“Dressing without concern for modern style or beauty greatly diminishes our ability to impact the world for Christ. Unlike a nun, who wears a habit to separate herself from the world, we are called to live in the world. We are called to be an example of holy, Christian living and our family is called to be an example of a holy, Christian family. Our bodies speak a language to others, and the way we dress ourselves and our children is our first statement to the world. In many instances, it may be the only statement we can make…In addition to our duty to present Christ to the world, we have an additional duty to take care of our appearance for our husband…I can think of countless women, myself included, who neglect their appearance and think little of how this affects their husbands.“
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~ Right Said Red @ Building Cathedrals
Go read the rest here. This was just the reminder this sweatpant-clad, greasy-haired mother and wife needed this morning.
Oh, this has definitely been on my heart lately, especially now that summer for this teacher is out. I've been preparing a post about it for the end of the week. Thanks for linking to this article. I think reading it will definitely help!
I liked her post too, and I've been thinking about it all morning. Well written and timely.
I like the overall point of the article, but agree with some of the commenters about the reverse judgement. I don't like feeling like I have a dress code from either camp.
I would be interested to see this article compared to Jen's thoughts on pious accessories.
Which gives you a more powerful form of evangelization, a rosary, a miraculous medal, a pack of little ones hanging to your skirt, or the Lands End khaki capris?
I'm so glad Jenn of Conversion Diary sent me here. I like what I'm reading and I'm subscribing! :-0
coming in from the conversion diary blog.
Good post – good topic.
Modesty with our children begins very young. When my daughter received some pants with writing on the butt at age 3, I quietly gave them away. It was a witness to my sons that pants with writing on the butt serve only one purpose – to draw attention to the butt and away from the dignity of a girl.
It's up to everyone in the family to keep each other in check with regards to modesty.
I learned from a wise man that men are the defenders of a woman's purity – a difficult job in today's world, but one we need to instill in our sons.
I will subscribe to your blog.
God bless you.
Popping over from Conversion Diary. Will definitely take Jenn's advice and subscribe!
Also here from Conversion Diary, wanting to meet the superhero who can leap fecal disasters in a single bound! Great tips here. Thanks for being an inspirational friend!
Here via "conversion diary". I'm in such awe of what you did for her; what a nice gesture on your part. If I ever find myself in such situation I'm going to wish with all my heart to have someone just like you around.
Subscribing now.
Thanks for the link. Great blog!
I'm also here from Conversion dairy. I love what I see!! I will definitely be "following" you and getting more great info!!
I agree with MOST of this post, but I whole-heartily disagree with this statement, "Unlike a nun, who wears a habit to separate herself from the world, we are called to live in the world." Yes, we are supposed to separate ourselves as lay people from the world by dressing modesty according to objective standards of decency, NOT the world's standards. And yes, married women are to dress to appeal to their husbands, but first for God, and for their husband to the point that his desires (for your dress) are rightly ordered.
There is a pervading philosophy throughout the spirit of the world(ly) that unfortunately has become popular even among Christians today. That philosophy, which is not compatible with authentic Christianity, is immanentism. Immanentism is a philosophy or notion which holds that everything of importance is about us and comes from us. If it is not from us, then it has no meaning or significance. This means that are first order of duty is not to God, but first to ourselves for the sake of God.
There are plenty of saints that were not fashionable as lay people, single and married, and many did separate themselves even deliberately from the world by their dress. However, when our own particular state does not make that prudent, then we take care to adapt to "modern style (and) beauty" in a rightly, ordered manner. This means it becomes a means to please first God, according to our state and circumstance, and not an end to itself. (Just my two cents.)