Modesty: My Stand on it :)

In preparation for this blog's Feminine Fashion Week (which begins tomorrow!) I thought I share with you my own thoughts on modesty/femininity. It would do absolutely no good at all for me to just start up a Feminine Fashion Week without letting people know where I stand on the entire issue! So here's the deal in three points. (I'll expand on each later)

1. We are women. We ought to dress like women

2. Men are men. We have the responsibility and privilege to help them keep their hearts and minds pure.

3. Modesty does not mean frumpiness.

Okay. :) That being said, let me talk a little more about the first point. (And remember here, I am going off of the idea that you already know that inward beauty is far more important than outward, and that Jesus sees your heart, not your dress size. :)

1. We are Women. We ought to dress like women. To me, femininity is a beautiful privilege and something I treasure. I am so glad God made me a woman, and I think it pleases Him when I dress like one. In my opinion, that doesn't mean that I have to wear skirts or dresses all the time. There are jobs that require jeans, and there are days when I just don't feel like tramping around our property with a long skirt on. However, for most of my days, dressing like a woman usually includes wearing a skirt, a nicer top (if I'll be seeing anyone. ;) and having my hair in something other than a pony-tail. Not that there's anything wrong with a pony-tail, but my friends used to swear I was born with one. I took the hint. ;)

2. Men are men. We have the responsibility and privilege to help them keep their hearts and minds pure. This is really important, girls.Even if you have "it", that doesn't mean it's right to flaunt "it". None of you would ever dream of having an affair when you are married, I know. But by Jesus' standards, lust is the same as committing adultery, and if we are dressing in a manner that causes men to stumble, we've just helped them commit that sin. That's why I've made a decision to dress with modesty. I don't want to be viewed by men as "eye-candy". You might get attention but great Scot, it won't be the kind of man you want to marry! I think the single biggest thing we can do to help the guys in our life stay on track, is by dressing with modesty. For me, that means not wearing skirts that come above my knees, making sure my jeans/capris are not too tight around my curves. It means not wearing low-cut tops or dresses, and not showing cleavage. It also means not wearing fabrics that are snug against my skin.
But I would like to make a point. We can't entirely eradicate lust from the sin-nature of man. That just isn't feasible. Dress in a fashion that glorifies God, but leave results up to Him. :)

3. Modesty does not mean frumpiness. I can't tell you how many young women I meet who are confused by the issue. They think that because they seek modesty, they must look like flour-sacks and never do anything with their hair and for heaven's sake NEVER wear any make-up. :P That is not at all true. Beauty is pleasing. Neat and pretty personal habits make for a much better experience for people who are around you. It's okay to have style. It's okay to have cute shoes. I have several I'll show you this week. ;) It's okay to present yourself in the best way you can. I would even go so far as to say it's right and pleasing to God to present ourselves in the best way we can. We are, after all, His temple, and we are ambassadors for Christ. Who wants to know about a God you follow if your hair is a rats' nest, your clothes are stained and torn, and you're wearing a dismal frown?
What is true is that the best adornment for a woman is the unfading beauty of a meek and quiet spirit. I think of meekness, not as mousy submission, but as quiet strength. A woman who could have much to say and much wisdom in what she says, be chooses to submit to the authorities in her life with a joyful heart.

So that's where I'm coming from, and that's why I'm having this Feminine Fashion Week, and that's why I love being a woman. :) ~Rachel

(And here are three absolutely lovely coats that I will buy if I marry a millionaire. Ahem.)