You are Precious

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The other night, I went to my mother's Relief Society activity at our home ward. I had the opportunity to see many of my role models and teachers from my young women experience. I also saw other women that I hold in high regard who I know love the gospel and keep their temple covenants.

As I was sitting listening to the lesson, I noticed the dress and appearance of these women. Most were wearing long shorts or pants. Their shirts had sleeves that went to the middle of their bicep area and were not revealing in anyway in regards to the cut and thickness of the fabric. Not only did their clothes cover them completely, their clothes were not flashy, not meant to attract attention, and not exactly fashionable according to the standards of the world. These women were happy and clearly confident about who they are. I then noticed that I did not match these women. It's not like I was wearing skimpy clothes, but my shorts were a little too short. I bought them because I thought they were long enough. They go to my knee when I am standing, but while I sit, they ride up my leg a little bit. There is no way I could wear these shorts after my future temple marriage. Needless to say, I felt a little uncomfortable sitting there with all these modest women around me. I'm sure none of them were judging me for it, but I felt that I needed to make a change.

The definition of being modest differs from person to person based on their own belief system and how they were raised. However, God has revealed through modern day prophets and apostles the standards he expects us to live by. One great source to learn more about this is the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Check out this link! https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng Not only does it explain God's standard for modesty, it explains other standards in an uplifting, edifying way.


 The current fashions of the world and the number of people wearing it make the idea of being modest unpopular, old-fashioned, and unappealing. It is much cheaper to buy immodest clothing as well. It is a common thought that specific clothing (or lack thereof) is attractive, sexy, and beautiful. Also, it seems as though it is expected of women to wear "flashy" make up and accessories to be recognized. How sad is it that so many women and girls think that they have to dress like this to be accepted especially by the male gender! It is easy to compare ourselves to other women especially when we see pictures of "the perfect body" or read quotes that suggest that if we do not do certain things then we are not worth it yet. I found a an article that addresses this very well so I will let you read it when you get the chance. I highly suggest it! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lexie-kite/fitspiration-isnt-inspirational_b_1524706.html

The human body is beautiful and sacred. It should not be exploited the way that society promotes. It has been scientifically proven that pornography is just as addicting has illegal drugs and has the same effects, lowers self-esteem, and lowers the level of interpersonal relationships. Have you ever thought of dressing immodestly as a form of pornography? Women, when a man sees you dressed immodestly, it arouses him just as much as if he were looking at pornography. 

Women, please pay attention! You are worth more than to be "eye-candy." You are more than just a body; you have a heart that feels. You are daughters of God. You are important and loved by Him. The price of your virtue "is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). You do not have to dress immodestly to be accepted, loved, or noticed by others.

Modesty is not just about what you wear. Modesty is the way you speak and act. Modesty is a way of thinking. Modesty is an act of Virtue. Modesty is a lifestyle.  King Mosiah said, "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not" (Mosiah 4:30).


We need to make sure that we use appropriate language and tone of voice. No one likes someone that boasts about everything and we have been advised not to do so. Elder Richard G. Scott spoke about receiving spiritual guidance in the April 2012 General Conference. As you read this small excerpt, think about how this relates to modesty in our words: "Another principle is to be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not. A sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life. Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated. Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation." Doesn't it make sense that if we watch what we say and how we say it, naturally people will respect us more than if we were trying to impress them with something that may be inappropriate? 


 President Dieter F. Utchdorf teaches in his talk Forget Me Not addressed to the Relief Society of the LDS church simple truths that can help us live modest lives. http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-relief-society-meeting/2011/09/forget-me-not?lang=eng 

I believe that if we live a virtuous, modest life we will have more confidence in ourselves. I know that if we follow the council of the prophets, we will receive blessings that we couldn't even imagine; we will be protected from the evils of this world. But most of all, I know that if we are virtuous, the Spirit of the Lord will be with us.