"You can't wear THAT!"

Living in Texas where we often see temperatures over 100' in the summertime, I'm keenly aware of the temptation to strip down to the "bare" minimum to keep cool!! I don't know if it's because I grew up in Northwest Ohio where I don't EVER remember seeing triple digits, but I can absolutely feel the difference between 99 and 100'. I don't know what it is, but there is just a more oppresive feel when it hits the century mark. The A/C in the van doesn't feel cool enough, the house is hotter, even the milk from the frig feels slightly warmer to me. I sweat so profusely anyway, so having anything on my neck is almost overwhelming as it causes the sweat to start dripping down my back. With that being said, I can understand why it's difficult for some women to dress modestly in the summertime. With four young girls to raise, I'm passionate that my daughters understand the "whys" behind why our family dresses the way we do. But I don't want them to wear certain articles of clothing and reject others simply because "Mom says so". Over a year ago, I ran across a really thought-provoking article on this particular subject and thought that the "dog days of summer" would be a great time to share it. I've included below my favorite quote from this article which you can read in its entirety here at Sharper Iron.

"In spite of the challenges outlined in this article, a more important and poignant message is that the path of modesty is paved with the glorious Gospel of Christ. As the truth of His grace fills the heart of a Christian woman, she will develop a mind of sobriety that will find her setting “her affection on things above” (Col. 3:2). The more she is consumed with the fact that her nakedness has been covered with robes of righteousness, the more she will desire to physically clothe herself in a manner that will richly—and not skimpily—demonstrate that covering. As she grows in grace, she will begin to more fully understand that, as a redeemed child of God, her clothing represents more than a physical covering. She will develop a shamefaced attitude that comes from a heart that remains keenly aware that the shame of her sin was covered by the precious blood of her beloved Savior, a covering she was unable to procure for herself. A yearning to “conceal, not reveal” will grow within her heart as she gains deeper understanding of that marriage, a beautiful picture of the Gospel that has covered her sin, offering the one venue where her nakedness can be shamelessly exposed. This truth will drive her to joyfully preserve herself for a holy union she will cherish whether she is married or not."