Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Restoring Courtship

By definition, 'restoring' means:

1.to bring back into existence, use, or the like; reestablish: to restore order.
2.to bring back to a former, original, or normal condition, as a building, statue, or painting.
3.to bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor.
4.to put back to a former place, or to a former position, rank, etc.: to restore the king to his throne.
5.to give back; make return or restitution of (anything taken away or lost).

We feel that old fashioned Christian courtship has been lost and we have a desire to 'restore' courtship. My husband, Brother Scott, attended a men's leadership seminar where this topic was taught in great detail. Some of you may be familiar with Josh Harris, author of 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye', and he has studied and written much on the topic of courtship as well. His book is intended for those who are currently involved with the 'dating community' to seek a more conservative Christ honoring approach to being single for the Lord. While I am just beginning to read his book, please understand that GGM does not promote reading material such as this for our younger readers, but for the parents to consider changing how they raise their children for their future spouses.

Courtship by definition means:

Obsolete. courtly behavior; courtesy; gallantry.

Gallantry:

1.dashing courage; heroic bravery; noble-minded behavior.
2.gallant or courtly attention to women.
3.a gallant act, action, or speech.

As a young lady, your first and foremost relationship is with the Lord Jesus. Your first earthly relationship is with your father. The manner in which we place importance, respect, and honor on our relationships with the Lord and our fathers will be the example of what kind of wife you will become. A wise young man will know this and recognize in you qualities that are becoming of a virtuous woman.

Our desire is not to promote betrothal or 'dating' as our world defines it, but rather re-establish the parents role in assiting and guiding their daughters in developing a strong relationship with their Lord, and earthly father, in their lives and in regards to preparing for a Biblical marrige.

We have a desire to spread the word to the world today, that we are in fact 'Restoring Courtship'. Below on our side bar, you'll see a tag to identify yourself with, as a young woman who is striving to restore courtship as a godly heritage for the family you will one day have. Mothers, you may use this tag as well to share with your friends and loved ones that this is, in fact, a principle of great importance.

We will be adding new information and devotions in regards to 'Restoring Courtship' in the upcoming months. You can read all Restoring Courtship Articles Here


8 Comment(s)! Please Leave A Comment!:

MandyMom.com said...

Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL message. I definitely want my daughter to grow in Christ this way! (I should print this and keep it until shes a bit older!)

Christina said...

Great message! I'm grabbing a button right now!

Anonymous said...

This is a blessing to see! I almost wished my parents went along on some my dates just so they would act right! What a waste of time! My husband found me through a friend. :o)

Lisa
mom of three

Brooke said...

That was such a wonderful message!
I put a link on my blog.
Brooke

The Hodges Family said...

I was drawn to this based on the title. My husband and I courted and was truly blessed as a result. God has graciously used our courtship for His glory during that time. We shared our testimony in many "True Love Waits" conferences that various churches were having in our area. It's amazing how this was "strange" to some believers. Some even were amazed at our standards of not holding hands and kissing until we were married. But, we are so happy with the obedience. We look forward to teaching our kids this godly priniciple as well.

teenmom said...

I'm a new teen mom. What is courting? How is it different from dating? Is there a book you would recommend? teenmom

Growing In Grace Magazine said...

Hello TeenMom,

Courting is a way of two young adults to get to know one another with the supervision and guidance of the parents. To enter into a courtship is a way that parents allow their daughter or son to develop a relationship with someone with the goal being marriage. The traditional courtship is one that involves being the only 'dating' relationship you have before marriage. You would only enter into a courting relationship one time in your life. With the man who will be your husband. It's the step you take before being engaged. Participating in a courting relationship is not the same as dating. The way our culture today views dating is not a biblical practice.

A book for those who have already being participating in the culture and practices of dating would be 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'.

We are currently reading other courtship books before making a public recommendation.

Mia said...

Thank you SO much for this post! I really like the way you break down what " restoring courtship" really means and how biblically sound it is. Its such a great message to those (especially) new christians who only know about the dating scene!
Thanks again:)
--Mia