Modesty: Respecting my Brothers

As the warmer weather approaches God really has touched my life with some important lessons. Summer before last, I went to Delaware to visit my grandparents, we spent a day in Philidelphia, and then traveled to Ocean City, Maryland.

I loved it!

While I was there, I needed a new bathing suit. And my step mom and I went to the different shops along the boardwalk. I ended up buying one. I still have it, but as soon as I put it on, I felt like I needed to put shorts on. I felt like I was showing my family, and every other beach goer parts of my body that were not supposed to be seen. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my body. I am thankful for the curves, and being petite. It is nice going to the gym not because I have to, but because I love my body and like to be healthy.

I have been praying for a while about what to do about my dilema of swimwear. I am a fish, I love the water. I absolutely love to swim. But, I always felt weighed down by t shirts/shorts. So, I decided to do some research and found a few great sites that will allow me to swim with ease and be modest. It took me a little while, but I am grateful that there are great fashionable options. 

I'm not only doing this for me though.

See, summertime especially in the south can get well over 100 degrees. In fact starting in April, until around October, it usually is in the 95-108 degree range. I hate warm weather. I have always been tempted to just put on something that may be immodest, but at least I'm not dying,

Then, I figured out, it's the type of fabrics I'm wearing. Choosing the right fabrics for dresses/skirts/shorts can save your life.

But, as for the guys, my dressing modestly will help them out. They are commanded not to look at a woman with lust in their hearts. Yet, how can they? Go to the beach, girls are walking around in what is equivalent to their underwear.

I want to be a blessing, not a stumbling block for those guys that are trying to honor God. And this is the first of many steps that I must take.

Whenever I go shopping, (which is a lot, sadly) I always have a mental checklist.

Is this breaking my strapless rule?

Are those shorts too short?

If my Dad saw me in this, how would he feel?

Can I wear it to church respectfully?

I am in no way trying to be legalistic, however I felt that these measures were needed.

Stacy at "Your Sacred Calling" puts it this way:

"Love your brothers in Christ (and other men) enough to want to help them not to sin, rather than risk being a likely stumbling block. Yes, some guys will lust regardless; just make sure you aren’t an actual participant in the problem. Love your husband (or future husband) enough to save yourself for him."

Have a wonderful weekend! :)