father's family would often go on a Sunday drive to look at the countryside or skip rocks in a lake.


Sunday dress was very different. Men would not even consider going to church without a suit jacket and tie. Even the little boys (as pictured above) wore suit coats. And on 90+ degree days, in churches with no air-conditioning, the men just sat there sweating. The women also wore their best dresses and shoes and hats too.


What can we learn from Sundays in the 1950's?

1. Worship must be a number one priority. It has become culturally acceptable to not attend church on Sundays (and trust me no teachers are asking!) or to miss for less than urgent reasons. Sports, amusement parks, boating, or doing yard work is generally an acceptable way in our culture to spend our Sunday mornings. While we do not have a legalistic God - and this list is rather legalistic, I just want to point out that God's word says these things must not be a "habit". I do not want to impose needless guilt on anyone - so the question you need to ask yourself is - "is this a one time thing or a habit?" Only you can answer that question for yourself.


Hebrews 10:25 "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Acts 20:7 says "On the first day of the week they came together to break bread."


2. Prepare ourselves for the day of worship. Your temperament on Sundays affects your families and their ability to enjoy Sundays. If your mornings are CRAZY and everyone is on edge because you have not prepared on Saturdays - nor gotten up early enough on Sundays - determine to set time aside on Saturdays to have all your ducks in a row. Proverbs 31:27 says a wise woman "watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." Do not let your idleness on Saturday night effect the Lord's Day of worship. Be diligent.


3. Make Sundays a family day. Our culture is very active and busy. Families become disjointed as each individual does their own thing. Families are breaking down as a result. Sundays are a great day to slow down and reconnect. Be purposeful in thinking through how you can create a simple day for the family to be together.


4. Dress your best. Now again - here's where I do not want to cross the line into legalism. I know in many churches jeans are acceptable and God truly is judging our hearts not our outer wear BUT that being said. Put some thought and time into what your family wears on Sundays. If you were going to meet the President today - what would you wear? Be sure you don't respect the President more than God. More importantly - modesty is a HUGE issue in church today. In the 50's women were modest in church. If you are a mommy of little ones - be sure your dresses are not too low or too short. Too often men get an eye full when moms are leaning down to pick up babies. I know it can be completely unintentional. Just guard your body and modesty. Double check your dresses by leaning over in the mirror - if cleavage shows - put a tank on under your dress.
I don't want to return to the 1950's, but I do think there are a few things we can learn from the Titus 2 women of the 50's. Try to implement one of these things this Sunday! I'm working on number 2 - being more prepared so the mornings can go real smoothly. What do you need to work on?


Walk with the King!
I am linked up here today:

Word Filled Wednesday's and Wordful Wednesday.

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55 Comments:

Blogger Home's Where My Heart Is said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

September 22, 2010 at 1:24 AM  
Blogger Home's Where My Heart Is said...

I loved this post! I think you came up with an excellent list. Thank you, also, for another wonderful post that featured your lovely grandmother. I have such a big place in my heart for my Grandma who is also a Proverbs 31 woman.

I personally need to work on being better prepared to ensure Sunday truly is a day of rest. That might even mean planning ahead for Monday, too. We are pretty laid back on Sunday after church, but I'd like us to look forward to this day as a Sabbath day and really treat it as such, and name it our Sabbath day, too. And I know we can do this. My kids know on Friday’s that Mom makes pizza, so they will come to know that Sunday is Sabbath.

I am so glad you mentioned modesty in church, Courtney. Sadly, it is a real issue in church, of all places. Just this past Sunday a younger married lady wore a very low cut and skimpy tank top blouse that left nothing, and I mean NOTHING to the imagination. If she didn’t draw enough attention just being there in that blouse, she drew even more attention as she stood up on stage to lead worship. I don’t think these ladies realize how they are causing their brothers to stumble. And, as a mother who trains her daughter about modesty, it’s hard to see a girl who could otherwise be considered a positive role model dressing so immodestly. Talk about a teachable moment. Like you, I don’t want to come off as legalistic, but, when a woman (intentionally or not) causes her brother to stumble and is not living up to how Scripture instructs us with modesty, then there’s a sin issue. The husbands who let their wives leave the house dressed immodestly are a whole different discussion.

