Modesty: More than Clothes?

So I recently bought an E-book to read on the lovely tablet I got for my B.day. Let me tell you how much I love this tablet. I’m reading so much more now!! J Anyway, back to the book. The book is called The Secret Keeper: The Delicate Power of Modesty. It’s not apostolic, so there are a few things in the book I don’t agree with, however, for the most part, so far, It has had so many great perspectives. My plan is to do a full review of the book once I’m done but while I read it, I may have a few things to say about it and for you to read. Lol…

So this morning I was reading about how modesty is not only about what you are wearing on the outside but also about the type of person you are wearing inside! Now I know that we know this, because essentially that’s what Paul was trying to say in that verse, “…let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious…” 1 Peter 3:4….We must have a modest spirit as well as a modest wardrobe. Now what do I mean but a modest spirit? Well, a spirit that is righteous, that is humble, that seeks what is good before God, and a spirit that essentially seeks for GOD to be seen in them, rather than themselves.

I wanted to share this quote from her book:

“You cannot limit the power of your modesty to just what you wear. It’s also controlled or forfeited by where you are willing to go with guys, when you go there and how you act. I bet you can think of girl who’s reputation as a flirt precedes her. Perhaps, she does not dress to show off the secrets of her beauty, but the way she invades a guy’s personal space or flirts with him issues an unspoken challenge concerning her sexuality”

Aint that the truth? A girl can be dress perfectly modestly but if inside of her she does not carry a modest spirit (or struggles in this area), that will go to show in her character and actions! Be careful that your actions are truly reflective of who you are trying to represent on the outside. Some things may not seem to be “bad” per say but they can certainly lead to things we would never expect if we are not careful in the way we act or where we go with men, even church men. Proverbs 14:12 -"There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."

This book has also given me a perspective of how men view women and how modesty is so important in the way we dress and act around men. Sometimes you wouldn’t think you are even doing anything wrong, but men are a totally different make-up than women, they feel and view things differently. As Christian ladies, we must also take care to cause no one to stumble. The Lord has entrusted us with a great power and Glory as women, it's up to us to use it wisely. I will share more on that as I progress in the book.

Hope this can be a blessing, especially to the younger girls following this blog! J

 

 

Modest Girl of the Week - Cindy

This week we bring you Cindy's story! She has a blog of her own, check it out here, she's got great photography skills, a very talented lady. She's also a very busy young lady, but she's not complaining! Serving the Lord with Joy.  Now lets get on with her story.

Name: Cindy Alvarez

Age: 25 years old

Ministries:

I am a Pastors wife, I sing in church, and I also am in charge of the ladies ministry. Sounds like alot but I love it. God has blessed us with brother and sisters who love the lord, and are willing to help in everything. Plus, I love being active for the Lord.

Dressing Modestly since: 

I was raised a Pentecostal, so I can proudly say that I have been dressing modestly forever. Modesty, for me, is extremely important because I have to be an example in the church. This is not the reason I dress modest though, I do it to honor God, and because I love it.

Anything you want to say about modesty:

I did go through a semi-rebellious stage, when I was younger, where I would try and get away with little things in my attire. Like a tighter skirt or a slightly above the knee. I think being modest or actually going out of your way to find something modest doesn't become an importance, until you start to actually fall in love with God. I mean actually fall in love, not just say you love Him. When you fall in love with God, it becomes easy to obey and to honor Him. You then realize how important it is to belong to God. I love the verse that says.. 1Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darknessinto his wonderful light.  We are, ladies, God's SPECIAL possession. As God's special posession we should honor him in all we do. We're special!! We gotta do what special people do, and that is stand out!!

Sidenote: A great place to find awesome skirts is at the thrift store. Also, If you need inspiration on cute modest fashions.. Pinterest is your place! You can still be stylish, and "in" while being modest too! There is really no excuse.

Thank you Cindy for sharing your thoughts and suggestions, we appreciate them!

Clothing Temptation

So today, I just want to be real.

You know how sometimes you find a skirt, dress or even a cute shirt that is 1) is absolutely gorgeous 2) Unique in every way 3) ON SALE! Then you go to try it on and, dun, dun, dun, it fits toooo skin tight or toooo short, however, it looks really great on you because your beautiful lady figure is showing. C’mon ladies, we know we are beautiful. It’s almost so tempting to buy it, so everyone can see how gorgeous we really look. It’s something in human nature to “show off” what we’ve got. But that’s when Jesus comes in. His spirit in us, shows us that it’s not about us, but about honouring him. He helps all that pride and vanity in us dissipate. However, it’s true, sometimes our human nature kicks in and we are tempted into wearing things that are immodest.

 

These are a few things to keep in mind in situations like these: Think of God and how he would consider you, and the type of attention you would bring to your body by dressing immodestly (not anything Godly that’s for sure!). Think of your own personal convictions and of how horrible you would feel for not standing up for what you believe in for a weak moment of vanity. Think of your husband (or future for the singles!) and how you would be dishonoring him by showing that which is reserved for only his eyes to see. Then think of how embarrassed you would feel if others saw you dress this way. There are something’s you can’t take back! Once you’re in the public eye view that’s it, YOU can’t erase that image they saw, that’s pretty much impossible. Than witnessing to others becomes hard, because your credibility is next to none! We must live out what we preach, preach what we are living out.

What I wanted to express with this post is that, yes we are girls who love God and want to please him in every way, but we can be real and say that there will be times in which we will be tempted to lower our standards, because we live in a “low standards” world! However, always, always, always, think twice before you go ahead and do something you will regret! Sometimes it will just be out of frustration that we can hardly find clothing that is suitable for our needs and we will go with whatever we find “half-decent” out of frustration. But there are ways to work around making things “half-decent” - decent and look absolutely great modestly.

 

Stand strong and remember that one of the fruits of the spirit is Self-Control, use it freely, as there is no law against it. - Galatians 5:22-23.

 

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. – Proverbs 31:30