tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post6041065553563057185..comments2023-04-14T05:59:43.541-05:00Comments on Far Above Rubies: Modesty and My Changing WardrobeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703408804514622727noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-20045916146823868392016-07-20T11:17:20.634-05:002016-07-20T11:17:20.634-05:00Hi. How are you. I too am starting this journey in...Hi. How are you. I too am starting this journey into modesty. I am learning so much. From a Jewish girl's perspective (me) , I do see the reasoning behind it all. I used to dress horribly improper and the closer I get to Adonai and follow Y'shua's teachings the more I was convicted to follow tznius (modesty in hebrew). Thank you for your post. I greatly appreciate reading about it. :-) I still find it difficult to wear skirts when I go hiking and to theme parks, but your idea of wearing long shirts over loose pants really is a good idea. Thank you. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-20439761161053317832016-04-22T19:51:46.702-05:002016-04-22T19:51:46.702-05:00I live in Northern Ireland. I believe that Christi...I live in Northern Ireland. I believe that Christian women should dress modestly, and modesty to me means loose clothing, long clothing (well below the knee)and high necklines. You mentioned that you saw your friend's husband looking at an immodest woman in church. Did your friend see her husband look at that provocative woman? If not, did you tell her that her husband sinned with his eyes? Perhaps the elders need to speak to him about his behaviour because looking can lead to lust and lust can lead to adultery. I have seen men who call themselves Christians look at immodest women and it disturbs me greatly. Such men know that they should guard their eyes. By the way, I am 57 years old and my husband and I have one child only and she is 17.Susan-Anne Whitenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-57503142223145867002015-12-11T22:03:34.167-06:002015-12-11T22:03:34.167-06:00Although iv been a professing Christian for 7 year...Although iv been a professing Christian for 7 years here recently iv joined a more bible teaching church and I have grown a lot in my faith in the last year. My unbelieving family has definitely taken notice and transitioning away from them has been difficult. My sisters had gotten me a ticket to see dirty dancing and while they were thinking of a great movie we had all watched as kids, I really struggled with how to handle the situation as my relationship with one of my sisters has been kinda rocky, after the show was over they wanted to go out to eat and the only places open were bars. I had felt convicted in my past to not only wear a long skirt all the time, but also to wear a head covering while in church. I stopped doing so after hearing a few people talk about why a skirt isn't nessacary and such. However not long before going to the show with my sisters I had felt convicted again. While at the show, I was wondering.. If I was wearing a long skirt and a head covering would they still think this is something I would be interested in? Then I started to notice my attire was not all that different then the women around me, skinny jeans, or shorter skirts, hugging shirts... And I realized I fight right in with the crowd that was ok and comfortable and maybe even in agreement too with watching sex scenes and abortions in a play. I was sorta glad then that I didn't "look" like a Christian because I didn't want to represent Christ the way I was..or doing what I was doing, I was completely ashamed. And I wondered if my dress was more of an outward expression of my faith maybe they would have known this wasn't me anymore. After all I am a new creature in Christ. And I should be representing him always. I don't know if the lord calls everyone to dress in a skirt or to cover their head, but I do feel like he is calling me to do this as an outward expression of my faith, and to maintain modesty. So about 2 days after that event... (I repented right away but the clothing change waited) I wore a long skirt, and went to our nearest goodwill to see what they had to offer. And I found a nice heavy, plain, long skirt. And a cute but conservative top. And my mom came to visit me with her friend and her friend later asked my mom if had given up wearing pants. My mom told her "oh no she wears pants!" And brought up the convo to me later. She said," well she asked because a lot of homeschool moms don't wear pants and some Christians don't." I said well actually... I have decided to wear skirts more often. I couldn't believe how quickly the lord had sent confirmation. I am a Christian homeschooling mom.. Why not dress like one! If I were a ceo of a company I would dress like one! Why not let my clothing choices say what's true about me.. And my guess is I'll start being treated like a Christian from my family/strangers ect. Iv been praying that the lord will help me be bold in my faith and in professing him. And just doing what he calls me to do, had I done it to begin with it probably would have saved me from that night of uncomfortable and awkwardness. Anyway.. Sorry that was so long! Thank you for this blog. Iv been trying to explain to some of my Christian friends that my wearing a skirt doesn't mean I'm judging them for not. This is a personal conviction the lord has laid on my heart and I don't want to disobey. