Modesty
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Monday, July 26, 2010 4:00 PM
I read with great interest the comments from Hallie Lord’s recent post on a fabulous fashion find. And I went away thinking, “variety is the spice of life!”
Modesty is certainly an important topic to discuss and ponder, but it is tricky because it’s also a very subjective topic. I realize no one wants to hear that—shouldn’t we all be able to clearly articulate what is immodest? If we all have a deep and heartfelt love for God won’t that automatically generate a common understanding of what is appropriate?
The answer, surprisingly, is no!
Here are some major pitfalls to having a black/white approach when it comes to clothing:
1. There are too many variables in these equations. Sometimes what is modest in one setting is not modest in another. Sundress at the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass is not the same as sundress at parish picnic Mass.
2. Even if you don’t agree with that (perhaps, for you, certain articles of clothing are just always immodest), it’s true that certain fashions work better on some body types than others. I don’t think I’ll be out grocery shopping in a tank top, especially not in the state I’m in.
3. No matter how modest you are, there is always someone who is more modest than you. Always. My husband spent time living in Mexico after law school. He said there are many small towns where the people are offended by the image of Jesus on the crucifix in only a loincloth. They have him covered up from neck to foot.
4. Having these standards, while good and important, are between a person and her conscience. It is not our duty to go around telling everyone else how to dress.
5. No. 4 is not a copout. If it is in fact our responsibility to set the world right, then our best recourse is to do this by example. Dress according to what you know is right. You are far more likely to inspire people with your humility than with your finger-wagging.
6. We should always act out of a great love for our fellow man. You have your standards. That is wonderful! When someone else doesn’t have the same standards, it is still our duty to love.
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