Be Not Afraid! What is the fear that women have with wearing modest dress in today's society?
Line up Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Mother Teresa....which one would you trust with your children? Which one do you respect the most? Why? It's not just the way someone is dressed...that would be superficial... but we know, from our human experience, that the way someone dresses reflects their character and often their beliefs. When you see a Catholic nun or a priest...well, you don't even have to ask! A President looks Presidential. And so on down the list we could go.
A virtuous woman should look virtuous. By dressing otherwise, what are you trying to say...or, in some cases, show and why?
Genesis 35:2 "So Jacob told his household and all who were with him: 'Get rid of the foreign gods among you; then purify yourselves and change your clothes.' "
A change in heart can, in some instances, require a change in outward dress.
The Catholic Catechism states this on modesty: 2522 "Modesty is decency. It inspires one's choice of clothing."
So what does this mean for today's woman? How am I dressing? Am I drawing attention to myself or parts of my body in a way that could lead another to sin? Am I spending more than a reasonable amount of money on my clothing? Clothing is a necessity but should not become a status symbol. Do I have too many clothes? Maybe someone else could benefit from my excess. Why do I feel I need to look a certain way? Whom am I trying to please?
I've heard people use the argument, "Doesn't God love me just the way I am? What does it matter what I wear?" Yes, it's true. God loves all mankind. We are His greatest creation. But when we come to Him with contrite hearts, we become a new creation. We turn from our old ways and habits, just like Jacob's household. And our outer-self should reflect the inner heart. One that is pure and seeks God's will and approval above all else.
So what do I do if my wardrobe currently consists of the latest and greatest...the best that the malls and internet have to offer. Skinny jeans, short skirts, low-cut tops, see through clothing leaving nothing to the imagination.
You pray...God desires this type of communication with us. We pray and we listen. Pray about this issue of modesty in your life, and I guarantee God will respond! You may feel led to small changes at first, or do what I did and get rid of everything and march down to the local thrift store for modest replacements! We are each individuals and will respond differently.
Seek out a godly, Christian woman in whom you have observed true Christian modesty. Don't be shy to ask for her wise counsel and prayer. A woman who is living a virtuous life is more than happy to share her wisdom with others.
For many women, sewing garments for their families is a way to completely avoid the worldliness of fashion. And the work involved is offered up as a sacrifice to the Lord and for her family.
Don't know anything about sewing? Well, it's never too late to learn! I find it to be an enjoying and relaxing hobby. And what better hobby than one that can benefit your family in this way! Be creative, learn a new skill, teach your daughters, have fun with it!
Meditate on Scripture. Proverbs 31:10-31 is a great place to start. Don't compare yourself negatively to this ideal woman, but, rather, ask God where He can help you change. Be the best woman you can be for the Lord and, in turn, you will reflect Him to your family and society.
Take these one step at a time, one prayer at a time. Change will come and lasting change will come to those who commit this area of their lives to the Lord on a daily basis and continually seek Him.
God Bless you on your journey and Happy New Year!