If you have any suggestions on how to lovingly bring this topic up to the pastor or the pastors wife I would love to hear it.

Again, thank you for another excellent post. And I look forward to meeting you in a few short weeks at the Relevant Conference.

Blessings,

Erin
http://homeswheremyheartis.blogspot.com

September 22, 2010 at 1:24 AM  
Blogger Home's Where My Heart Is said...

Sorry, Courtney, somehow I managed to post my comment in duplicate..just wanted to explain why I deleted the first one. Thanks :)

September 22, 2010 at 1:26 AM  
Blogger Misty aka Elvisgirl said...

I love your posts on your 1950's grandma. I even remember growing up when most stores and even most gas stations were closed on Sundays. Times have changed so quickly it seems. Many times I wish things had stayed the same. Thanks for all the great ideas!

September 22, 2010 at 2:50 AM  
Blogger Rosilind Jukic said...

Great message! I could do a lot more on Saturdays to prepare for Sundays. Thank you for the reminder. I especially appreciated the part about modesty. Like you said, it is a big issue today. I remember my mom forbidding me to wear pants to church (although I begged and begged - so I could look like my friends) but she emphasized that we needed to look our best. And I hear her words echoing in my mind, "Too much skin" - I am so glad, now, that she instilled in me a sense of modesty and appreciation for God's house. Although I wear pant suits sometimes, I still find myself unable to wear jeans to church. And I am glad for it. I greatly fear that there is, at times, too much familiarity with God - and in such, a lowering of His sovereignty in our eyes.

Thank you for this excellent reminder! I so enjoy reading your blogs!

September 22, 2010 at 4:53 AM  
Blogger melissa said...

I really appreciate this post. I find that even the 80s, when I was growing up, are different...even in another culture! (we live/serve in Europe).

I've also learned in recent months that I need to get everything ready on Saturday evening for Sunday. It can make Saturday evenings a little more stressful, but boy, it sure takes the stress out of Sunday mornings, especially when we have to be at church early for ministry!

I also appreciated your comments on modesty. Would you approach someone that is not dressed modestly for church - I'm thinking of a woman that sings on a music team, for example - and if so, how would you bring up the issue?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - many tend to encourage me!

September 22, 2010 at 7:12 AM  
Blogger Janelle Nehrenz said...

Thank you for sharing photos of your family..Wow..what beautiful photos they are! It is as if your grandmother knew her grandaughter would need them for such a time as this. :) Even though I am a child of the 80s..I miss the 50s.

September 22, 2010 at 7:50 AM  
Blogger Missy said...

I love this post!! I always tell everyone... if I had gotten to choose which time era to raise my family in, it would have been the 1950s! I love to hear my grandma and mom talk about life growing up in the 1950s! So much innocence has been lost since then... the simple things in life are what mattered most! As a mommy of an active boy who loves football... I feel torn... it bothers me greatly that they schedule sporting events for kids on Sundays. His games are in the afternoon... so we never miss church... but we relish that family time and it has made our Sunday a hustle and bustle just like the rest of the week!

September 22, 2010 at 7:53 AM  
Blogger Theresa said...

One thing I would like from the 50's is for stores to be closed and for sports for the kids to not take place. We don't join certain leagues for the kids because they have games and practices on Sundays. Same is true for dance recitals...so we opt out. I look forward to that day of rest. I try to do all my preparations Saturday. And I agree about modesty. It seems to be an area that we need to address. Not sure exactly how though. It seems people excuse themselves.

September 22, 2010 at 7:54 AM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Two of you have asked about how to go about confronting someone regarding modesty...this is a VERY hard one. Just one confrontation on this topic can chase someone out of the church or stir up dissension. So you must be VERY VERY wise in how you go about this. And remember we are all flawed - so give some grace and be very sure this is a habitual sin or this could get ugly.

There's a few things I would consider first - is the family new to the church or new to the faith. You can't clean the outside of the cup if the inside is not filled with the Holy Spirit. If the girl is unsaved...first deal with the salvation issue and love her despite this outward issue.

If the woman is saved and "should know better" I would not go to a pastor or friend - that is not Biblical - you need to go directly to HER. Matthew 18 gives us the formula for confrontation:
Matthew 18:15 - keep it between you and her.

verse 16 - if she does not listen - go to her with a sister in Christ

verse 17 - if she refuses to listen tell it to the church.


