Tucked away in the musty Michigan basement of our red-brick farmhouse, far from the adult world above, my great-great grandfather’s trunk sat open against a fieldstone wall. Strewn over its edges were garments, flung aside as giggling sisters rifled through the vintage assortment comprising our dress-up box.
There I stood, in over-sized heels and draped in my mother’s iconic 1940’s Victory Suit. It was a warm Sienna color, its silky sheen peppered with tiny black Swiss dots. The pleated A-line skirt was perfectly matched to a peplum jacket, flounced at the back and finished with a fabric belt and covered buttons. With knee-length skirt at my ankles, padded shoulders drooping to my elbows, and my grandmother’s black-velvet hat tipped to one side, I was styling!
There was something magical in those garments once worn by my mother and grandmother. They were not merely hand-me-downs. They seemed infused somehow with the essence of womanhood I had yet to experience—like a postcard left by those ahead of me on the journey.
VINTAGE PEARLS
Vintage. Retro. Upcycled. Current fashion trends recognize the worth of style that has stood the test of time. The elements of classic beauty never go out of style. They are treasures to be handed down from one generation to the next.
The same is true of the wisdom comprising the ageless beauty of godly womanhood.
In Paul’s letter to Titus, he sketches a portrait of intergenerational faith in which spiritual wisdom passes from those further along in the faith journey to those coming behind. He urges older sisters in Christ to live godly lives by which younger sisters may be instructed and inspired.
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be reviled.” Titus 2:3-5 (ESV)
Do you remember your Grandmother’s jewelry box? Not long ago, my mother was preparing to move to a smaller home more suited to the winter of her life. In sorting through her belongings, she decided to distribute my grandmother’s jewelry to my sisters and me. The pieces reflected the modest lives of my grandparents: no ‘Abernathy Pearl’ was hidden among them. Still, the simple gemstone bracelet selected for me by my mother was worth far more to my heart.
Inheritance is a grand thing. God’s Word tells us the wise man leaves wealth to his children and grandchildren. When an inheritance is given, the recipient profits from the labors of the giver—gaining wealth they did not earn.
Grander still is the intangible legacy passed from one generation to the next. We hold this treasure in our hearts and minds. Its worth is not measured materially but in the currency of life. Such is the case for wisdom.
“For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 8:11-12 (TLB)
The Bible describes wisdom as something to be sought after, but how is it attained? The only source of unchanging, infallible wisdom is God’s Word.
Wisdom can also be gleaned from life experience. Each of us has the opportunity to collect pearls of wisdom throughout our journey. Some are the rewards of righteous living, while others are formed in the pain and bitter consequences of foolish decisions or sinful choices.
Graciously, God made provision to gain wisdom a third way—by heeding the experience of others. Just as generational wealth accumulates within a family, wisdom acquired by one faith generation is intended to pass to the next.
Just as generational wealth accumulates within a family, wisdom acquired by one faith generation is intended to pass to the next.
“Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.” Ecclesiastes 7:11 (NIV)
This is the heartbeat of Titus 2 Sisterhood—a relationship designed as an avenue for the passing of spiritual beauty secrets from an older to a younger sister—a woman of vintage faith mentoring a younger woman as she aspires to godly womanhood.
A PORTRAIT OF TWO WOMEN
Titus 2 sketches a portrait of two women who share a bond in Christ and, by His design, are called to relationship with one another.
The older sister is a seasoned wife and mother. She is a woman of spiritual beauty and wisdom—a woman who exemplifies godly womanhood. We will call her, ‘Vintage’.
The younger sister is nearer the start of her womanhood journey. We will name her, ‘Vogue’.
VOGUE
Vogue [vōɡ] adjective: Prevailing fashion or style; fashionable in the context of current culture.
Vogue has a style reflective of her generation. She is passionate and savvy with fresh ideas and dreams for her home and family. She desires to be an excellent wife, raise godly children and create a lovely home. She hungers after righteousness.
Vogue is a capable woman, yet the realities of her roles as wife, mother, and homemaker often leave her overwhelmed and exhausted. In striving to meet her own high expectations, she frequently feels inadequate for the task.
She longs to carve out space for the expression of her gifts and personal aspirations, but struggles to define herself in a culture that demeans Biblical womanhood. Adding to it is insecurity fed by the conviction that being the woman she wants to be should come more naturally.
At times, she secretly feels like that little girl at the dress up box, trying to fill a role she hasn’t quite grown into.
Vogue needs practical wisdom, guidance, and encouragement—a mentor and trusted friend who has traveled the unfamiliar path stretched out before her. She is open to seeking out a Titus 2 Sister.
How will she recognize her when she sees her?
VINTAGE
Vintage [vin-tij] adjective: Denoting something from the past characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.
You will recognize Vintage by her iconic spiritual style. She is strikingly strong, dignified, and confident; she conducts herself in a manner befitting a daughter of the King.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Proverbs 31:25 (ESV)
Vintage aspires to be virtuous. She understands that genuine beauty is not the outward ornamentation of religion but a heart transformed by a relationship with Jesus and the truth of God’s Word.
Paul describes her as a woman whose outward behavior reflects the work of the Holy Spirit and her desire to walk in godliness. Her life is an instrument for teaching that which is good: first by example, and secondly through mentorship.
She is a woman who embraces the high calling of wife and mother. If married, her desire to walk in God’s design for marriage cultivates a submissive heart toward her husband. And if she is a mother, her passion and love for her children are profoundly evident. The skilled care of her home is an expression of gratitude for her material blessings.
