Modest Clothes- My Armour

Modest Clothes - My Armour Used by permission of the author! May, 2007

By Anna S.

This is a personal testimony. I am looking back at myself, only a couple of years ago; certainly, there is a lot to tell, but today I would like to focus on the role modesty played in my life. I was born to a single mother. My father never appeared or even called, let alone helped financially, so Mother had to work extra hours in order to give me a decent living.

So I never missed anything – anything but the really important things, like attention and guidance, which would help me choose the right path in life. Modesty wasn't popular in the school I attended. There were no uniforms, and, although there was some kind of a dress code, it was never strictly followed, and as I came, I could see tight jeans, mini-skirts, and tiny tops. I could see flesh, flesh, flesh. And these were the girls who were more popular and got more attention. What was the lesson I learned? Well, isn't it obvious? A girl has to show all she has in order to become popular and get attention.

At that moment, I didn't think much of the true nature of the attention girls like these receive, and it didn't occur to me that by putting emphasis on their bodies, they actually said – "There is nothing more in me than this. I am my body". It wasn't all about clothes, either; it was about conduct. Speaking loudly, flirting, cursing, walking provocatively – it was all very common. I did the same. I wore tight clothes, showed off my legs, shoulders, and midriff. I flirted, I was provocative – and I received attention and looks as I walked down the streets.

Needless to say, I owned very few skirts those days, and those I had were far above the knee.The way you dress reflects the way you think. Dressing in a certain manner will almost undoubtedly have an impact on your life.

It breaks my heart to say this, but when I was still very young, I got involved in a meaningless, promiscuous relationship that was based solely on physical attraction and lust. No surprises here – if a young girl doesn't bring out her mind and soul, but shows off her flesh, she will only get the men who want her body. They will swarm around her, like flies around a jar of honey, and none of them will be interested in what she thinks or has to say. I am not going to elaborate right now about the promiscuity I was involved in. Unsurprisingly, it ended in heartbreak. So, what happened next?Suddenly, almost instinctively, I wrapped myself in long, loose and dark clothes – shabby, shapeless skirts and jumpers. They were mostly old and ill-fitting, but I didn't want to wear anything else. It was like trying to protect myself from anything that might hurt me again by covering every inch of my body. No one looked at me at the street anymore.

My heart was bruised and bleeding for many months. It was a time of intense, painful personal growth and change. And among many other things, I realized something very important - the feeling of protection I experienced upon covering everything that used to be revealed wasn't an illusion. Covering my body protected me from those who wanted only my body. I sent a different message to the world now. Of course, at that point I was dressed modestly, but very unattractively. The next step, after initial healing and understanding what had happened to me, was acquiring a flattering, cheerful, feminine, and modest wardrobe.

From that moment on, I intended to dress in a way that was attractive – not attracting. I wanted to dress in a manner that would say, "I respect my body and my physical attractiveness, but the most important thing about me is my soul, and it's not something I am going to reveal to just anyone." Today, I experience a wonderful sense of being on the right track. I received an outstanding blessing, a feeling someone took me by the hand and led me from darkness to light.

Modesty in both conduct and manner of dressing, as I found out, sends a message of respect to everyone around me – and as a logical outcome, I get respect in return.If there is one thing I would like to say to other young ladies, it is this: you are lovely young women. You are more, much more than your bodies. Respect yourself and others. Showing off your bodies will only get you the wrong type of attention from the wrong men. A lovely, long, flowing skirt and a pretty, modest blouse will not only bring out your beauty – they will protect you from being used and abused.

Doing the Hard Thing!

Have you ever had to make a decision, knowing that it was the best for all? Have you ever considered the consequences of the decision and it's affects, not just on your family, but on you?
May 14th, I had to make a decision like that. Our little Kangaroo Rat, also known as a Gerbil, was ailing. She had an ulcer on the outside of her stomach. She had been suffering for nearly a month, and yesterday, I noticed a bulge. I picked her up, and showed her to my Mom. Mom concerred that something needed to be done. So, my brother being unwilling to do the deed, and my Mom, saying that I volenteered, told me how to do it. So, I took her out, and put her out of her misery! I tell you, it was the hardest thing that I could ever do! It was also my first time, and to see an animal, that I loved, suffering, as I put her out of her misery, was harder then I could bear. And the lamenting that came afterwards, was hard to bear too. I had a little brother dig a hole, to put her body in, and as we covered her, we told her to rest in peace. And I said, " We commit her body to the ground!"I was sobbing at this point, and shaking. Never had I done something like this. I knew that the Lord saw every Sparrow that fell, but I was still sad. She was after all, our pet. We had had two gerbils, and they were named, Samwise and Rosie, after two character hobbits in Lord of the Rings. Samwise had died a year before, of what we do not know, but I had to do the right thing for Rosie.
I know now what a parent has to go through, when an animal has to be put down, and buried! My Dad had done it to several of our pets, cats, gerbils, hamsters,etc. I didn't know the taxing realities of this situation, until faced with it myself. Now, I know I did the hardest thing of all!
I am now feeling better, knowing that she is not suffering anymore. God says, " A righteousman regardeth the life of his beast!" I regarded her life, and knew she would not make it very much longer, and I didn't want to see her suffer.
God bless you, and may you be spared the sorrow that I had to endure! But God told me it is for me to learn to grow, closer to Him! Hallelujah!
Perennial Pioneer

A Tribute to Motherhood!

( Lilacs in our front yard, give us a beautiful scent, when we walk by!)

To God be the Glory, To God Be the Glory, To God be the Glory, Great things he hath Done!

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Have you said thankyou to your mother for even thinking of marrying your father, and bringing you into this world?! She is the unselfish person, giving up a life that she had before you came along, to spend it on you. It is a big responcible task, to raise you, for the use of the Lord. She grieves when you go astray, like God grieves when we turn away from Him. She gives you a big hug and smiles, with tears in her eyes, as she welcomes you back home, forgiving you, just like the Lord does. Isn't it ironic, that the Lord has reflected his sentimental areas, on our mothers? Maybe there is something to that, that we as daughters, and children, do not appreciate in our mothers. She is a mother 24/7/365. She has not the time, for herself, and yet, you disappear for many hours, selfishly doing your own things. No wonder that so many girls are not ready for motherhood. I hope we are better ready for it, when our time comes! Praise God for our Mothers."

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Here is a poem, that I memorized when I was younger, but never saw the meaning of until now.

Who loved her Best

I love you mother, said little John,
Then forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And off he went to the garden swing,
Leaving his mother the wood to bring!

I love you mother, Said Little Nell,
I love you better then tongue can tell,
Then she teased and pouted most the day,
Til her mother was glad when she went to play!

I love you mother, said little Fan,
Today I’ll help you all I can,
How glad I am the school doesn’t keep;
So she rocked the baby till it fell sleep.

Then stepping softly, she fetched the broom,
And swept the floor and tidied the room,
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and cheerful as a child could be!

I love you mother again they said,
three little children going to bed,
How do you think that mother guessed,
Which of those loved her best!

Joy Allison

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This is a very good day, so enjoy it and purpose to say something, to encourage your mother, today, and all the rest of your lives! She is the second in command in this home, and she has the experience, so let us give a tribute to our Mothers, and say, " Mother, I realize that you are the best Mom, in the world, and you have earned every word in that sweatshirt saying, " The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world!" and " The World's best Mom!"

Hope you have a good Mother's day, and God bless you!

Perennial Pioneer