So do not go to a pastor or friend - go straight to her. First pray that God would show her and be very gentle and assume this is not intentional...assuming otherwise is very judgemental and most likely put a rift in your friendship.

I would ASSUME the best and the good in her and say - I know you probably don't even realize this but when you are leading worship your skirt seems even shorter from our angle down on the floor...I know you don't want to be immodest...so I just wanted to mention it to you. Keep it short and simple - not too wordy or assuming too much. Love her before and after.

Confrontation is never easy - cover it with prayer. Modesty is a heart issue - and It is God who changes hearts.

Much Love,
Courtney

September 22, 2010 at 8:10 AM  
Blogger Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

Awesome post! It is amazing how much has changed and definitely not for the better since then.

SONdays are our day of rest. We usually have something quick or leftovers for dinner.

Modesty is a huge issue in church. We are going to worship God! HE is holy! We need to reflect that. Besides shirts also skirts/dresses need to be such that if we are sitting, no one can see up our skirts/dresses.

September 22, 2010 at 8:12 AM  
Anonymous Kristina said...

Wonderful post, Courtney! I wrote about how Sundays are hard to get out with three kids but not to give up on Monday!

Thanks for the encouragement!

September 22, 2010 at 8:23 AM  
Anonymous Chrissy said...

Great article! Keeping the Sabbath holy has been an issue on my heart and this has encouraged me to actively approach this with my family.
I've noticed a couple of people have mentioned the modesty issue, and one specifically asked how to approach an immodest dresser. I also would like to hear your thoughts on this. Maybe it's so difficult to approach the subject, because the meaning of what is or isn't modest is different for certain people. It's also difficult to approach when the offender is a worship leader or even the pastor's wife. Is it our responsibility as sisters in the Lord to confront this? Or should we leave it alone being careful not to gossip and be judgemental?
Sort of rhetorical, but something I'm sure we've all thought about.

September 22, 2010 at 8:32 AM  
Anonymous bFitz said...

Courtney, what a thought-provoking post! I think you should add your comment about how to confront this issue, to the post itself. Such an excellent answer!

I don't know about you guys, but I've gone out of the house before in something that I didn't realize was immodest...until I bent to pick up my daughter's binkie or tie my son's shoe. It's good to be mindful of our appearances. Thanks for the reminder!

September 22, 2010 at 8:33 AM  
Blogger Kristi said...

This is such a neat post Courtney! There is so much about the 50's that I wish we would return to.

For myself, I deffinately need to prepare more on Saturday. After schooling all week, I just want to be with my hubby and relax, but that's what Sunday is for. I also need to quit staying up so late on Saturday night so I can wake up earlier of Sunday. It's something I think about every Sunday, but forget by the next Saturday. God help me.

Thank you for sharing the modesty bit. I try so hard to think about modesty above all else when it comes to dress. I wish everyone else did the same. I know of Pastor's daughters who look like they WANT other men to look at them, and it's a real stumbling block for some of the teenage boys in the church. I wish women who dressed like this (intentionally or unintentionaly) would realize the damage they can cause to others by doing so.

Thank you for this post!

September 22, 2010 at 8:45 AM  
Blogger Suzanne said...

A trip down memory lane:-) My Nana too was a 50's mum and every Sunday we went to church then to her house for a big dinner of meatballs and gravy or lasagna, homemade bread and antipasto! We visited my Dad's parents in the evening. I use Saturday as my prep day for Sunday too, get all the clothes ready and a nice Sunday dinner prepped so I can "put my feet up" a bit after church:-) We also on some Sundays visit an aunt in a nursing home or my parents. I wish stores would be closed again and the blue law reinstated for Sundays!

September 22, 2010 at 8:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for this article! Wonderful reminders of where we need to be on Sat nights..at home preparing for Sunday. We usually make this a habit, but when we don't, I can feel it on Sunday morning!
I like the idea of preparing the meal the day before and just re-heating. I'll be trying that.

I love the grace and love I see in your posts and esp. your response about confronting a friend. I really appreciate that. God is using you in more ways than you know.

Thanks again,
Sheryle

September 22, 2010 at 8:52 AM  
Blogger Kat said...

