What are these freedoms?

Bible study at Kampala Pentecostal church was coveted. I sat on the last pew in the lower right section of the balcony near the door - my favorite spot. I could easily slip out and run home when it got late. He liked to sit around the same area and from time to time we would talk or smile at each other. We came in school uniform. I didn’t know we stood out until my sister approached me with concern. A friend of hers had noted us and proceeded to tell my sister that I was playing with a boy in church. I learned that people are always watching. I also learned that adulting comes with challenges and responsibilities, one begins to view situations through one’s own lens.

The lines between innocence and entitlement blur; Forgive the youth for they know not what they do but on the other hand, don’t weigh young minds down with your adult issues. “Worry about yourself” they say, for you do not know half their story.

Over the years influence on younger generations gets caged into the family setting and even there, a coup threatens.

On Sunday, a girl in her late teens stood in the front pew dressed in a sleeveless yellow top and tiny black cotton shorts that clang with enthusiasm to her frame. She was dressed for a girl’s night-in only this was a Sunday morning service. Was this appropriate attire? In a permissive society one wonders many wonders. Was I being that old fashioned lady. “Worry about yourself” Does the same phrase apply in the church?

As moral lines get blurrier, a shift in standards and the case made gives one reason to pause and find their true north. But once one finds their true north, they must hash it – “We don’t want to know”. An internal conflict ensues as the desire to share the good news begins to bubble up.

Is there a need to protect the pastors? Auntie Florence, chief usher in Watoto church had tact. When she got wind of an inappropriately dressed lady seated on the front row, she’d dance up to her, whisper in the lady’s ear and they’d dance out or to the middle pews where she’d ask congregants to make space. She wasn’t known as chief usher for nothing.

But one wonders, was it her place to decide what was appropriate for the front row? Why should women be suppressed, marginalized for the way they dress. Is it not for freedom that Christ set us free? Does He not say, “Come as you are?”

Controls and restrictions on women.

Why don’t the men control their urges? The pastors should get used - even worry about themselves as the congregation seeks to find Jesus.

How the lines get blurred.

I have not come with answers. But what are these freedoms doing to us?