Morning Cuppas With Glenys : modesty

Showing posts with label modesty. Show all posts

A putrid stench!

I saw Biden's Pride speech and it was sickening. A trans female was walking around the White House garden topless and shaking her assets...

I might be old school, but what is the difference between a biological woman flashing her assets and a trans doing the same? Apparently if you are trans, you are not required to be decently covered in public.

One who demands to be accepted as a woman should abide by the common laws of decency... but then there's no decency in Sodom or Gomorrah... I berate myself for letting this upset me...

I gotta get a grip as it were- and understand that our world in most cultures has reached an all time low in decency and righteousness...

Jesus has to come for us soon... surely He will. We who love the Way are being offended far worse than not having our correct pronouns mentioned or being called a birthing person instead of a mother...

The smell of sin must surely be a putrid stench in God's nostrils... it sure is in mine!

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

I'm plain and tidy

Each morning when I get dressed, I wonder what the day will bring. I have learned over the course of time that those days when I have a pyjama day, something crops up and I have to don days clothes in a hurry. So I try to get dressed early in the morning.

I don't worry with makeup and just brush my hair. I have dresses that have sleeves and some that don't. So I can dress according to the weather.

Not a great fan of jewellery, I just wear my wedding ring and usually I just wear some stud earrings of a matching colour as my dress. Usually I am home, so I have some pretty bibbed aprons that I match up with the colour of the day.

Most times because of foot swelling, I go around the house barefoot, but I do have some black Skechers I wear when I go out. I don't wear socks or stockings.

These clothes work well for me- tidy, plain and modest and easy to wear and wash. No ironing.

I would love to have long hair but I lost a lot of it due to illness and now I find it easier on my arms to keep it short. So I wear it in a pixi style which is like my clothes, easy to manage.

I would say my style is plain but tidy. And when you are chronically ill and in pain, it is enough.

It's a good job today's clothing is not reliant on stays and corsets and many buttons and ruffles, because I just couldn't stand long enough to get it all right and I just don't have the patience. Also, I need to breathe freely and I know I couldn't with a corset!

I am comforted that man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart. I really aren't that great to look at, but I look feminine and that and clean, tidy and modest would meet with His approval.

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

For God's sake put some clothes on!

Once we name the name of Christ, we automatically come under great scrutiny, not only from theworld, but from fellow Christians. Like it or not, one of the first things that is gauged about our commitment to Christ is our appearance. Unfortunately, a lot of us let the side down badly..

How we look greatly effects our witness and confession and clothing that is skimpy or immodest cannot help but reflect badly. It is bad enough that showing everyone great expanses of our flesh comes across as cheap, but it cheapens our witness for the LORD.

Goodness knows, the world sees more than enough of women's busts burgeoning out of their skimpy tops. It sees plenty of navels and thighs and thongs and see-through garments. They have come to expect that sort of cheap titillation. But what they do expect from Christian women is modesty.

Whereas the world won't raise an eyebrow at the immodesty of women, it certainly does do a double-take when it sees women professing faith in Christ who look like a lady of the night. As much as a paradox as it seems, we automatically look for something different in women of faith. That difference is modesty.

Modest dressing is the first thing the world will see of us... the evidence of the fruits of the Spirit and our gentleness that should accompany the woman of faith, is not usually apparent at first glance- but her attire is.

We are called to be separate from the world and to come away from heathen things. We are called to shine our light, not to shine a spotlight on our new body piercing in our navel. We are to show that we follow and love a Saviour Who is coming for a pure and spotless Bride- us. And a woman who is set apart waits in purity for her Beloved.

The world needs to see that there is a difference in a Christian woman. Our skimpy clothing conveys a message that we are cheap and possibly tarnished. We aren't cheap- we were bought with the priceless Blood of Jesus and we are set apart waiting for His return.

Going bra less, showing our underwear and our thighs and our stomachs may turn on the unsaved, but it turns off the One Who calls us unto Himself. Don't dishonour Him by dressing immodestly and looking cheap. For God's sake, put some clothes on!

Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. Isaiah 3:16-17

Going against nature!

Have you ever walked down the street and done a double-take when someone walks by whose sex is indistinguishable? Doesn't it just grate on you as you search frantically to ascertain the persons' gender? It's almost an unconscious compulsion isn't it?

Why is it so? I believe that God has decreed that all things should be natural. I believe that God has decreed that all things should be natural.It is natural to see a definition of gender, from clothes to hair length to deportment.