Oh Courtney! I am so loving the point about dressing your best. I feel like we are the only people on the planet sometimes who thinks you should pull out that skirt to wear to church before you pull out those jeans. And I'm not legalistic. I'm really not. My husband and I feel it's just a matter of the heart to pick the best for our King....we use the example of meeting the President ALL the time!! And we know that your best may be better than my best (as in you have "nicer" clothes) or my best may be better than your best...and that's not said like it's a competition either...again, a matter of the heart that on that day of worship to Him I'm going to look what is MY best for my Savior, my King my Jesus. I'll remember you when I dress on Sunday morning...and know that I'm not alone :)

September 22, 2010 at 8:54 AM  
Anonymous Cari said...

I really love your post!!!! I was told last year by my daughters cheerleading coach that we are living in the year 2009 not 1950 that I shouldn't worry about how they were asking my 9 year old to dress. I prefer my "old fashioned" values. We should all try to live like this for a few weeks and I am sure we will find ourselves and our families much happier. I think it would become the normal thing instead of something we are trying out. Thanks for the post!

September 22, 2010 at 9:04 AM  
Blogger jen said...

Hi Sis, I loved seeing the pictures of Grandma in the 50's. What a beautiful woman inside and out. How cute are Uncle Dennis and Uncle Richard in those Grandpa hats, and of course, it's always fun to see Mom as a little girl. Thank you for including these in your post. I can't wait to show them to the kids when they get home. We need to all get together and look through old photo albums and share our family heritage with our kids!! I know Grandma would love to share them with us!!
This post made me think of something Johnathan wrote in a Mother's Day book in kindergarten. One page said "Mommy looks prettiest when she . . .", and each child had to fill in the blank. Johnathan said "when she goes to church." Our little ones are always watching us, and we communicate our attitudes toward our Lord and Savior even in how we dress on Sundays. Good thoughts!! Love you, Jen

September 22, 2010 at 9:27 AM  
Blogger Angell said...

I just love your blog Courtney!

You mentioned about how businesses were closed on Sundays. I wish they still were. Hubby has to work on Sundays (and usually Saturdays as well) and we only have one car which he brings to work, so no church for me :-(

I'm still getting my teaching through other ways but I miss meeting together. I truly believe that God will bless us this coming year with a car and then I can go to church.

September 22, 2010 at 9:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great thoughts Courtney. Add me to the list of ladies who wil look to doing more prep on Saturday night and have concerns about modesty in the church. I have a son and the older he gets the more aware I am that everywhere I go ladies are wearing less than modest clothing. I actually wish my pastor woud address this in a general way from the pulpit. Maybe ladies are not thinking about the stumbling bock they can be? I think you are preaching to the choir here!

September 22, 2010 at 9:37 AM  
Blogger Jaymie said...

I love this post! I am 25 and I wish things were like they're described back then! I have been taking these posts and trying to apply them to my own family's lives. Hope you do more!

September 22, 2010 at 9:45 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

This is a wonderful post and many things that needed to be said! So Thank YOU!!!

It does bother me to see so many people in jeans, sweatpants, shorts, old t-shirts in church! Yes I believe God accepts us just the way we are, but shouldn't we want to dress nice for our KING? We are after all in his presence!!! I see many churches that "advertise" jeans welcome, we are very casual, and I just think this sends the wrong message. Not that you can't wear jeans...but at least have them look nice, with a nice blouse and jacket or something, like you said, we need to dress like we are meeting the President! :)

September 22, 2010 at 9:52 AM  
Blogger Homeschool on the Croft said...

Well, we're here on a Scottish Island, and we're 'behind the times'! Thankfully!
Our Sundays are very, very different from any other day - in the community as a whole. Things are beginning to change, but still - in my community, there are no shops open, and in our nearest town, 25 miles away, one gas station has just begun opening. We have no sports leagues etc happening. Most families will go to church. All the believers go morning and evening, and apart from church, visiting Christians who are unable to get out, or in hospital, we do very little - apart, maybe from going for a quiet walk. Even when outside, we would try and speak of the things of God.
I'm not saying we do what we'd like to do, nor do we do it well, but the Lord's Day is so precious to us, and it really hurts us to see it changing here - albeit slowly, and later than in other parts of our country.
We are used to the charge of legalism.... it's not nice being called that, but God does make rules - and they are always for our best.
We don't call it legalism when we say we should honour our husbands, love our children, or care for the poor. So why should keeping the Lord's Day holy be legalism?
This was such a good post, and I didn't really mean to write a long comment....just to try and give a picture of how Sundays are still kept in some parts (albeit a tiny part!) of the world.

