by Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer

DW: On your site, you state that femininity isn’t dead, it just needs to be reclaimed. What is the Biblical definition of femininity and how can we as young women reclaim it?

Hannah: Whew! What a question! Biblical womanhood is a controversial issue these days, and it’s difficult to define it in a single paragraph. A bare bones definition of “femininity” is simply “womanly-ness.” For us, that means being the women God calls us to be through His Word.

It means knowing that we’re equal in worth to the guys, but differ in our design and role. (Think of it like harmony and melody; they’re both different, but work together to make a more beautiful sound than either could alone.) But by “role,” I don’t mean that women are held captive to one specific cookie-cutter pattern. Our God-given talents cannot contradict our God-given femininity.

We’re meant to use all of our gifts–though our talents might not be displayed in the way the world generally expects women to use them. At the same time, obedience to God brings true freedom; the girl who submits to God’s role for women finds more joy than she could’ve ever concocted for herself.

DW: I have three younger sisters. One of them is nine and I’ve always wondered how do you leave behind a legacy not of physical beauty but of spiritual beauty, a beauty that does indeed come from the heart. Any thoughts on how we as girls can influence our younger sisters?

Lindsey: Oh, that’s a convicting one. I have two younger sisters also (ages 12 and 8), so this question really resonates with me; I’m always asking it too.

As the oldest, it’s been so important for me to recognize just how much our younger sisters do imitate us. We even have the potential to set the mood of a day by our example! (more…)

Are you an up and coming designer looking to feature your collection? Then Rock the Runway 2009 is the place for you! Join other designers from the Tampa Bay area and beyond as we showcase their talent and ability to design fashions for today’s Christian woman.

Have you ever aspired to be a model, but are afraid that you don’t meet the world’s requirements? Come out and audition for Rock the Runway 2009. Join other women of all ages as they work the runway and show that true beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Are you a local artist that wants to have your music heard? Experience the thrill of playing your songs to a fashion show at Rock the Runway. All musical styles welcomed, from rock to hip-hop! Whether you have a band or are a solo artist, we want to hear from you!

Find out more at Rock the Band.

Shelley Adina is the author of three books that will come out this year called All About Us. It’s a fresh, great series. After reading “Fruit of My Lipstick” (book two), I wanted to check in with this author to talk about the book, about faith, and about life! Hope you love this interview as much as I did. 

Suzie: Hi Shelley, I met you first through reading advanced copies of your books (which I loved!). It’s great to meet you. Tell us a little bit about your writing journey.

Shelley: And I was thrilled to see such a great review … it made my week! I’ve been writing all my life, and have always known that was what I wanted to do. After a B.A. in Literature from the University of California, I earned an M.A. degree in Writing Popular Fiction in 2002 from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania.

I watched with interest the meteoric popularity of a certain glitz-and-glam series that shall remain nameless, and then came a blinding moment of clarity when I … well, okay, it wasn’t that dramatic. I was eavesdropping. I overheard some women talking about their daughters’ reading material, and I could tell by their voices how distressed they were about it, yet on the other side of the coin, their girls were reading. We all want teens to be reading, right? So it was a dilemma for these parents.

A light went on in my head and I thought, “What if there was a series of books where, given similar choices and circumstances, the characters made different decisions based on their faith?” Next thing I knew, I was running for my computer! (more…)

Can I tell you a secret? I hate the Gossip Girl series.

Uhh uh, Suzie, hate is such a strong word.

If I had a stronger word, I’d use it. I don’t like how it portrays youth culture, because the reality is that after working with teens for nearly two decades, I don’t recognize even one teen that I’ve met or know. It takes the problems of youth culture and wraps them in shallow characters and glitz and designer labels, glamorizing what ultimately has hurt many teens.

But I found a series recently that has the same addictive reading style, sprinkles in the same designer labels, and is set in a posh setting with fab clothes and tricky relationships. It’s well-written, fun, gently faith-filled, and to be honest, more than a little addictive. It’s the All About Us series written by Shelley Adina. (more…)

Do you ever wonder if a teen (or anyone) can change the world?

Lindsey Giambattista is a teen who wanted to do something through her faith that would change the world. Giambattista began praying about an outreach – some sort of ministry she could participate in – some way to utilize her unique gifts for God’s glory. Besides being an A-student, Lindsay was/is an avid shopper.

So after considerable prayer and debate, the idea was born. Taylor’s Closet would allow girls in foster care to come into a store-like environment and “shop” for whatever clothes they liked – completely free of charge. The idea was just to put a smile on their face for a moment and let them know they weren’t alone. (more…)