Friday, May 29, 2009

Modest Check Part 2

Yesterday I shared the first portion of a brochure called Modesty Check written by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore and Janelle Bradshaw.  Today I share the remaining portion for your encouragement and challenge:

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check. (What are some things you should look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)

Starting at the top...
* When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.
* If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons.
* The same check is needed if I am wearing sleeveless. When I move around, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins again.
* Am I wearing spaghetti-strap, halter-top or see-through blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It's time to go back to the closet.
* Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option.
* More key questions: Does it reveal any part of my cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer is "yes" to any one of these questions, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving on down...
* Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low?  Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.
* I also have to turn around to see if what I'm wearing is too tight around my derriere, or if the outline of my underwear shows.  If so, I know what I have to do! 
* And for my shorts - I can't just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair.
* The "sit-down" check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I'm seated.
* And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk?  Pins are helpful here.
* Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a "sunlight check." Is it see-through?  If so, I need a slip.
* Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.
* And don't forget - this all applies to formal wear as well.
* A note on swimwear: It's not easy but you can still strive to be modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren't cut high on the leg or and don't have a low neckline.

This is part two of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace Ministries
Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission.

If you are interested, the Modest Heart Check brochure can be found in PDF form as a free download at: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.


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