Twerkin' 9 to 5

As many of you probably know, I'm a stay at home mom. In these long winter months, cabin fever is something I battle on a weekly basis. How do I combat this deadly condition? I'm a walker... a mall walker. Some weeks I'm at the mall three or four days for a few hours at a time just walking and talking (my sister or mom usually accompanies me on these trips). Mall walking also feeds one of my other habits: people watching.

The early crowds are the adorable elderly people who are there for exercise followed by a cup of coffee and good conversation. As the hours go by, the crowds get younger and eventually the majority of people fall under the category that I fear the most: teenage girls.

Uh-oh....was I like them??

I watch these young girls and most of the time, for one reason or another, I find myself wondering, "Where are their parents????" or wondering if, indeed, their parents are fully aware and okay with how their daughters are behaving and dressing. I've seen the shadiest looking grown men leering at these underage girls in a way that their foreheads may as well bear a sign that says "I'm imagining you naked....and it isn't difficult."

I'll just say it. I fully believe society is on a fast, downward spiral of not bringing up children to have respect for themselves or others. There is a "never say 'no' to a child" attitude that is producing nothing but entitled brats that are running the show when they have no business even being in charge of a goldfish.

We live in a world where a barely covered teenager who is rude, crude, and promiscuous is a 'role model'. "Wrecking Ball" is quite an appropriate title if you think about it.

Young girls are being told that their power is in their sexuality.
 "Do what you feel is right! It's all about you! Show off what you've got!!!"

You are worth so much more.
We need to get back to some 'old fashioned' values. STAT.

I think about the future for these young girls. I pray for my son's future wife. I pray for my unborn niece. I pray for any future daughters I may be blessed to have. I pray for them to know the truth.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I'm about to say it....the 'M' word.....

MODESTY.

Have I got you gagging? I know, I know, but seriously; just bear with me for a minute.

What is true modesty? Does it mean we all need to throw away our wardrobe and invest in a closet full of shapeless, colorless, head-to-toe outfits that resemble the angel costumes everybody had to wear in their elementary Christmas pageants? If that's what you feel is right for you, go for it. I personally believe there is more 'wiggle room' than that.

First and foremost, modesty should be exemplified in your character.
What does the Bible say about the ideal woman? Say it with me....

Proverbs 31: 10-31!

 

 It says she's super sexy, a great time at parties, and has the best clothes money can buy, right?

NOPE!
The virtuous woman is...

• trustworthy
• good
• hard working
• willing to work
• a good provider
• a good steward of money and time
• not afraid of adversity
• wise
• kind
• etc.

Wanna know what it says she is clothed in? v. 25 has the answer.

 

"STRENGTH and DIGNITY".

 

To me, these things fall under the category of 'heart issues.' The condition of our hearts is far more important than anything else.

 

Aren't all of our hearts longing for something? Acceptance? Confidence?  Peace? Joy? Love?

Spoiler alert: they can all be found in Christ. If you're finding these things in anything but Christ, I guarantee it will not last.

 





Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Christian, you were bought with a price. Jesus died for you because He loves you. How can we repay Him in any way? We can give Him back our lives. It doesn't even come close to what we were given, but it is all that is asked of us.

How do we live for Christ? Show Him we love Him.

How do we show Christ we love Him? Obey Him.

If your life is categorized by living for God and loving Him, modesty of character will come easily.
He's given us a ginormous "how to" book of lessons and examples on it :).

I'd just like to add that this does NOT mean you cannot be fun! God is not interested in taking away the vibrant, beautiful, unique personality that He gave you!!!
Remember: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

As a result of living with modest character, I believe physical modesty comes naturally.

All of these young girls leaving so little to the imagination break my heart. I honestly just want to hug them and tell them how beautiful they are and they don't need all of these things that society says are necessary.

I've done lots of research as of late and I feel God pointing me in a new direction.

Inspired by my research (specifically by Jessica Rey and her crusade for modesty...look her up! Watch her YouTube video!!!), I've developed a presentation that I hope to one day be able to give to young girls in a classroom/Sunday school type setting. The presentation gives spiritual inspiration towards modesty of character, as well as practical ways to implement modesty in shopping and creating outfits.

I firmly believe that as women of God, we need to be influencing the next generations to desire to become women of God as well.

I'm excited at this new challenge and where God may take me with it. It isn't for my glory, it's for Gods glory alone.

In closing I'd like to take this opportunity to challenge you to do some research of your own. Watch the Jessica Rey Bikini video on YouTube at the very least. I think your research could change your perspective and opinions on a few areas....I know it did for me.

Thank you :)
Lauren