Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson, wrote a strong post on modesty (or the lack of it) in today's world. I posted a comment there that Dad and I, on a trip to Lowe's, were helped by a girl of about 17. She was nice looking, and not at all overweight, but her hipster jeans were so tight she bulged over the top. And when she leaned over to roll the carpeting, well...Dad and I both looked away. She stood back up and tugged her jeans back into place, covering what had been uncovered, without missing a beat--or a chomp on her gum.Speaking of beat, that's what would have happened to me if I'd dressed like this in public when I was a teen! Okay, not really a beating (last time I was spanked was when I was 3 yrs old), but I'd sure get a talking to. Which makes me wonder, where are these kids parents? Or maybe a more impactful question: Don't these kids own mirrors??
As someone who is decidedly...um...fluffy, I know what it's like to bulge where you don't want to, even when the clothes are the right size. (But I am, I'll have you know, 25 lbs lighter than a year ago! And still dropping those life-threatening pounds, by God's grace and a wonderful fiber powder that's made a huge difference for me...)
Anyway, back on track. I can't count the number of teen and college-age e girls I see who are downright skinny, but whose clothes are so darned tight they have bulges. Especially with those hip-hugging jeans so popular today. Or who are baring bellies better left unbared.
I can't help but wonder, do they ever look at themselves in the mirror? They'd look so much better if they'd just wear clothes that fit. It's just not attractive (or, more to the point, hot) to see skin bulging over the tops of jeans. And it sure doesn't say you respect yourself or your body.
Michael Hyatt offered his girls some good guidelines for modesty. I'll offer one more: If it's not something you'd want your pastor, grandmother, or--one day--your own daughter to see you wearing, it's probably not modest. Nor, for that matter, is it a good idea.
Peace, all.
Karen B.
3 comments:
As a mom this is a topic I think about all the time. I've been careful about what I let Abigail wear since she was a toddler, so that it wouldn't be an issue later. "You let me wear a bikini last year..." add whine. And I also try to be aware of the example I set for her. In today's world it is a CHALLENGE to find clothes -- even in the young girls section -- that is modest. I can't imagine what it'll be like when she's 16! Horrors!!!
Absolutely, Karen and Cara! I have three girls 10,8 and 5 and am thankful that so far (particularly my oldest) are very modest. I can say that my hubby and I will be ensuring that continues regardless of their preferences in the future. I have particular difficulty, Cara, with choosing clothes as my older two are very tall and slim so my 10 year old is in size 14 for her height. Grrrr!!! I am thrilled to say we are friends with a couple of families with girls in their teens who are great role models for them.
I should add, having thought about it, that our sizing is different here! We don't have size 0 and 2 etc, except for babies!! Our smallest adult size is 8 and most women in Australia are a 14. The size 14 I mentioned for my daughter is a kid's 14, equivalent to and adult's 8!!!! Confused you all????
Post a Comment