Love the post.....love the blog, as always!
Love, Anne x

September 22, 2010 at 10:26 AM  
Anonymous Lisa Botts said...

One thing that has become very common in my area is for church events (showers, teas, etc.)to fill almost every Sunday afternoon. There are times when I'm as tired on Sunday night as I am any other night of the week. I remember Sundays when I was growing up as long lazy days of church, afternoon naps on the porch swing and that being the only day my Daddy didn't work.

September 22, 2010 at 10:32 AM  
Blogger JennaK said...

I recently read, and I don't have the source, that the way in which you use the Sabbath to worship shows the level of your conversion. It is a commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy, but in today's world, that seems to mean very little, even among religious people.

I also prepare for Sundays on Saturdays. I make sure the kids are bathed with hair washed on Saturday nights, and I even make sure they have fingernails clipped. We lay out their Sunday clothes and get our church bags ready to go so in the morning, we just have to get up, eat, get dressed and we're ready to go. And we do try to be ready for Monday too, the kids have all their homework done Saturday so they don't have to do it on Sunday, stuff like that.

And with the modesty issue, I completely agree. But I think it starts young--I see so often little girls wearing strappy dresses that show a little to much skin and if they don't learn when they are young to be modest, when will they learn?

September 22, 2010 at 10:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you Courtney!
I've been convicted about my dressing styles lately, and this just seems to be Christ-timed to bring the point home. I am being lead into a ministry, ( am in the infant stages of it) and have been praying about my heart and my obedience, and God is faithful to give correction. One of them being, my appearance and how is it pleasing to Christ?

I enjoy reading your posts and look forward to them, as I am a newly married women, and have a desire to follow God's words on marriage but my worldly self gets in the way!

Again, thank you!

September 22, 2010 at 11:25 AM  
Blogger Stacey said...

I am so fortunate to live in a community where only some of the restaurants and a couple gas stations are open on Sundays. Thank you for the reminder on modesty.

September 22, 2010 at 11:35 AM  
Blogger Ginger Perry said...

Great Post! I too need to work a little harder to better prepare for Sunday. I think that might be what I work on this week. Modesty is a huge topic, and even harder for younger girls to comprehend because that is what is being modeled in their homes.

September 22, 2010 at 11:44 AM  
Anonymous Anna said...

What a great post, Courtney! I love the reminder to prepare for Sunday. Before my son, now 7 months old, was born, I took this for granted. It wasn't hard to be ready for Sunday. But lately it has taken so much work to get him ready and keep him out of trouble while getting myself ready, that the house is a mess when we leave and dinner isn't planned/prepared... which means we don't feel free to invite people over spontaneously after church. This is often a result of being lazy on Saturday and just vegging instead of diligently preparing for Sunday. If I prepare everything on Saturday evening, we can enjoy a relaxing lunch after church and a stress-free afternoon, including extending hospitality to others.

Oftentimes I feel that Sunday morning is a fashion show, especially among the single women in our church (but married women are not exempt either). Sometimes I just want to cover my husband's eyes when I see the skinny jeans, lowcut tops, and short dresses on the other side of the aisle. This also tempts me to focus on fashion on Sunday mornings instead of focusing on worship. Not only are we called to be modest, we are called to adorn ourselves with good works and to be discreet. I think this means we shouldn't be trying to attract attention with the way we dress - even if we are being modest!

September 22, 2010 at 12:16 PM  
Blogger L2L said...

