Belle and I were talking today about this website that she found and it got me thinking the rest of the after noon:
What is Modesty?
If you only had two minutes to explain modesty to an absolute stranger, whom you would never see again, how would you?
Incomplete
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10 comments:
Ok, I will start this out saying that only the first part of this is something that I've thought about personally before. The other two are definitely worth passing along though, I think!
1. Modesty is a mindset. I had a friend back in Nebraska who really made an impact on me in this area. She had modesty so ingrained in her that she would often ask if what she was thinking of wearing looked too low, tight, etc. She really did not want to show off her body, and that really stuck with me.
2. "Clothing is immodest if by its style, cut, coloration, or fit it hinders others from looking at our face... God wants His character to be communicated through the countenance of Christians. Their clothes and hairstyles should simply be the frame to the character of the face, not a detraction from it." (Bill Gothard, from 'How To Stand Alone')
3. I heard this on Christian radio on Nancy Leigh DeMoss' program, quoting a fashion designer from the 1930's (I think that was the year). It was in regards to those who would either wear clothing so baggy you couldn't tell for sure if they were women, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, if their clothing was too tight/revealing. She said,
"Your clothing should be snug enough to show you are a woman, but loose enough to prove you're a lady." How's that for a fashion designer? I think she even designed for Hollywood stars! Things sure have changed...
Did I exceed two minutes? :-/
Kristi W
I think attitude is a huge thing. You can wear stuff that completely covers you up and is loose, but if your attitude is to be showy and attract ungodly attention, that's so very immodest. Your attitude has to be righteous and desiring modesty.
As for the clothes themselves, obviously really tight, really low-cut, short bottoms, and the like are immodest. But after a certain point there's such a fine line, and it can be hard. I like what Kristi said in her number 3.
After looking through the Rebolution's Modesty Survey, I have considered some things that I wouldn't think were immodest, but that just might be.
What would YOU say?
Erica
Off topic:
I'm very sorry to comment twice, but I just saw in your profile that your favorite music is A.K.U.S. Would that possibly be Alison Krauss and the Union Station? Quite curious!
Erica
"If you don't want to attract dogs don't dress like a sirloin?"
Seriously, though... I completely agree with Kristi...
Ditto Kristi.
I love that last quote from the designer.
I remember one time I was in a awkward situation, a modesty debate, what the Bible says, what you should wear. It was getting pretty picky, length of skirts and such. I was just getting ready to leave when someone announced that there were 2 young ladies in the room who were modesty experts and we should get their take on the subject. I looked around realizing that my sister and I were in the only young ladies in the room and that everyone was looking at us. My heart stopped and my throat constricted. A modesty expert! Who me!?!? I looked at the nearest door and then back at the author of my supposed title. I gulped, said a quick prayer and launched into what I prayed would be led of God. You see, I'd never really thought about in a sense of explaining it, or what do I really think about it. I just didn't want to look like the world. I wanted to glorify God...
I someone managed to get out that that when I buy clothes I always run them by Mom or a sister. I look at myself in the mirror and say, ok, what do you see? Do you see God or do you see... you know, whatever... What do others see... do they see God? If I wear this will it glorify God or will it make others stumble. It's not something legalistic; how long the hem should be, etc. It's am I glorifying God. And it's not just the outside that matters. I can wear long skirts and sweaters till Christ comes, because I'm supposed to. But if on the inside I am wanting to wear shorts and a tank top, well, that's not modesty. Because what is inside shows outside. So, I suppose what I ended up saying what somewhat Kristi's second point was.
I hope that made sense. If it doesn't, just delete it :)
It was during the above situation that I got my 2 minutes to explain modesty. I think it must have made sense, we didn't talk about it anymore after that, and I went to bed :) As for modesty expert, I'm no expert just a Son of God trying to glorify her Father in heaven.
oh, and what was the website?
I agree with about everyone. Erica and I have talked about the attitude before. So I guess if I had 2 min. I would say that, what matters is the heart, if my heart and mind are modest, my deminor with be. If you go to God with an open heart and say "how should I dress myself?" If you listen and hear from God then follow what he says, you are being modest.
As a side note, I really hate it when people get techy about it. "The skirt must be 3 1/2 inches under the knee" Oh brother!
Lydia
wow, i thought that 'modesty survey' was definitely worth looking into. it seems that it was young men taking the survey (or am i mistaken?)and if they are saying they have a problem with certain things, it is good to take heed and prayerfully consider.
but y'all girls are right... modesty is definitely an attitude of our hearts. i was looking at matthew 15 last night, where Jesus talked about all the things that proceed from the heart, or maybe you could say, carnal nature. it's something to ponder in light of the question of modesty. what's MY attitude?
Kristi
Just a thought that came to me while at work. Some people think of modesty as a doctrine.
So, if someone asked me about modesty the first thing I would probably say is that Modesty isn't a doctrine, it's an attitude of the heart, a conviction.
I comment yet again. Yes, Kristi, it was all guys that contributed to the Rebelution's modesty survey. Anonymous girls asked questions, and then anonymous guys answered. Quite interesting, I thought.
Erica
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