I was at the gas station last night and I witnessed something very. very. sad. A young woman who was pumping her gas had tied her t-shirt up to reveal her entire mid-section. The young man running the station had a very clear view and was visibly excited...I was grossed out! Ladies, cover yourselves for the love of all things holy!! Don't you understand that you will be held accountable for leading others into sin?? Seriously, this is WRONG...if you have any doubts...just don't wear it. You are causing men to NOT respect women, do you really want to be viewed as an object, not as a soul?? What about when you are 50 or 60...what then?? If you spend your life trying to stimulate men visually, women will distrust you and men won't see your worth. Wake up and put on some clothes!!!!
I TIMOTHY 2:8-10: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women professing godliness with good works,”
Okay, I hope I have your attention. What is appropriate then??
Here are a few things to avoid:
- Skirts or dresses, or shorts that are too short. If the skirt is two inches above the knee then it is too short.
- Clothing that is too tight. Clothes don't have to be overly baggy or ill-fitting to be "modest", but they should not cling. It can be fitted but if the cloth has to stretch for you to put your hand under it, it's too tight.
- Bikinis...ALL OF THEM!
- Shirts that are see-through. Pair these with a modest t-shirt or other top underneath if you wish to wear them. Use your best judgment.
- Any shirt or dress that is too low cut in the front or back.
I JOHN 2:16-17: “For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
If we as women take an active role in dignity and promote self-worth using modesty, we will be greatly respected and give glory to God. As God asked Adam and Eve after they sinned in the garden, "Where are you?" Did He not know where they were?? Of course He did. He wanted them to know where they were in their hearts.We must asked ourselves the same question when choosing clothing.
MATTHEW 5:27-28: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a women to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Do we want to have the burden of someone else's sin on our souls as well? Personally, I have more than I need to have without having that added burden!!
Great great post, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about this this morning as I was sitting on the deck while my kids played in the kiddie pool. (Yes, I'm aware it was 63 degrees this morning. Gemma had been begging for the past 24 hours so I figured, why not, she'll get out, see how cold it is, and want to come right back in. They both played gleefully for the better part of an hour. Shows what I know about whether or not it's warm enough to swim. But that's an entire post in and of itself.) I digress. I was thinking how grateful I was for Target's modest line of children's swimwear. Have you seen them. They are a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with a mock turtle-neck essentially for girls, and trunks and the same top for boys. Not only are they modest and adorable, but they really save on the sunscreen as well. I am absolutely nuts about them and just pray they carry them in years to come. Now if I could just find something appropriate for me. ACK. I have a tankini that I like alright, and paired with a pair of shorts and a tank top I feel OK in it, but even it could use more material in the bottoms and the top. SOCIETY!!
Here's a link. Aren't they adorable?!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.target.com/dp/B004FNM1XC/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0_2242997011
I also decided this year to get rid of all Gemma's shorty-shorts and just stick with the bermuda style ones. I know one could argue that she's only 3 and it's cute, but what kind of habits is that teaching her. Plus, do I really want some sicko to see her underwear hanging out, because let's face it, she's still learning to sit/stand/act/move like a lady. I figure why not put her in something that gives her the freedom to move around and act like a kid and still look modest and appropriate. Anyways, now I am rattling on and on. Can you tell I feel strongly about this as well?
ReplyDeleteMonica,Wow! I think those are adorable, Hannah had a 2 piece like that last year. Modesty for children is a whole post in itself. Hannah blessedly is very modest..the exception is on wearing soccer type shorts, but they aren't super short, just not as long as bermudas. Her 2 favorite pairs of shorts are bermudas though. I think you are right in starting young, then there is no "transition" time when you have to change everything she has ever known..it's just part of "family rules" to dress with dignity. I hear you on the swimwear for women issue...ugh...and all the ads for them..YUCK!
ReplyDeleteI think the soccer style shorts are just fine, I own a few pair myself, and Gemma has some knit ones this year as well. They are longer but not as long as bermuda.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice having like-minded friends.
BLESSINGS!
Great post Debi. I have to admit that I started thinking about modesty a lot more after I had a daughter and have been much more conscience of how I dress and what I buy for her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant post, I completely agree with everything said. I just wish I had some friends this side of the pond who agreed! A good friend of mine gave Matilda some lovely clothes for summer - designer labels and all. Unfortunately 2 pairs of the shorts were VERY short, in the style of Daisy Duke! I know she's only 3 but like you've all said, teaching modesty needs to start very early on. Even I struggle with this. In the UK, women tend to wear very low cut tops. I had a friend from Canada visit who is quite liberal and even she was shocked at how low cut the tops were for women of all ages. It's something I have to keep an eye on really as sometimes its easy to forego modesty for style or even that sub-conscious pull towards conforming which sadly still sneaks up on me from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all lived close to me, you are a truly inspiring group of women and Debi, I am so glad you are my friend and sister in Christ!
Eloise, if you ever want to take a vacation to the midwest, you have a place to stay...and I can take you to meet some of these other fabulous ladies! I think the pull to conform is a constant battle for most people. We may not live close, Eloise, but we are only a blog, email, letter, or phone call away!
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