Yes, you did read the blog title correctly! Modesty! I have come to the realization that modesty has grown to have some negative connotations in our ever changing society. If you are like me, and grew up in an extremely conservative home, then you would be familiar with being modest. However, I realize that many people didn’t grow up like I did and might not understand the relevance of modesty. I have observed that most younger girls these days don’t even think of modesty in any area of their lives. Of course this is not their faults! Modesty has a lot more to do with living than just clothes. It has to do with being a daughter of God, obeying parental guidance, and living in such a way that we are an influence and represent our King Jesus.
My goal these next few months is to introduce to you some ideas of modesty and how to apply it to everyday life.
I attended a private Christian school from Preschool until the end of 3rd grade. Then my parents decided to homeschool my brother and me. I was completely thrilled! I have no idea what drew me to being home-schooled, but ever since I started 4th grade at home I adored being home-schooled. I also intend to homeschool my own children when the time comes. I adapted to being home-schooled flawlessly. Not to say that my mother and I never disagreed about school or chores, but I loved the way home-schoolers lived! I wanted to wear the long skirts, and braid my hair, and bake delicious homemade goodies, and craft to my hearts content! This was the life for me! So almost without my parents to guide me, I developed a heart of modestly. I was somewhat ridiculed for my choice of clothing and my excessive crocheting at the age of 14. Somehow I just didn’t care! They were still my friends whether I wore long skirts and sweaters or not and I think secretly they were just jealous!
I just adore the concept of being modest. I also believe that it is a part of our mandate as a Princess of the KING! In 1 Timothy 2:9-10
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
I know this text is controversial because of the fact that we know God doesn’t mind if we wear expensive things or adorn shiny objects on our ears. Paul wrote this letter to the church of Ephesus. Scholars believe that He wrote such strict instructions to the women because they had a problem with worrying too much about their beauty and status in the church than worshiping God. That is where modesty comes in. It is to show God that we care about our bodies and are respectful not to show them off for everyone to see.
So I want to make a list of some things that I think can help. Starting from head to toe:
- Cleavage - It is always best if there is none showing. Try getting some extra long tank tops to wear under tops to give some added coverage, also having a correct fitting bra can help tremendously.
- Bellies - I know at certain times showing off a belly is okay. For instance, age 0-4, and perhaps when pregnant. (Bathing suits are not included right now.) When trying on an adorable top at the store, lift arms to the ceiling to see how far the top rides up.
- Butts - Please no plumbers! Cheeks are only cute when you’re smiling! A good rule of thumb is to always bend over and touch your hands to the floor when trying on new pants. A belt is always welcome as well!
- Legs - This one has mixed opinions, I know. Mine is that anything above finger tip length is a bit too short for naked legs. This means when trying on shorts, skirts, or dresses relax arms at sides and see where your fingers touch. If you still want that short skirt style just add a cute printed tight or sheer panty hoes.
There are so many ways to wear what is in style and still be modest! I hope these simple steps can help! Let me know what you think about modesty! Did you grow up learning about modesty? Let me know how you feel about modesty in our society.
Blessings :)
