The older I get the colder I get when north winds start to blow in the frigid days of winter. Despite the cold, however, there's one reason I absolutely rejoice when the temperature drops -- modesty. All summer I cringe at Sunday Mass when girls sashay up to Communion in dresses that barely cover their bums or short shorts...and the ubiquitous tank tops and spaghetti straps with plunging necklines. I'm not too fond of the guys' shorts, bare legs, and dirty sneakers either, but that's more about respect and the topic of another post.
Winter has a way of increasing modesty. Yes, the tight pants that draw men's eyes to a girl's crotch are still a problem, but winter brings in the long shirts and sweaters, the leggings and boots. The mini skirts (never a flattering style) pretty much disappear in favor of slacks, longer skirts, and boots.
So bring on the cold and breathe a prayer of gratitude for a few months of modesty at Mass. It's one less distraction from what's happening on the altar. And remember, girls, you are more than your body. When you dress with modesty you draw a young man's attention to your face and your eyes, the windows of the soul. Wouldn't you rather a young man learn who you are than invite him, by immodest clothing to lust for your body?
Thanks for this post. I wonder if these "babes" realize the effect they have on boys and men..."near occasion of sin" comes to mind. You're right, of course, there are no bikinis in igloos.
ReplyDeleteI am all for modesty, but think the conversation with my daughters should be about their own self-respect, self-worth, and control over their own image, not one that includes a discussion of the effect of what they wear as being an inducement to boys/men. I think that is such a sexist and immature school of thought. It belittles males (by implying that they have no self-control and can be tricked and led into sin) and belittles females as temptresses. And boys/men need to be taught modesty, too. Just as I have a no bikini policy at my pool, boys must wear a swim shirt.
ReplyDeleteGirls and boys are wired differently and I think it's not a bad thing for young women to understand that. I'm posting a video today about how men's brains react to women in scanty clothing.
ReplyDeleteI also think considering the impact your actions have on others falls into the realm of charity. It is uncharitable for men to treat women like sex objects; it is uncharitable for women to wear clothing that tempts men to treat them like sex objects.
I'll have to think about your "sexist" and "immature" comment because my gut reaction is that I don't agree. I think it's being a realist. But I'll give that more thought.
As for men being immodest if they don't wear a swim shirt....
Oh, I agree so much that too much emphasis is on the woman to dress modestly and not enough on men! Why is OK for men to wear speedos or to exercise or do yard work without shirts on? I remember my grandfather saying that if it was not suitable to wear to eat dinner with your grandmother, it shouldn't be suitable anywhere. no shirt, no dinner! Not that it has to be fancy, but you have to be covered. Plus in this day and age, covering up from the sun is a very good idea. We should ALL be more modest.
ReplyDeleteI have always been pretty modest even as a teenager. However I never truly understood or felt passionately about modesty until I got married. It wasn't until my husband explained how he felt and what went through his head when an immodest person passes by. Men and women are both called to modesty and not just in dress but in action and thought. I am not letting the guys off the hook on this one. Men are called to be modest of thought just as women are called to modesty of dress, action and even what they read. Reading romance novels can be just as detrimental for women as seeing pornography is to a man.
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