Modesty! Everyone’s favorite topic…. ESPECIALLY during Homecoming season!
Let me just say this: you can do it. You can be gorgeous without twice the makeup you usually wear. You can be outrageously stunning without showing off your body. You can have the perfect, magical dress, without spending hundreds! It is possible and you are capable. We believe in you and are cheering you on! Be that beautiful, classy girl and show others what it looks like.
There are so many aspects of modesty… and I’m going to give some insight on a few of them! The first thing that comes to mind is sexual modesty. And there is a lot to be said about this.
Throughout the fashion industry, social media and cultural groups today, there is much controversy over what it means to be modest, and what modesty is or is not. In the most concise, understandable possible, modesty is class.
Modesty is not making sure you don’t get assaulted sexually, but modesty is realizing that guys are inherently visual creatures and being considerate of that unchangeable and sometimes struggle-some fact. Modesty is asking yourself why you want to wear something, and choosing clothes for the right reasons. If, as a female, you’re into wearing belly shirts, low cut tops, small shorts – or ultra-short, ultra-low, form fitting dresses – ask yourself why you like those clothes. Is it because if you wear what’s in and post “outfit of the day” photos online you will have more followers? Is it because you feel you need to dress fashionably, and that happens to be what pop culture labels as fashionable? Or, is it because when you do wear those things, that really cute guy who’s a few years older than you pays a bit more attention? Are revealing clothes, the attention you draw, or your fashionability where you find your self-worth?
Consider these questions, answer them honestly, and pull out some of that warrior strength from within your heart, and make a hard decision. Do you need to rethink your clothing choices, or, even scarier, reconsider your homecoming dress?
Modesty is not a rule – it is a lifestyle. Modesty is not relative – it is all-inclusive.
Do you want to be thought of as a classy, put-together, respectable person? Do you want to be treated as one? I’m going to assume you do! Class is universal, not circumstantial. It is contradicting to claim that you “have class” while inconsiderately disregarding the fact that men are inherently visual, or choosing to wear an outfit to gain popularity or attract a desired eye. That is just the way it works!
We believe in you! Keep the motives behind your clothing choices pure. Empowerment, beauty, and self- confidence are more abundantly found in nurturing relationships with good people, pursuing your passions, learning about what you love – and doing it all because you are loved by a Father who died for you, who wants the best for you, and who is by your side every step of the way. There is more joy found in choices that are pure, even when they are really, really hard.
Another type of modesty is economical modesty. Economically immodest people dress to “flaunt their wealth.” – Randy Richards; “We see no dangers in the human tendency to assert our status in the way we dress.”
Being economically modest is often discounted (or entirely forgotten) next to sexual modestly – but it is of the same importance; as the downfall sexual immodestly is lust, while the downfall of economical immodestly is jealousy and/or pride. Both are corrupt, and aren’t participated in by people with class, or people with God’s heart.
Being modest isn’t only about wearing clothing that covers private and intimate parts of your body; being modest is also about not displaying yourself in a way aimed at being noticed by others for how nice your clothes are. It’s hard to represent Jesus when people can’t see past your glamorous attire that is all about drawing attention to yourself.
People with class are considerate of others, mindful in their decisions, and regardful of the overall way they present themselves – these things all resulting in true modesty, in every sense.
Be blessed and be modest – you are loved!
Isabel Siegal, or “bel” for short is 18 years old just moved to Westerville, Ohio. She has a passion for all aspects of wellness – organic veggies, nature adventures, and the pursuit and understanding of truth. Non-fiction books, house plants, trips to Whole Foods, and running at Hoover Reservoir are some of the things she loves to do. She is a true conversationalist, and an ideas girl with a massive love for connecting with people. Right now, the Lord is teaching her to trust Him, and to dream big!
