IS IT WOE TO TROUSER WEARING WOMEN ???

I think the picture above depicts what God had in mind when He handed down the law as contained in Deuteronomy 22:5

" The woman shall not wear that which partaineth unto a man,

   neither shall a man put on a woman's garment; for all that do so (are)

   abomination unto the Lord they God" KJV

Growing up, we were raised in a watertight, strict, rigid, uncompromising, and unyielding conservative Christian home. Matter of 'factly', I was a Deeper Life Bible Church breed. Then, Television was a sin, football and every other gaming activities were carnal. My back has telltale signs of serious floggings for having to be caught sneaking into our neighbor's house to watch 'Tales by moonlight'.  Now, television has been removed from the list of sinful properties to own, as Sister Helen (my mother) now has one that graces her sitting room. LOL!!!

My  Parents were respected church leaders, and as expected, we were very sanctimonious. As children of leaders in the local Assembly, we were expected to meet certain standards which personally, I didn't disappoint them. You trust me na! *winks*

I knew it from the very beginning that I did not belong there,  a feeling I never hesitated to communicate to Moma. We were that close and we still are (call me moma's boy all you want, I so do not care *tongueOut*). Flew away was what I did immediately I gained admission into the university. It was the opportunity I desperately needed to be me, the authentic MEEEEE!!! I recall with fond remembrance what I often tell Sister Helen (That's what I fondly call my mother), "Moma, there's a life I want to live!" That life was what I started living immediately I gained my independence.

My elder sister started wearing trousers immediately she  got admitted into the University. Sister Helen would have none of that. All hell was let loose. She made life miserable for my sister. She (my elder sister) was tagged the black sheep of the family who was bent to bringing the name of the family to public shame and ridicule. One day, I told myself that this whole thing has got to stop! Do you know what that means? it simply means that I must confront my sweetheart, my first love of all times. It wasn't going to be easy, hearts were going to be broken, emotions were going to be worked up, but confront her I did!

I said, Moma, what really is your basis for condemning Ijeoma (my elder sister) for wearing trousers? You needed to see the look of shock and surprise on her face. She immediately quoted Deuteronomy 22:5 above. I invited her to a round table discuss on the issue.

First, I agreed with her that it was indeed an abomination for a man to wear a woman's clothing and the same goes to a woman. But I was quick to ask her what the dress code was during the days of Deuteronomy . I also asked to know if she agrees with me that the Book of Deuteronomy was written long before Jesus Christ came to earth, and she said yes! I further asked her what Moses wore in those days, she said he wore a garment which in our days can be called gown.  I then Proceeded to tell her that Abraham wore gown, so did Elijah, Joshua, King Soul, Prophet Samuel, King David. Now, fast-forward to the days of our Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples.

Mother Mary wore gown, so did Joseph and Jesus Christ. Lost in my world of imagination, I see Mary asking baby Jesus to go get His Dad's garment for it to be dry-cleaned. Positioned side by side, would Jesus have mistakenly picked His mother's garment? The answer is NO! Why is that? The sole  reason was that both garment were made differently to reflect the gender differences. These were the circumstances present when this law was handed down (Deuteronomy 22:5, I mean). Trousers were not in existence then. In fact, the subject of trousers were not conceived by any man then. Findings in history has it that the first person to wear a trouser was a woman. The question that is begging answers now is, who said trousers were the exclusive reserve for men? What and where is your authority for such postulations?

Friends, this was how I won triumphantly in the suit between Perez Vs. Sister Helen, lol!!! This was how she soft pedaled. From that date forward, Moma let all of us have our way. A freedom we never abused. I never saw my sister dress indecently with all her assets in the public glare. She is now happily married and is a Mother. In leaving us to our fate, Sister Helen sounded this to all and sundry; "God knows that I've laboured to bring all of you up in the way of the Lord, you are each responsible for your own life now as young adults. I will no longer be responsible for anything you turn out to become". Friends, am I not working towards becoming a blessing to my generation? I may not have arrived yet, but assuredly, am a work in progress.

In the Igbo traditional setting, both men and women tie wrapper but the mode, manner and style differ. In the ancient days, a male child that behaves and ties the wrapper like women is sold to slavery. It was a way to rid the society of misfits and cleanse it from abominations. I submit with respect that what God was warning against in Deuteronomy 22: 5 was the case of 'effeminates' (men dressing and acting as women and vise visa) and nothing more. During my undergraduate days, I saw a man wearing 'hipsters' (whatever they call it) in Aba. It was a disgusting sight! Friends, that is what God calls abomination!

The case of women in trousers who were barred from passing through the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries camp ground in Magboro, along the Lagos-Ibadon expressway, Ogun State, in my opinion is total madness! Wait, this women were actually going to transact business in ECOBANK, one of the financial institutions inside the premises for God's sake! Is this how low the church has stooped? Chasing shadows and forgetting the weightier matters? Is this really the reason Jesus died? For petty issues like wearing of trousers and attachments?

According to the information gathered, the Head of Security Department, who only identified himself as Mr. Lanre said that "such dress code is inconsistent with the doctrines of their church, therefore, such women will be barred from taking the road on the camp that links to the express...(paraphrased). Doctrines and Dogmas has held the body of Christ Captive and I dare say that it will bring The Church to her knees if not checked.

I think the victims should sue MFM and join ECOBANK as a party. Ordinarily, ECOBANK ought to sue the church and recover damages but you and I know that they dare not do that, considering the volume of money that passes through that branch on daily basis. We are our own problems. I weep for today's Church. This isn't what the communities in Antioch saw in the lives of the disciples and called them Christians.

Wake up Christians, look out through the window. Can't you see? It's the dawning of a new era!

My name is PEREZ OKEZUONU, I am LegallyBlunt!