Is Modesty Overrated?

Growing up as a preacher’s daughter in an Apostolic household, I would dread having to wear long skirts ALL the time. My parent’s were lenient enough to allow me to change into shorts for P.E. class. However, I knew of some parents who were totally against that requirement too. When I went off to college, I went from one extreme to the other. My skirts became much shorter and I experienced the freedom to wear pants and shorts. Now, that I am working at an university, I cringe when I see young ladies showing off all their goods in booty shorts and low cut tops that leave nothing to the imagination. I cringe because I realized how inappropriate I looked when I was their age.

Now, that I have a young daughter, I’m not as strict with what she wears but I do believe in her dressing like a proper, young lady. She actually loves dresses and bows and all her friends are always asking where does she shop (like, she is actually the one that does the shopping).

Apostle Paul didn’t specify the length of a hemline or what exactly was inappropriate but he did write in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works” (English Standard Version). Paul was referring to the extravagant way that some women dressed in that era to draw attention to themselves. Readers must also be mindful that Paul was writing to converts in the early Christian church in a Greco-Roman society, in which they were influenced by the fashion and lifestyle of that society. So, is Paul’s reference to modesty still relevant today?

The modern definition of modesty is “behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency”. Modesty is not only about what you wear – it’s about your attitude and how you present yourself with dignity, self-worth, and self-respect. These are the qualities that I want to be known for and the qualities that I want my daughter to adorn herself with daily!

So, now that weather is warming up, I’m sure we will see more skin. Yes, I’m sure these ladies are flaunting it all as a sign of their high self-esteem and high self-worth. However, I believe that you can exhibit high self-esteem and high self-worth and look classy and respectable at the same time. Thankfully, there are companies that have active wear and swimwear that is chic, comfortable, and allow you to dress with style AND dignity.

HydroChic provides a line of activewear and swimwear that is not only stylish but also offers skin protection with 50+ UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) in the fabric of the garments. They offer both a Chlorine Proof collection and a Chlorine Resistant collection to help your swimwear last longer. I absolutely LOVE my Amphi Spirit Athletic Skirted Capris. It’s stylish, cool and comfortable enough for my morning walks. HydroChic offers a huge selection, in all sizes and for little girls too! Check them out and sign up for their Sisterhood Rewards Program to earn points towards some great discounts.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.