I would like to preface my comment by saying that I am in no way shape or form arguing with any poster or Courtney. I hold Courtney in high re guards and do not desire to grieve her on her own blog or be "slammed" by others who might misjudge the intent of my post. My desire is to only share with readers things that I have been pondering as I read through her well written post and share with you how we do things in our house. Not that it is the right way but a way that works for us. Having said that, from our bible studies we have come to understand that the Sabbath of the Jews was on Saturday, from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. In our home we try to keep Friday's a family orientated, sleeping in on Saturday's and making Saturday a day to enjoy family and friends. Then usually on Saturday night I prep to make things smoother on Sundays. I make sure I have a meal cooked or prepped for our Crock-Pot, all clothes are picked out and we wake to ensure that we have plenty of time to eat breakfast and enjoy some family time before we head to church to worship with other believers. We are working on moving to being able to invite families over for lunch after church so that we can get to know the families in our new church better. We strive to make Sunday's a day set aside for God and being an encouragement to other believers.
One thing I do struggle with is the dressy part of church. For years I have done the Sunday best for our family but a couple of weeks ago I was listening to a lesson from Francis Chan and he has me challenging that way of thinking in that he said God wants us to be the same all week long. It has me really challenging my thoughts of why I get all dressed up is it really to honor God or is it to feed the vanity of my flesh. God has been speaking volumes to me through Colossians 3:1....set your sights on the realities of heaven... it has been my filter for sifting out those things that have me focused on earthly things and eternal things...I have always grown up thinking you get all dressed up for church and God is showing me if I do it for that reason then it is a religion and not a relationship that I am seeking. And before I end please know that I share this not to say anyone is right or wrong but to share with you where my heart is with the Lord right now, surely I am not the only one that has sifted through these issues before!!!!

September 22, 2010 at 12:28 PM  
Blogger kansasrose said...

My mother was a 1950's mom. I was born in 1956. When I look back on family photos, her and my dad were immaculately dressed most of the time! We always attended church, wore our best dresses, and the men wore suits and ties. This carried over into the early 60's. Families got together on Sundays and had big dinners usually fried chicken and all the trimmings, or backyard cookouts, or we took the "Sunday drive". I remember going out for ice cream, or visiting my grandparents or cousins. Pizza was a rare treat, and so was take out hamburgers, as my Mom always cooked 3 meals a day. Stores were often closed on Sundays, it was a God and family day. Yes, times were simpler, innocent and sweeter in the 50's. We as a nation had just come out of a world war, and depression. Americans then were so grateful for everything they had, most of all their freedom. And...America was much more free then vs. now.

September 22, 2010 at 12:40 PM  
Blogger Sharon Cohen said...

My first inclination was to simply say "Amen to that" and close my comment but I was afraid that it would appear trite in type.

I loved every point, every sentence, every memory, every confession in this post. I feel as you do in every case. I do very well with 1, 3 and 4. But I do need to work a little harder at #2. While I do prepare to keep the sabbath day holy - it seems that I still rush around on Sunday morning dealing with last minute details.

I witness a weekly example out my window every Saturday. I live in a largely Jewish neighborhood. While I am preparing for Sunday, my neighbors are reaping the rewards of their Friday preparations. What a beautiful sight they are! Families dressed in their finest walking to synagogue at the end of my street. Men in hats, women in skirts, young boys in white shirts with ties and young women in frilly dresses.

Throughout the day I can see them going back and forth to each other's houses to share a Sabbath meal or studies together. It is wonderful to see. A gentle reminder of what is possible.

September 22, 2010 at 12:49 PM  
Blogger Melissa said...

Can I get an amen?!

I think if we are intentional about our actions that everything else will fall into place...

Thank you for your stand on this Courtney!

Many Blessings,
Melissa

September 22, 2010 at 1:16 PM  
Blogger Ayla Stewart said...

Great post! I personally have been practicing a "boycott" of stores on Sundays and those open on holidays like Christmas. I'm hoping if more people practice this there will be no reason for stores to stay open on Sundays and we can go back to having a national day of rest if not a national day to worship God and be with our families.

September 22, 2010 at 1:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi,

I just "met" you ten minutes ago and already appreciate your role as Homemaker.

I look forward to reading your blog.

September 22, 2010 at 2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi,

I just "met" you ten minutes ago and already appreciate your role as Homemaker.

I look forward to reading your blog.

