Modesty

"The Lord see's not as man see's: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

With the weather changing quickly, and spring time upon us, what better topic to discuss than Modesty. Everyone will be tossing their winter coats for flip flops, gloves for tank tops, and pants for shorts. The weather change is wonderful, but as we all know, Modesty can become an issue, even at Franciscan University.
Now before I start saying do's and don'ts, I think it is important to first addess the question of, "What is Modesty?"

In once sense of the term, Modesty means the downplaying of one's importance, or being humble. When someone is Modest, they do not build themselves up, but rather say that their acomplishments are not as spectacular as they seem. Modesty has different definitions though, and I am discussing a different use of the term. The Modesty I am speaking of is discussing how one dresses.

                                                                                                     Really, two women and half a shirt?

 In our culture, the media has a major impact on the way men, and especially women, dress. Over time the image for men and women has changed. Men now must look like Hollister Models, with washboard abs, and women must not only have a beach bod, but also must wear as little clothing as possible. Now of course, at Franciscan, this is not the norm, but it does not mean Modesty is not an issue. When it comes to the way the average person at Franciscan dresses, compared to other University's, it seems Modestly is far from an issue, but that is where the problem comes. We can not say that just because we don't dress like kids at Pittsburgh University, we are completely fine.

(Bond rocked the Turtle)

I am not saying that everyone needs to be wearing Turtlenecks, even though that would totally look hilarious, but some things just shouldn't be worn. I write this blog because I have a 17 year old sister whom I care alot about, and I know how men are. How? Because I am one. What girls find to be totally Modest, might not such a good idea. Leggings? You can defend them every which way, but in the end, it is just a bad way to show off everything, without being naked. If you own them, put some shorts over them. Don't tempt us men. We don't need it!

How about shirts? Well for guys, lets have them on. I am constantly around guys who hate wearing shirts, and when it is just guys around or at the beach, no problem, but no need to tempt the ladies (Peter Herrmann, I am talking to you.) Girls, no deep V's. Cleveage is a no go. When it comes down to it, just look at what you are wearing and really ask yourself if it is Modest, or if it is worth wearing.
Sure, you might get a few more people looking at you when you dress "sexy" but it is not worth it.
Emma Watson, an actress from Harry Potter, discussed Modesty and being "sexy" by saying,

"My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder."

When it comes down to it, I am probably preaching to the choir, which is good. Even still, I feel like it still needs to be addressed. In today's culture, it is so easy to be led astray, but at Franciscan we are given a different alternative, where the norm can be appropriate dress. As men and women, we need it. The struggles of this earth are vast, and we definitely don't want to add the struggle of dressing immodestly. We must strive to not only dress appropriately but also speak appropriately, and let our actions be pure. Though we all seek to be loved and to be noticed, let us not be led to think that we must change who we are.
Do not conform yourself to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. That you may do the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 
We have all heard the phrase, "Modesty is the best policy." Well, it kind of is. Let's be real.