As summer comes closer and school comes to a close I would like to talk about Modesty.
Have you ever been to the beach in summer? Or the pool on a hot day? Have you ever noticed what the women and young ladies are wearing? Most likely they are wearing bright, revealing, tight bikinis; or short shorts and thread bare, low-necked tank tops.
"People feel strangely at liberty to shed their clothes and boldly parade in nothing more than what we refer to as 'colored underwear'", (Raising Maidens of Virtue)
Reflecting on that, we know that modesty is not only how much flesh is exposed or what we choose to wear. It is also how we carry ourselves. Ultimately, it comes down to a heart problem (1 Peter 3:3-5). When women dress this way it screams "Look at me!" (Proverbs 7:10). "It may not be what was on [their] mind, but it was what she was communicating to others, and I am certain that men walking [around them] heard that message loud and clear."(Raising Maidens of Virtue)
"One of the first evidences of a real lady is that she should be modest. By modesty we mean that she shall not say, do, nor wear anything that would cause her to appear gaudy, ill-bred [rude], or unchaste [not pure]. There should be nothing about her to attract unfavorable attention, nothing in her dress or manner that would give a man an excuse for vulgar comment. When we dress contrary to the rule of modesty we give excuses for unwholesome thoughts in the minds of those who look upon us, and every girl who oversteps these bounds makes herself liable to misunderstanding and insult, though she may be innocent of any such intentions." (Beautiful Girlhood)
We are in a culture that glorifies self, vulgarity, sloppiness, and perversion. Though we are surrounded by this culture we don't have to be immersed in it.
Here are some tips on how to stay modest this summer. Some of these tips might require someone to help you out. ask your mom. Remember these aren't set in stone rules, and the Bible nowhere specifies what clothes you should wear. But these are what I and my fellow contributors usually follow.
Tips on Summertime Modesty
-Raise your hands above your head, then touch your toes. Is your tummy or back showing? You might want to consider another shirt or a long tank top to cover. 'But I won't raise my hands above my head/I won't bend down that low!' Trust me, you never know when you'll have to raise your hand to reach above that top shelf, or when you need to bend down to grab something you dropped.
-How low is your neck-line? Look in the mirror with your hands on your knees. Do you see cleavage? If so, then so does everyone else! For those who are fuller in the chest area, you may need to be more careful of certain fabrics. Sweaters, knits, and the newer "stretchy" fabric tend to cling and accentuate the bust line, and tops that are too large fall open easily.
-Ask your mom to watch you walk up a flight of stairs. Can she see below your skirt/dress? Try wearing leggings.
-Do you wear skirts with slits that are cut higher than you would actually wear your skirt? Consider sewing up the slit or wear leggings.
-How short is to short for shorts/skirts/dresses? I would say that for dresses and skirts, no more than above the knee. For shorts 6 to 7 inches above the knee is fine.
-Is your shirt tight fit? Consider wearing a cardigan or not wearing it at all.
-For tank tops or sheer/see thru tops, just wear tank tops underneath.
-Bikinis are a no for modesty. Consider wearing a whole bathing suit with a rash guard and board shorts.
-Sorry ladies! Strapless shirts/dresses are a no, unless you wear a cardigan over and don't take it off.
Here are some examples of dressing modestly.
Are you having trouble finding modest clothes this summer? Here are some websites that sell modest apparel:
- aprilcornell.com
- liliesapparel.com
- sensibility.com (if you like to sew)
- simplyskirts.com
- frenchtoast.com
- coldwatercreek.com
If your'e not an online shopper, there is Old Navy (which sells the bermuda shorts and always has good tanks to wear for layering), TJMaxx, Ross, Marshalls, and maxi skirts and dresses are awesome. But you still need to be cautious, even if it's on display it doesn't mean it's for you. (1 Peter 2:11)
Thanks for reading! Be sure to come next week to see a post by Anna! And check out our Instagram! @t_a_j_blog
~Serena
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