Wearing modest clothing is an important issue, but sometimes people can become so wrapped up in the issue of modest clothing that they neglect a significant part of what modesty comprises: modesty of the heart. It is important not to dismiss dressing modestly, but without modesty of the heart, what a woman dresses in really means nothing. A recent video on this blog touched on the fact that outward modesty shouldn’t be something that is forced, but a way of dressing and comporting oneself that arises from one’s heart. Ideally, a woman should be both modest of heart and in her attire.
I like a quote that I read recently: "Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all." (C. S. Lewis). This is a quote on humility, but it has so many applications when it comes to modesty! I have heard of shirts that say “Modest is Hottest” and have seen people dressed in decent clothing, but who were very flirtatious toward men. They might have dressed the part of someone embracing modesty, but their heart said differently! Someone who is truly modest will reflect that inside and outside.
The focus when dressing is completely different for someone with a modest heart, because his or her focus is not on making oneself as attractive as possible. It is far more selfless, and less envious. A woman who understands her value and is able to be free in this knowledge by dressing modestly can be less oppressed than other women. She can have a higher sense of self esteem because she knows that her value does not come from what other people think of her physical beauty- they aren’t critiquing her exposed body because she dresses with decency and self-respect. It frees her from being a part of the competition to ‘best’ other young ladies by dressing more provocatively and seeking even more attention, because she is comfortable dressing in clothing that covers. It allows her to be known for who is, not just how she looks. Autumn is coming even closer, so as some of you restock your wardrobes, consider this: is your heart dressed in beauty as well?
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain.
- author unknown
I don't love studying. I hate studying. I like learning. Learning is beautiful.
- Natalie Portman
