summer, oh summer.  when so many of us forget modesty (and bras). i admit, it’s tempting in the heat to let the shorts get shorter and the tank tops get lower.  but our morals and values shouldn’t change just because the seasons change.  on a quick side-note, bras are never an optional piece of clothing.  seriously ya’all, put. them. on.  

if you want to see exactly how much we’ve lost modesty, go to a beach. i understand beaches have no dress code and you can wear whatever you want there. why do such small bikinis show up on the beach? comfort? tanning? convenience? if we are going to be honest, it’s simply for attention.  it’s because of pride.  it’s to gain the attention of every man on the beach – the husbands, the teenage boys, the grandpas. then these same girls will complain when men look at them. it’s totally selfish behavior, causing distractions and encouraging lust in the hearts of men. all of this so the girls can feel beautiful, loved and wanted.

i think modesty is not just an important trait to instill in our daughters, but to also reflect ourselves. God gave us, as women, the gift of softness, femininity and beauty. it’s our responsibility to convey those without conveying our sexuality. allow your appearance to reflect your pure and virtuous heart. know your worth and reflect it on the outside. your body is a gift from God, honor it as such. i love this quote by jessica rey “Modesty isn’t about hiding ourselves, it’s about revealing our dignity”.   

we can absolutely dress beautifully without being out of fashion or immodest. the search might be a little harder but it’s not impossible. you will probably have to look past the racks they place at the front of the store. it’s not an impossible task.
  
i also love this article speaking to men and their role in the modesty issue. as a mama with a teenage son, and a husband for that matter, i know what a struggle this is for them. we all, men and women both, need to own our part in this issue.  it’s not just a girl issue or guy issue.  and as God’s children, we need to care for each other…with our outfit choices and looks.  remember, we can’t expect men to be gentlemen when we aren’t willing to be ladies.

you can be modest and cute this summer, ladies, i know you can!