Vintage walks in kindness. Her love for others prohibits her from engaging in slander. She is reverent and chaste in her demeanor and lives a disciplined life free of enslaving behaviors.
In emulating these characteristics, she brings honor to the Word of God and the testimony of His Bride, the Church.
Her instruction is invaluable, not because she is the ideal wife or mother, but because her choices have yielded both sweet and bitter fruit. Therefore, she understands the intention required to cultivate a healthy harvest. She knows firsthand that a woman’s journey includes both joy and sorrow. Her insight and encouragement are priceless.
SKETCHING A VISION
Imagine being invited to view a collection of garments worn by the iconic women of Hollywood—Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, Lauren Bacall—every piece a stunning classic. The curator invites you to take your pick. How would you respond to such an opportunity?
The essence of Titus 2 Sisterhood is that of an older sister opening her faith closet to share her collection of spiritual garments. It is an invitation to intimate friendship on the faith journey: a collaborative venture with a singular purpose. Side by side, Vintage & Vogue press toward the upward call with one shared goal—becoming women whose lives glorify the Lord in all they are called to do as wives, mothers, and within their homes.
EXQUISITE DESIGN
Biblical truth forms the fabric of Titus 2 Sisterhood. Nothing surpasses the enduring beauty of God’s design—it transcends culture and is relevant to every generation.
The pattern for the godly garments worn by the iconic Titus 2 Woman is found in His Word. These garments are not off-the-rack apparel. They are crafted through the work of the Holy Spirit as we seek God and walk in His ways.
“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)
Embroidered into this fabric are fine threads of practical wisdom and understanding born from hindsight, gained as Vintage applied the truth of God’s Word in her life.
CLASSIC VINTAGE AND VOGUE STYLE
Vintage garments are, by definition, worn—which only adds to their character and beauty. Look closely, and you will likely find a torn seam, tattered edge, and missing button or two. You will not find a vintage woman without flaws. The journey toward godly womanhood is for a lifetime. Vintage is a work in progress, yet her heart’s desire is to echo Paul’s invitation, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)
Vintage openly shares the imperfections in her garments and encourages Vogue to allow God to mend and alter as needed. In doing so, she models humility and fosters intimacy. Vogue soon learns that her heart can safely trust in her older sister. Each flaw becomes an inherited pearl for her benefit.
Through gracious guidance, Vintage supports Vogue in adding the classic pieces to her wardrobe—Strength, Dignity, Kindness, Love, a Submissive heart, and a Quiet & Gentle spirit.
While each garment will be patterned after the same Biblical model as those of her older sister, Vintage wisely encourages Vogue to shine in her one-of-a-kind style: embellishing her wardrobe through her unique gifts.
THE TITUS 2 CALLING
Why invest in Titus 2 Sisterhood?
The Church is a living expression of Jesus’ love. In serving one another, we reflect the message of the Gospel. Titus 2 Sisterhood is a vital part of that design.
Titus 2 Sisterhood requires two hearts yielded to God’s plan: An older woman committed to walking alongside her younger sister as she grows in godliness and a younger woman seeking godly counsel as she lives out the most significant roles of her life.
Blessings await Vintage and Vogue when they choose to embrace the Titus 2 calling.
VOGUE ~ Open your heart to instruction. Invite guidance. When you choose to receive instruction, a submissive spirit will be nurtured, and the fruit of humility will increase in your life.
In return, you will gain a friend and confidante and access to spiritual treasure. In heeding the wisdom offered by Vintage, mistakes easily made in the early years of marriage and motherhood may be avoided.
VINTAGE ~ When we lead, we grow. Mentoring Vogue will invigorate your pursuit of God and His Word.
Titus 2 Sisterhood is the gift of a spiritual legacy—our journeys are redeemed, Jesus is glorified, and we have the joy of seeing even our ashes transformed into a beautiful work of grace.
Each Titus 2 Sisterhood is as unique as the women creating it. As they travel together, both Vintage and Vogue contribute color and texture to the Titus 2 portrait—and the results can be stunning!
Encourage other women by sharing this post.
The SURRENDER Issue | Summer 2019 is now available for pre-order through The Joyful Life Shop! It will begin shipping May 28th so be sure to order one now.
6 comments
Beautiful post! Definitely sharing!! Love the comparison and word pictures of clothing/jewlery.
(ps although the image doesn’t really match the post, just a thought)
Thank you, Holly. I I am deeply honored that you took the time to read my article. I pray wherever you are on your Vintage/Vogue Journey, you are treasuring every pearl He gives you and are blessed with the joy of sharing them, for His glory. In His Love, Tabitha
Loved this article for its timeless truth shared in a unique way. We women need each other whether vintage and vogue, whether we realize it or not. Thank you
Thank you, Annette. You are so right. We were created to thrive in the community He planned for His Bride before time began. I believe we flourish as we put this truth into practice in our own lives. Be blessed. Walk in Joy, Tabitha
Tabitha, Your article was shared with me by a friend! Such a beautiful picture of who we are to be in Christ!
My article was shared?? What a thrill! Thank you, Debbie. Isn’t He amazing? He has made every provision for us to walk in the “good works, which God prepared beforehand”, so that we can become the glorious Bride He created us to be. Oh that we would embrace the exquisite design of Titus2 so that the world would see the other-worldly love of Jesus in our lives. Blessings to you as you travel your own Vintage/Vogue journey. Love, Tabitha