Kaye :)

September 22, 2010 at 2:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love your blog! Great post! I have one thought to bring up with regards to point #2 - I appreciate how it was stated - very carefully, not wanting to lean toward legalism. Also, I think the points about modesty are right on - and something women (especially young women like myself) need to hear. My question would be - do you (and by "you" I just mean a general "you") dress up for your own personal quiet times with the Lord? In those times, you are just as much in the presence of a "King"...you just aren't in front of other people. Do you feel the need to dress up when you have a heartfelt conversation with your Dad? I think viewing God as King is important - His Sovereignty is an incredibly important characteristic - but also His role as Father is one to consider. Just some thoughts! I can see both sides of this issue - I just think it is more likely women would lean toward vanity and legalism with this issue than there is for people disrespecting the Lord by the way they dress. Also, this makes it extremely easy to judge others who maybe don't live up to what your "standard" of "appropriate dress" for church.

Again, just some thoughts to throw out there for others to think about! And again - Here Here to the modesty points! SO important.

~Rachel

September 22, 2010 at 3:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

September 22, 2010 at 3:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! I really enjoy your Blog and appreciate your mission here. I just want to add that Sunday's, then and now, is not just to "dress our best" but women specifically are to not wear "that which pertains to a man" (pants of any kind). The "fashion" industry changed this standard, not God.

Blessings!

September 22, 2010 at 3:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

thanks for this post Courtney! I was wondering if I could suggest a blog topic if you ever run out of ideas :) I have a young son who I adore and a handsome husband that I love. I've been struggling to put God FIRST in my life, and THEN my husband, and THEN my son. I have it all backwards :( any tips would be great! thanks!

September 22, 2010 at 3:48 PM  
Blogger Toni said...

As I have matured as a believer, my heart has desired to honor God more, even in the way I dress. I was the one who came to chuch in jeans. I still do occasionally (nice ones, with heals and a nice blouse, though mostly I wear dress pants and blouses or a dress).

I agree with you that we should consider what we put on as we head out to worship, as long as we're cognizant of not passing judgement on new believers or seekers (which I don't think you were suggesting).

I don't ever want to turn a seeker away from Jesus by judging what they're wearing. As I mentioned, my heart needed time to draw nearer to God. When it did, I chose to honor Him in the way I dressed, among other ways.
NOTE: Just saw your response about modesty so I see we do agree on not judging the outside of a seeker or new believer. Amen!

Love this post, Courtney. I personally wish there were many things about the 50s still alive and well today (and among us Christian women, some of those things thankfully still are). Some of the blue laws are alive and well here in IN, btw (surprised us when we moved here).

And your grandmother is beautiful. I see the resemblance for sure. LOVED the round necked dress she has on in the one photo.
Blessings,
Toni

September 22, 2010 at 3:53 PM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

I see women asking for me to write a post on Modesty...I will pray about this...this is a hard one for me - I HATE getting "judgemental"...so I'll pray about this.

Anonymous - in regards to your struggle with keeping God number one (and you are so not alone - this is so common)I heard this quote once "The fastest way to ruin a good thing is to put it in the center of your life." Children are good, husbands are good, but they are not to be the center of our lives - God must hold that position. If we mix these up they can become our idols...they can never fulfill the God shaped holes in our souls. Check out my second website: http://www.goodmorninggirls.org for some encouragement in your spiritual walk.

Much Love,
Courtney

September 22, 2010 at 4:40 PM  
Anonymous Ashley said...

Great post Courtney! I respect the way you deal with these kinds of issues with love.

I am in the boat with you in needing to think/prep ahead more. My Sunday mornings go so much easier when I pick out everyone's clothes AND shoes! Shoes can be my undoing if I don't make sure I know where they are the night before!

I'm glad you brought up the issue of modesty. A lady came in late last week and had to walk in front of us to get her seat. Her skirt was short to begin with but then it had a 3 inch slit in it. I felt like saying, "Um, excuse me, do you know where you're at? You do know you're in CHURCH, right?" I am just shocked at some of the clothes ladies think are ok to wear to the HOUSE OF GOD!!! Come on people!

Ok, enough of me on my soapbox. Thanks again for such a well written and much needed post!

~Ashley

September 22, 2010 at 5:50 PM  
Blogger Bethany said...

well, hello there conviction!

September 22, 2010 at 7:50 PM  
Blogger Muthering Heights said...

I like the idea of preparing for Sunday the day before!