When I was ill (under active thyroid/lupus) and losing my hair, I cut my hair really really short in an effort to save it, (which I did) But I remember the reaction of shock and horror of my family when they first saw it! My step-father in particular remarked to my mother that he didn't know how any woman could do that to herself! I later told him of my hair loss problem, and he could see my point.

So strongly did my mother feel about it, that she told me if I ever cut my hair like that again , she would never speak to me! Going against the natural order definitely rattles most people because we instinctively know that God has provided definition of the sexes and is very explicit about gender differences and keeping those differences. In fact, He calls cross-dressing etc an abomination.
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 22:5

I believe that we should dress in a manner that is not only modest, but that preserves the differences of the genders. Whilst there are many opinions on what that dress consists of, I will make a generalisation here, and say simply that our dress should emphasis our God-given gender in whatever culture we live in. I say this because in some countries, a woman can wear pants and still retain her femininity, and a man can wear skirts or kilts and still be distinguishable as masculine. However, there should be no doubt whatsoever in distinguishing our gender.

If it is important enough for God to mention this in scripture, then we should take it to heart and avoid unisex clothing that tries to negate gender differences through total androgeny

So let us rejoice in our femininity and teach that to our daughters and granddaughters, and let us encourage masculine dressing of our sons and grandsons. Not only will society benefit, but it will please God.

The heart of the matter

I have been asked to write about how one should react to women who wear slacks. This can be a very divisive issue and the last thing I want to do is stir up a hornets' nest. So as I write this, please keep in mind that my thoughts are just that, I am not a theologian or even a scholar. But I try to live a balanced Christian life that is always held accountable and in accord with Gods' Word.

To get a perspective on what the Word says about how we dress, I would like to refer to this post I wrote in this article here

I believe the scriptures forbid us to wear that which pertains to a man and vice versa to highlight Gods' distaste for perversion of the natural order and cross-dressing. There is usually a very distinct look to slacks that is feminine: however I *personally* do not like blue jeans as they are exceedingly masculine and can create an androgynous air. But I am quite sure there are many Christian women who like to wear them. Dressing in a feminine way can incorporate slacks if they are feminine.

Whether a woman dresses in feminine slacks or dresses and skirts, I believe that as long as she presents as a female and is modest, that this would be acceptable to God. Furthermore, dressing in slacks or dresses is not a salvation issue. I believe we should concentrate on the spiritual aspect of who we befriend and should concentrate on the fact that they are Christian. It is very sad that we miss out on fellowship because a woman is not under the same conviction as us regarding wearing dresses or slacks.

In reacting to women who wear slacks, I would say that they are not sinning. We are called to judge matters of great importance, but we are also called to live in the Spirit in the bond of peace. Worrying about what garments a Christian woman wears is short-circuiting friendship and fellowship that could benefit the Body of Christ. In all things, God calls us to live in balance and in His Word. Genuine faith and a right relationship is the heart of the matter.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

It's not a salvation issue revisited

It's not a salvation issue

Put it away!

I was shopping recently and I was horrified by the way a lot of young mothers-to-be dress over here. They wear skin-tight jeans that do up under the bump and then top it with a skin-tight tee-shirt and look like an Easter egg. So tight you can almost see the little one moving. Another lass waddled past with a crop top on which left the whole stomach exposed. She sure got a lot of looks, but not the kind she was hoping for, I'm sure.

I asked myself- am I old-fashioned? No! Is the pregnant belly something I despise or am offended by? Again, NO! I guess I am offended by the whole immodesty of the girls. Men and women alike were turning round to catch another look, obviously horrified. And the lasses smiling happily and rubbing their bumps didn't decrease the shocked looks. Where have all the pretty maternity tops and dresses gone?

Children are a blessing of the LORD and pregnancy is a wonderful part of a womans’ life, but there should be a line of modesty in public that ensures that a womans’ tummy is covered. We can rejoice in a new life coming without being privy to a mothers’ uncovered body. Glorious as the pregnant form is, I wish they would put it away!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Nothing to be ashamed of!

Fibromyalgia has made many changes in my life and one of them is my dislike of wearing clothes. The mere touch of fabric on my skin, or the tags on my clothing can send me into an itching frenzy.

Before I wear something new, I will cut off all the tags and if it has lace, particularly around the neckline, I will not buy it or I will cut the lace off.

