Cover Up!!....and Look Good!

1 Timothy 2:9
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel...."

Summer is right around the corner! That means no school, plenty of sunshine, fun, excitement, pool parties and beach parties....and swimsuits. With that in mind, I figured it was time for a blog post on a certain subject: MODESTY.

I will admit, nowadays, when you hear the word "modest," most cringe or run away screaming. Sadly, the word "modesty" is thought of as boring, draby, and plain. Well, I beg to differ. :)

My sisters and I are big advocates of modesty. And we have discovered that you can dress attractively and modern while still honoring Christ with your clothing. As our culture promotes clothing that draws eyes to curves and skin, God, however, commands His people to dress in a way that draws attention to HIM. Showing lots of skin and wearing jeans, skirts, dresses, or blouses that are tight, short, or revealing will eventually cause others to lust after us, thus committing mental adultery with us. (Matthew 5:28) That's serious!!

Back when I was just entering my teenage years and wanting to dress modern and appealing, I struggled with the boundary of "what's okay" and "what's not okay" when buying clothes. I remember a conversation I had with my dad. After showing him an outfit he gently dismissed, I frustratingly said, "Dad, how do I KNOW if something is modest or not? How can I dress modestly and still look pretty and modern?" He said something then that changed my life. He looked at me and said, "Modesty isn't solely about length of dress or how high the neckline is. I'll just say this: if you try, you will. If you try to dress to draw eyes to your body and show off your beauty, then you most definitely will. But if you try to dress modestly and glorifying to the Lord....you will succeed." I have learned that this is true. Modesty is more of a heart and mind issue. If you desire to lead others to HIM, instead of yourself, then you will discover that you will want to dress accordingly. And as you draw nearer to the heart of God, then you will want to cover up. I once heard a wise father say, "Do not give men a preview of what only your husband is meant to see." That goes for the men too!

My sisters and I have learned a fun way to dress cute, fun and attractive while still being modest. We call it "the layering method." When we are given a peice of clothing that is too short or too low, we layer it! We wear tights under it, a shirt over it, a blouse behind it or in front it, and we cover ourselves while still looking fun and modern.

So we encourage you - COVER UP!! Honor our King with your clothes. Cultivate dignity and nobility while leading others to His light - in every way. You can dress attractively without dressing to attract. You can be modest...and still look good!


** Below are some websites where you can buy modest (yet modern!) clothing at reasonable prices!

http://www.purefashion.com/
http://www.diviinemodestee.com/
http://sierrabrooke.com/

Here are three brand new websites that offers tasteful and modest swimsuit apparel:
http://www.shadeclothing.com/
http://www.limericki.com/
http://www.hydrochic.com/