Thursday, September 25, 2008

A Borrowed Article

The following article is from a blog that I enjoy reading. Michael S. Hyatt is President & CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers. I found the article on modesty as well as his writings of how he had to turn off a tv program to be interesting.

Whatever Happened to Modesty?

I watched MTVs VMA awards last night. Some of my daughters’ friends are in the band Paramore, and they were nominated for an award. And—to be honest—I wanted to see how Britney Spears would do, since we are publishing her mom’s book next week.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen MTV, but I was flabbergasted. I could not believe the sensuality and decadence I witnessed. Gail and I finally had to turn it off. We just couldn’t take it any more.
As I thought about my experience later, it made me sad. I am the father of five daughters. So perhaps I’m just a little overly sensitive. But I was shocked at the complete absence of modesty, the ridicule of virginity, and the latent misogyny displayed by Russell Brand and many of the artists themselves.

One of the few redeeming moments in the evening was when Jordin Sparks, referring to Brand’s contempt for chastity, said, 'I just have one thing to say about promise rings: It’s not bad to wear a promise ring, because not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut."

Touché. It must have struck a nerve, because the next time Brand appeared, he apologized for his comments. Sort of.

Regardless, it got me to thinking, Where are these girls fathers? Has anyone ever taught them the concept of modesty? Or have all the men in their lives simply exploited them as sex objects
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not a prude. But I do think some basic guidelines are in order. These are not rules about skirt length or the amount of cleavage you can show. I’m just not a very good legalist; they are simply guidelines.

I gave these to my girls when they were growing up. Frankly, they haven’t been perfect in following them. Modern culture exerts a powerful influence. Nevertheless, I wanted them to have something that would transcend current fashion and guide their attire once they were older and, perhaps, a little wiser.

Here they are: "Four Guidelines for Modesty":
If you have trouble getting into it or out of it, it is probably not modest.
If you have to be careful when you sit down or bend over, it is probably not modest.
If people look at any part of your body before looking at your face, it is probably not modest.
If you can see your most private body parts or an outline of those parts under the fabric, it is probably not modest.

If you think these guidelines are helpful, you might want to pass them along to the young women you know. Evidently, not many are getting the message elsewhere.

5 comments:

Karen J. Hopper said...

Important guidelines. I know because I raised two girls. Thank God, virtue won out.

James Wilder said...

Thanks so much for your words on our blog. I shared them with Emily. I've saved your blog as well! (reading through your archives I see you were in San Fran - Em will be bummed to know Redonia was that close and no call!) Also, we prayed for you guys during Ike. Lord Bless you!

Stacy said...

Dear Sis. I love reading your blog. You are down to earth and very practical. I feel like I am getting to know you every time I read your blog.. :-) Exceptionaly writing. I am sure others have told you this, but you would do good at writing a book on practical principles for women. I had to share today's comments with several people. I hope you don't mind. Keep up the good writing.

You are an awesome Sister in the Lord!!!!!

Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

My Sis.Tracie!
I read your blog everyday!Thank you again for your time and interesting reads! I have a MySpace. The reason is I have neices and a nephew, not in church at all, that will communicate with me this way. I ,also, use it as a way to tell them and some others about salvation. Today I posted the Borrowed Article! Praying for you and your community! Lord Bless you! Sis. Debbie Moore from Beaumont!

Carrie Blair said...

Awesome!! I finally got to see your blog, looks like it was with my computer...love you