The Attack of Immodesty

  Everywhere. It's EVERYWHERE!!

  Every speck of media glorifies some super-skinny, fixed-up, dolled-up, and under-dressed hussy. This is ridiculous. It is so easy to get discouraged...
  There is more to being a woman than being physically attractive, but couture has shoved aside all propriety and modest in pursuit of something that brings immediate fulfillment. 
  I, for one, am sick of trying to live up to standards so low.  I'm tired of my worth being judged by my dress size.

"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She... works with eager hands.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
She is clothed in strength and dignity;
she can laugh at days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, 
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her husband... praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise..." -Proverbs 31

  Where are the men who honor a woman of this character far above bikini babes?
  I think the more appropriate question would be, Where are the women who are displaying something far more valuable?

  What I mean is, physical appearance has become so idolized by women, young girls especially, right? Why?
  Because guys like it... Right?

  Yes, BUT I also believe guys will be satisfied with less (i.e., a beach babe) if that's all they've been conditioned to be satisfied with. Get it? When women are of lower standard, guys are of lower standard. When women are ok with being (in fact, striving to be) nothing more than physically desirable, that's all they're ever going to be. So many women are frustrated with being seen as nothing more than an object, when in reality, that is how they are projecting themselves. 

  Where are the women who will put aside the vain pursuits and will instead be clothed with strength and dignity? who will challenge themselves to hearken to Paul when he writes, "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."

  Now, anyone who knows me at all knows that I am one who happens to "puffy heart" elaborate hairstyles, pearls, and snazzy clothing. I am not suggesting that Christian gals should dress shabbily, or dully. The challenge comes with balancing cute outfits with modesty, keeping "strength and dignity" in mind. Dress like the Daughter of the King of Kings!! He does not, by any means, want you looking drab, but clothed with the humble dignity of a princess, and with mystique and mystery. (Mystique and Mystery in a gal, by the way, is far more interesting than a girl who is willing to give-all and show-all on the first impression... what's to be won?)

  Don't be afraid to rise above. You don't have to stoop to the stupid standards of society. Give those guys a run for their money!! Dressin' modestly means that any man that comes a-callin' (and a man most certainly he would be!) must see something other than just the outside appearance.

  You are worth far more than any average guy deserves. Don't be satisfied with anything less than a Man. 

  A Man sees the worth in a girl who has better things to do than show off what is only meant for her husband's eyes. 
  A Man notices the way you treat others and shine with Jesus more than the amount of make-up you didn't bother to put on that morning. 
  A Man is more concerned with finding a Woman who cares more about character than keeping up with the fickle fashion world.

  Besides, I've hear that when he falls for you, you become the most beautiful girl in the world anyway;)
  It is far to easy to go with the flow, especially when there are really cute outfits that you know cross the lines. And, admit it, it feels really good to feel desirable! I stand much taller knowing that I look good! But before you walk out your door in the morning, make a heart check:

1) Am I wearing this top because it's flattering? Or because it highlights every desirable place of my torso?
2) Is there any way this outfit could accidentally be immodest in any way? (this is when you mentally walk through your day: Will you be sitting? Check your skirt length. Will you be bending over? Check your V-neck. Is it windy? )
3) Is my motive to protect the eyes of my brothers? Or to be noticed? 
4) Am I going out of my way to look desirable, attractive, or sexy to guys?

  Maybe it's because I have brothers, and maybe it's because I have a boyfriend, but every time I'm around a gal who is showing too much, it makes me wish I was ElastiGirl so I could cover every guys' eyes within a 100-yard area. I want to protect my boys, all of them! Those girls, whether they know it or not, are stealing from them what is only meant for one girl to give. Don't be the girl who takes away from an amazing relationship. Every time a guy looks at a girl who makes him stumble, she is giving him something only his wife is meant to give, and she is taking something that isn't meant for her. This is thievery. While it is not our responsibility to keep every guy pure with his eyes, sometimes they can't help it. Give them a bit of help!

  I have challenged myself to be the girl a guy can relax around. I don't want to be the girl a guy has to struggle through a simple conversation with because he is too distracted. I want to be someone who they can look at unashamedly, not a reason to make them guard their eyes. I want to give the guys a rest. 

  And I refuse to keep being categorized as a girl of lesser value just because my skirts aren't short enough!! My value cannot be determined by what guys think of me. 

[All photo credit goes to Josiah Crumrine:)]