September 22, 2010 at 11:50 PM  
Blogger Twincerely,Olga said...

what wonderful pictures and a powerful post!!! WE just talked on this in our church tonight!!!!stopby

September 23, 2010 at 12:06 AM  
Blogger Twincerely,Olga said...

what wonderful pictures and a powerful post!!! WE just talked on this in our church tonight!!!!stopby

September 23, 2010 at 12:06 AM  
Blogger Pookie Pantz said...

Thanks for sharing this! how true it is about back then and the society we live in today! My granny was a 1940's wife and could not marry my granddad until he came back from the war!!
My Sunday dinners, I try to make them easy and simple, so I have more time in resting before we go back that night!!

September 23, 2010 at 8:45 AM  
Blogger Home's Where My Heart Is said...

Hi Courtney, I just wanted to come back and thank you for addressing my question about confronting the issue of modesty, or, lack thereof. I am so appreciative that you shared the Biblical formula, as I had no idea there was one.

Also, writing on modesty is so hard. I've written regular posts on it and have had mostly wonderful feedback, but there are those who are just looking to pick a fight. You are very eloquent and grace-filled. I know many of your readers, including me, would love to hear more on this.

Thanks again, Courtney…

Erin

September 23, 2010 at 10:00 AM  
Blogger Queen Los said...

Love this post! God has pressing on my heart how important sundays are especially now that i have little ones. I am so glad to have a family that spends every sunday together for lunch. It is so nice to fellowship and and just spend time together!

September 23, 2010 at 12:12 PM  
Anonymous Mel said...

i love that timeframe in history....if I could choose to go back in time, I'd definitely want to go back to the 30's, 40's, or 50's. I love their dress, the music, everything about it....and this post is absolutely true.

I know for me, I definitely need to work on being more prepared. Too many Sundays, we get up too late, rush around, and head out the door with a paper towel full of peanut butter sandwiches to eat on the way to church for breakfast. I know....I'm ashamed of this. Thank you for this post, Courtney. It's a reminder to my heart for sure.

September 23, 2010 at 9:18 PM  
Blogger The Tickled Diva said...

What a thought provoking post. I admit I have missed the mark with early preparation the night before. Some Sunday's we are usually rushing out the door or late.

I need to work on time management and prepare the night before, so we can make it to worship on time every Sunday.

I think we need more posts like this. I loved the old photos, life seemed so much easier back then compared to now.

February 2, 2011 at 8:27 PM  
Anonymous Kristin said...

I agree with most of what you say and completely adore your site. I loved your segment on Rachael Ray! However I have to disagree with it mattering what you wear to church at least to a degree. Obviously wearing offensive clothing or anything like that would be wrong, but one should never be judged on what they wear to church. This is a problem I have with organized religion and has ran me out of churches in the past. I was never, to my knowledge, the subject of gossip but as Christians we should accept our fellow churchgoers and Christians whether they are wearing jeans and sneakers or a suit and tie. My preacher told me, when I asked about appropriate attire for his congregation since I'd yet to attend, to wear what was comfortable to me and then let the Lord lead me if I felt I needed to be dressed differently. His wife has been known to have to wear her nursing scrubs to church on Wednesday night just to get to church, and I truly believe God would rather one worship in everyday clothing than to simply stay home because they felt they did not have proper clothing.

I understand your point, because it's how I was raised. Women always wore dresses in church. Modesty is a must, in church and out, in my opinion because you should live what you preach.

I remember as a child how most things were closed and I'm only 31. I wish things were like that again, and agree we need to reclaim our Sundays as a full day of worship, family, and fellowship. As far as what others wear to church, there's a big difference in dressing without the concept of modesty and dressing "one's best". If someone is bothered by another's lack of modesty, I can't say how I'd handle that. Otherwise, I'd rather have someone show up at my church who feels led to come there to worship if they are wearing sweats than to not come at all. I'd hate to feel judged for what I'm wearing when I'm in a place of worship. I think I've said the same thing many times and I apologize, I just get really bothered when people put a focus on the clothing one wears to church rather than the message spoken that day. If you come home thinking more about the clothing than God's word, I don't think it's the person who's under-dressed with a problem.

I adore your blog and I can't wait to keep reading more because I LOVED everything you had to say on Rachael Ray. I can't believe I just found the blog!

February 11, 2011 at 2:39 AM  

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