Mohair drives me insane with itch and brings me up in a rash wherever it touches my skin. I won't buy it. If I have a woollen top on, I have to wear a blouse with a collar under it to stop the itching.

In dressing, I have to put layers on because fibromyalgia sufferers' thermostats are broken. They can't be adjusted or fixed. It is not uncommon to feel cold when everyone is hot and vice versa. Anyway, it is important to me that I can reduce or add on clothing as required.

Not that I really enjoy wearing clothes anymore. In fact, if I could be naked without offending, I would. Not that I do go publically naked of course. And I do dress modestly as it's important to our witness. Not to mention I don't want to be arrested! lol

I do go around the house naked in the summer. In case of visitors, I have my sundress in easy reach. It is never a problem to quickly slip it on if there is a knock at the door. Chris will always wait for me to get into our bedroom to change before he answers the door.

We are mindful of others at all times and keep our drapes closed when I walk around. Of course, it's not when we have guests or when grandchildren stay. If we are expecting company then of course I get dressed. If we are on holiday or guests, I wear a loose nightdress at night and clothes in the day.

I know I am in good company with Winston Churchill often holding interviews whilst in the bathtub or naked, even in his office. I am not that brazen...

But I know I am not alone in hating wearing clothes in the World of Fibromyalgia. I do not doubt that many fibro sufferers will join me in saying that they sleep in the nude as well.

Clothes can make one feel that they are strangling you in bed. Sheets, no matter how soft, end up causing the most awful itches and feelings of heat that most fibromites sleep with one leg out and a fan on. Even in winter.

There are so many changes in one's life with fibromyalgia and some you won't hear about. Such as a hatred of wearing clothes. We keep it secret, like it's something to be ashamed of.

Trying to keep oneself from scratching until one bleeds is a reason for compassion. If I only walk naked around my own home, with only my husband seeing me, I am not flaunting myself and being immodest.

Coping with illness is nothing to be ashamed of: it's all part of accepting it and moving on. I know my God would understand. I am not ashamed at all.

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. Isaiah 49:13

Blessings of the breasts

It is sad that there is a growing trend in our society to bottle feed our babies. If they are breast fed at all, it's just for a few days...and society seems to want it that way... It is almost as if there is a victimisation of the nursing mother. In most places there is little consideration for her and she is often forced to feed her child in a rest room or changing room.

Society is so obsessed with breast feeding's offensiveness that women have been asked to leave a restaurant or public place so as not to upset patrons... it should not be so... There is a way a mother can breast feed her child modestly, but even so, breast feeding seems to bring out a manifestation of disgust that is obsessive and ridiculous...

Why is it so? you ask. It is so because like everything else in society, breasts have been sexualised so much that there is no distinction between a woman nourishing her child and a woman flaunting her breasts for sexual provocation..

In past days, a nursing child drew loving nostalgic glances from women who themselves breastfed their own child, and little girls often mimicked their mothers, holding their dollies to their chest.... Today, it is with disbelief that the same aged child learns that babies can in fact, get their nourishment from their mothers and not only from a bottle...

It is ridiculous, really, because science has proven that the breastfed baby receives the best milk nature has to offer... yet such is the sway of society that these little ones will be fed on formula. God has provided the best for His children... from the womb... yet like everything else God has said is good- Satan has twisted and changed to become something society disapproves of...

Let's see what God thinks of breasts...

Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: Genesis 49 25

O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised. Song of Solomon 8:1

But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. Psalm 22:9

Give them. O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. Hosea 9:14

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. Luke 11:27

What could be better than an infant being fed from it's mother as God intended?

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Why yes, I do wear dresses only

Every woman eventually finds her style. Whether it be modest, immodest, fashionable, or vintage, she will find that which best portrays her belief system in her world-view and body image.

With being at the end of my 65 years, I have found a style of dress that suits me. And by saying "me" I also mean my husband, Chris. I try to dress in a way that he likes as I want him to like what he sees.

Although I would have loved to wear skirts and dresses a long time ago, it is only recently when I needed to replace all my slacks, pants and jeans that he agreed to me buying skirts and dresses only. It's no good me dressing how I want if he's not happy with it.

Speaking of which, Chris would never comment negatively about my appearance, but I figure in spite of my large size, I owe it to him to try to dress attractively. As his wife, I want to be a crown to him and not let him down through looking like I had just been caught in a hurricane. I want to bring him honour and having a wife who looks like a crumb to my mind isn't very honouring.

