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Bye Bye Daisy Dukes

In the last two weeks I have been challenged to modify my attire. As I venture on this new journey in life which has me spending a lot of my time with young girls, I have a new responsibility. It’s no longer just about me about what I want to wear. Actually, nothing that I do now is about me. It’s about glorifying God. So….modesty….
Listen, I am so over this argument that modesty is for women only! It’s partially why I rebelled against being modest. It wasn’t until I was recently confronted by a friend on why I felt "showing a little extra skin made me more attractive" that I started to question the truth about modesty. After reading articles and looking up passages I finally asked one of my best friends, who happens to be on my list of the top 3 smartest people I know.
Modesty is about not intentionally drawing attention to yourself.
That spoke numbers to me. It was simple. It was easy. She made other interesting comments but this was all I needed. It wasn't just about short shorts and tank tops. It was about putting on a pair of pumps because it would make someone stare. Or piercing your nose to be get someone to notice you. Her comments magnified the fact that the way I was dressing WAS for attention, and not just from guys. It was also for me to walk in a room and start a conversation. Yea. Deep rooted issues. And there is always the comment, "I don't wear this for attention, I just think it's cute." I've used it over and over but once I stopped and I thought about it...the attention has always been a factor.
So, while I love my brothers in Christ and take delight in their walk...I love God first and Shawntika next. Glorifying God and not bringing anything negative to his name is most important to me. That’s what motivated me when I got dressed yesterday. And yes, it was that simple for me...well...only after two weeks of arguing with my friend who looked at me in my shorts and said, “Where are your pants.” And trust me, it wasn’t much of a question.

I’d challenge you all the shred your revealing clothes but I’ve yet to shred mine. I’m asking God to give me strength. Although realizing that I needed to change has been simple, relinquishing my wardrobe has not. But what I can challenge you with is checking yourself. Self reflection always does it for me. I just hope you have good friends around to check you when you ignore the signs...a blessing and curse for me surely :-)

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