I stood infront of the mirror examining my dress. It was adorable and I loved the fit, but it was once again too short and didn't have sleeves. My mother came up behind me also looking carefully at my choice. "It is really cute and it wouldn't take that long to add some length and some sleeves!" She said cheerfully. I wondered if this was worth it having to always add length here and tuck there all in the name of being more modest. It wasn't until years later and many mended dresses later that I better understood the "why?" I realized why my mother was willing to take the time to help me be more modest in my appearance. She knew and wanted me to know who I was. A daughter of God.
I have heard many women complain over the years about why they should dress modestly. I have learned that there are a few reasons that make it worth it for me. God loved me enough to give me a body, a precious and sacred gift. How we treat our bodies says a lot about our relationship with God. The For the strength of youth pamphlet states that "you invite the companionship of the spirit" when you dress modestly. I know that I feel closer to God when I have treated my body like the temple it is.
How I dress also sends a message to others about what is important to me. As I keep myself clean and modest, I show respect for myself and for others. I am sure you know that there is a different message sent from one who is dressed classy and modestly verses one that is dressed in skimpy clothing that is extremely revealing. I hope that we recognize what kind of message we are sending to others.
Modesty is just one aspect in how we can show more respect for womanhood. In our culture today media portrays women as seductive and immoral creatures. There is little respect shown in comparison to fifty years ago. Men, you can show women respect by treating them as you might treat your mother, with kindness. Open doors for them. Stand when they enter or leave the room. Respect their body as if God was sitting next to you. President Hinkley expressed that “God will hold us accountable if we neglect His daughters.” I am extremely for women's rights and equal treatment, but I do believe that women should still be treated with respect in these days.
God created Eve to be one with Adam. She was the last and most sacred creation of God. Richard G Scott of the twelve apostles stated the following. "“Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth.” May we all recognize the sacred and divine nature of women in our lives and respect them at all costs. God expects nothing less.
Challenge: Women, this week I invite you to consider if there are articles of clothing you possess that are sending the wrong message and dispose of them. Treat yourself with respect. Men, I invite you to consider your treatment of the women most closest to you- Are you doing your part to treat these women as the daughters of God that they are?
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