Anyway, I found modest but pretty ankle length skirts and summer dresses with string straps, which I partnered with cotton lacy bolero tops that covered my beefy arms and made me feel more modest without sweltering in our Australian summer. For my Australian friends, I can recommend Millers who cater for plus sizes up to 24 and who accept Afterpay.

With my ankle length skirts, in winter, I can wear leggings underneath them and top them with a cardigan or jumper (sweater). I team that with a matching scarf around my neck. You can see my picture here if you wish.

I also found a modest pair of bathers with a long skirt around them. This is a wonderful help to me because I am very self-conscious of my large size and prefer to keep as much unruly flesh covered as is humanly possible when I go to the hydro therapy pool for physio.

My lupus has flared and I am losing my hair again. It has grown to about 12 inches from below my shoulders but is very thin. So I have been sweeping it back off my face and putting it up in a pony tail. Sometimes I roll it into a bun or French roll to keep it off my neck. My fibromyalgia makes me itch so much if the hair touches my face, neck or shoulders, so I try to keep it up and off my face.

I am almost completely silver in the front of my head now with a silver streak down the whole side on one side only. As I am allergic to hair dyes I am not dyeing it. Fortunately, Chris quite likes silver and often tells me so as he puts my hair into a bun. Chris helps me for with polymyalgia rheumatica, I cannot extend my arms for too long!

Regarding covering my hair, Chris was not happy with head coverings, hair bands or scarves but encouraged me to grow my hair, which I have done. As I said, I keep it up. I am saving to buy some Lilla Rose Flexi clips... I love those but they are a bit pricey!

Wearing only dresses and skirts is not legalistic with me. Pants or skirts are not a salvation issue. I believe as long as a woman dresses modestly and femininely, it is pleasing to the LORD. But I feel more feminine in skirts and dresses and I love that the straight lines and length help hide my extra curvy hips and legs. Jeans and slacks accentuated my stomach and made me look like I was expecting- (Sarah the Second!)

I wear a little makeup on a good day and always have earrings and my wedding rings on. I cannot wear jewellery round my neck or wrists because of the fibromyalgia making me itch badly. I wear flat sandals, even in winter as my heart is failing and my legs and feet swell badly. Overall, my style is not too fussy, but well kept and clean looking. I am happy with it and so is Chris.

All in all, my style looks like the picture at the top, without the hat. What's your style?

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Proverbs 31:22

Keep your shirt on!

During late night shopping it is not unusual to see young children clad in pyjamas being taken round the shops with their parents. This is not a problem for me. But what is a problem for me is seeing the parents shopping in theirs. Shopping in ones' night attire is becoming more popular, b ut it makes me feel uncomfortable. Unless you are sharing a hospital room with me or are under 5 years old, I really don't want to see you in it. Especially in the shopping centre or petrol station.

I know a lot of people say, "well it's only clothes!" but it's night clothes and like underwear, it is personal. I don't like seeing a vast display of bra straps, underpants, or thongs. I really don't want to be privy to what you wear under your clothes or to bed. Also, I don't want my grandchildren or your children seeing this because it exudes intimacy and goes over the boundaries of good taste and modesty. Seeing these things leaves little to the imagination and is too much information!

Tesco, a supermarket in England, have banned shopping in pyjamas. I heartily agree. Anyone can take 5 minutes to pull a sweater over their head and to pull up a pair of jeans or a skirt. Even I, as a chronically ill woman, have never gone out shopping in my pyjamas. I do admit to running into the milk bar for some bread in my slippers. But I wouldn't feel comfortable shopping in my pyjamas. Or even going to the letterbox in them.

Why don't I want to be seen out in my pyjamas? you ask. It just isn't seemly for a woman of my age to do so. It goes in line with Titus 2 which admonishes us women to be chaste and pure. If I parade in my pyjamas in public, I feel that I would be dishonouring the LORD. I don't want to harm my witness. I feel that publicly dressing down like this would harm it. Being modestly dressed will avoid being ashamed.
To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:5 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Revelation 16:15

I want to please the LORD in all I do, including how I dress. Man looks on the outside. God may know my heart, but man only has my appearance to go by. If I draw unflattering comments by appearing in pyjamas in the supermarket or wherever, I am hardly going to influence anyone to come to Christ.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7!

In all things we are called to propriety, order and decency. Wearing our night attire publicly displays none of these virtues. And while we are talking about decency- men would do well to keep a shirt on!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40