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I have worn my garments day and night since I was 19 and took out my endowments. The only exceptions have been swimming and exercise. I have begun to wonder lately about this…I have never questioned the practice and was simply obedient. Has anyone ever “taken a break” from garment wearing? I know this is a very personal question…I just figured this would be about the safest place I could ask… I realize if I “take a break” I won’t be able to attend the temple…but I am taking a break from that right now anyway… I guess I don’t have to take a break from wearing g’s while I research why I am wearing g’s, but I think it is curiosity more than anything…
Anyone have personal experience with this?
I have never taken a break, and I don’t intend to, in spite of and because of the implications of my signature line. Also because I am a very traditional, conservative kind of person, and I like wearing the garments in a daily sort of way even while I sometimes look at them and say, “Tom! Are you sure you want to be wearing a polygamist’s uniform?” I guess my answer to myself is, “Yes. It’s not a polygamist’s uniform to my bishop, my dad, or my wife. So why does it have to be to me?” I guess by wearing the garment I am affirming that the worst of the meanings, scandals, and outrages of the past don’t have to determine my response to the present. I can frankly share how dismaying it is that Joseph Smith led the children of Zion into polygamous promiscuity (family mixing) while still accepting the spirit of the temple perspective of President Hunter. I have not set foot inside a temple for over 8 years now, and have not held a temple rec for about 3 (because of beliefs), but I continue to wear my garments. This is completely personal, but to me wearing them symbolizes my continued commitment to keep attending the church, and if I ever leave, they will be the first thing to go. I also feel that I have to set the example to my kids. If I want to keep going to church for their sake, then part of keeping up appearances is the wearing of garments. I also agree with Tom, that it is possible to separate the history of garment-wearing (which is, I agree, troubling) from what they symbolize to most members today and what more importantly they mean to you on a personal level.
I like the reminder of my covenants – and, let’s face it, Mormons were WAY ahead of the cultural curve when it comes to long, baggy boxers and loose-fitting t-shirts. 😆 Garments are peculiar, to say the least. In the book Strangers in Paradox, the Toscanos suggested symbolic meaning that I thought was insightful about how they symbolize not only covenants but also Christ in a very direct way. They can reinforce our focus on Christ if that symbolic meaning has value to you. Men’s G’s are frankly not that far afield from men’s underwear. It is the woman’s version that is more difficult in terms of comfort and norm. Most I know do not wear them for any exercise (including walking, bike riding, hiking, yoga, whatever) or to the doctor. You have to follow your own conscience on this. That’s what I do. I would also not worry about the kids’ views on it either as they are usually pretty clueless about G’s, even in very TBM households.
Thanks for the honest and thoughtful responses. I seriously can’t imagine NOT wearing my garments in the normal course of my day but it struck me as interesting this morning as I was preparing for work and realized that I had never really thought about it much. I do agree that they remind me of the covenants I have made and the relationship I have with my Savior…. I think it is something I need to think about more seriously, research, and come to understand more of their significance in my life. Thanks!
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