Posted by “We are the Bible the world is reading…We are the sermon the world is heeding.” ~ Billy Graham
Growing up I’ve heard many stories of saints past taking a stand for this blessed Truth. I’ve heard the message of Holiness preached and followed the standard my pastor taught. But I never imagined that one day I would be faced with the choice to stand up for what I believed.
I joined the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) in my freshman year of high school because the program offered many incentives that would help me later in college. This was also a prestige group and I was excited to join. However, during the orientation I discovered that I would be required to wear the pant uniform for any of the competitions. After much prayer to God and a few discussions with my mother, I decided to approach my commanding officer about my concern.
It wasn’t long before I found myself face to face with the Commander telling him about by Christian beliefs and the difficulties I was having. What was sure was that I was not going to wear pants for the very reason that God instructs us in Deuteronomy 22:3 that wearing men’s apparel is an abomination to Him. Nothing is worth displeasing God. Not even a free ticket into college was worth that. Nevertheless, he granted my request and I would be allowed to wear the optional skirt uniform, worn by no one, but me. The good news was what I first believed to be an obstacle actually became an opportunity, an opportunity to share my beliefs about Christ and His saving grace.
Nevertheless, what I thought was a done deal, was anything but finished.
In my sophomore year I was informed that the skirt option would no longer be granted. Wearing the pants uniform was now mandatory and the decision was being heavily enforced as our unit would be competing at an extremely important competition. Several of my shipmates pleaded with me to give in “just this once” and wear the standard pant uniform. I politely declined and thought the issue was over; yet my senior instructors were not so willing to let this issue pass. I was requested to attend a meeting with my Commander and school support staff. I was informed I either wore the pant uniform or I would be removed from the program. Along with my removal, all credits I received during my time in the program would be removed from my record. Absence of those credits would delay my graduation and lower my current grade point average.
While my instructors assured me they would be happy to speak with my parents and pastor regarding this decision, I knew it was my choice to make. I started to feel some imitation from those around me but just as suddenly I felt a calm come over me and with boldness I faced the adult leaders. I explained that regardless of what my pastor and parents said this was my choice and my convection. Yes, they had been instilled in me as a child but I had come to love this Truth for myself. I would stand by my decision regardless of the consequences it would bring. No discussion was necessary, my decision was made – I would not wear the pants.
The tension in the room was thick but I knew that it was in God’s hands now. The outcome was as I had expected and I was informed that I would be removed from the program. While I couldn’t see it at the time God was just getting started with the miracle he had in mind for me.
I was surprised to receive a request to appear in the NJROTC offices two weeks later since I had been under the impression the outcome was final. It seemed my stance for Holiness had impressed my instructors and they had decided on a new compromise. I was invited to return to the program with all my credits being restored. In addition all females would be required to wear the skirt uniform until I graduated and left the program!
Since that day I have had many opportunities to witness about my faith and was blessed to see a fellow classmate and her mother receive this precious Truth. I was invited to return that following summer to help with the incoming freshman class and received a wonderful surprise. The supply room was stocked with a complete rack of skirts for the incoming females. Noticing my surprise my Commanding Officer told me, “that’s your doing; it is become of you those skirts hang on the racks.”
~ Except from the personnel testimony of Naomi Chavez
Authors Note: Naomi Chavez was awarded valedictorian of her graduating class with a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Her monumental stand for Holiness was noticed by her High School administration during her commencement along with a private letter of admiration to her pastor.
Amber Baus holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from California Baptist University and is pursuing a teaching credential in Special Education. She is currently employed with the Riverside County Office of Education as an Administrative Assistant in Technology. Amber attends Inland Lighthouse Church pastored by Rev. Larry Booker where is she is involved with a variety of ministries and community programs.