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-90671389916367086412015-02-10T18:35:41.698-06:002015-02-10T18:35:41.698-06:00Hello! While there is no Bible verse to point to,...Hello! While there is no Bible verse to point to, the few pants I own are more loose in fit. They do not "hug" my figure. My favorite pair of jeans ever were carpenter jeans that looked more like a skirt around my hips than pants. Of course, they are hard to find these days. The legs were obviously separated, but it fit around my waist and hung down my bottom and thighs loosely. Also, the crotch area did not come up super high and tight, so as to leave nothing to the imagination. That's another reason why I like skirts better! They don't "ride up"--which is important to me for both comfort and not showing off my total figure. :) Does that help? --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-34902841021373843532015-02-08T17:14:18.382-06:002015-02-08T17:14:18.382-06:00What are some guidelines for finding modest pants?...What are some guidelines for finding modest pants?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-50267091674924848492014-12-04T09:42:13.260-06:002014-12-04T09:42:13.260-06:00This is a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing an...This is a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing and for echoing what's in my own heart. At 43 I'm only now beginning to appreciate the beauty of modesty and am gradually phasing out jeans and pants. It's worth mentioning that the first time I put on a long skirt for church, my husband was so incredibly complimentary that I never wanted to take it off, as were my two daughters who, by my example, I pray will ease into a more modest wardrobe as well. It is challenging to put aside habits of dressing that have been with you for a lifetime, but the more I actaully *do* everything God's word instructs, the more I see His face and experience His grace in my life. Thank you again for sharing your heart. Blessings, CourtneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-5444166664727130902014-06-18T09:07:56.048-05:002014-06-18T09:07:56.048-05:00I appreciate your heart as shared in this post ver...I appreciate your heart as shared in this post very much. I am always in favor of asking why we do what we do. I must say though that I'm always a bit baffled as to why the modesty debate always goes to skirts in American culture. Living in a predominantly Muslim country, the conversation is nearly always about headcoverings which I find really ironic since that piece of clothing is actually mentioned in the New Testament whereas skirts/pants are nowhere to be found. That we, as followers of Jesus, have made lack of headcoverings a mark of our faith/freedom and therefore presented a barrier to Muslims when in fact our book speaks only favorably of them further baffles me. Meanwhile, we argue about skirts. Sigh.Tina at Mommynificent.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804458372736293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-14065656687883125992014-06-15T16:01:15.162-05:002014-06-15T16:01:15.162-05:00I have a much more conservative heart than my fami...I have a much more conservative heart than my family gives me comfort level to express. :( My dh would find it "odd" if I were to wear just skirts, as would my children (though we all walk by faith). My extended family (parents, siblings and spouses, etc.) would outright judge harshly. Sigh, that I could be supported in my desire.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-36701735504471547752014-05-31T10:42:24.180-05:002014-05-31T10:42:24.180-05:00I appreciated this post very much. I have been tr...I appreciated this post very much. I have been trying to wear skirts and long shirts but have struggled to do this in a practical way. I enjoy raising poultry and find it very hard to do chores in a skirt. I also can not shovel snow in a skirt! Your balanced approach makes sense. I can wear loose fitting jeans at home while working when needed and skirts the rest of the time. Finding long, tunic length tops has been a mission this year for me as well.<br /><br />I must say that a light went on for me with the mention of the "arrow" and where it points! Oh my, I never thought of it that way before.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-1728323180415797022014-05-09T11:23:22.930-05:002014-05-09T11:23:22.930-05:00Thanks for such a well thought out article. Thanks for such a well thought out article. Phyllis Satherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08904321385358912640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-62617259130583198072014-05-06T14:19:29.568-05:002014-05-06T14:19:29.568-05:00Hi Beth! April does have a wonderful suggestion a...Hi Beth! April does have a wonderful suggestion above my comment! I can tell you that I grew up in jeans and windsuit pants--because I played sports--so I understand completely that moving toward skirts is a process. And take it as slowly as you need to. ONE tip: don't start with super-long skirts. I mean, don't pick mini-skirts! But calf-length or skirts that come to just below the knees are MUCH easier to navigate stairs and such while wearing. I do have longer skirts, and yes--I do have to lift them to do stairs--and yes, it gets easier with practice. :) Regarding the thighs touching--again, totally understand! In cold weather temps, leggings are the way to go. In summer temps, perhaps a lace legging or similar would help--or a pair of thin, lightweight shorts underneath. I'll be looking for some more options myself now that it is turning warmer here in Alabama! Also--I don't wear tennis shoes with the skirts I have. I have a couple pairs of slip-on flats and I'll put a pair of boots under some of my skirts in the fall/winter. Of course, flip-flops are often the way to go in the summer! :) I'll have to do a post on shoes to wear with skirts--and include some pictures! :) --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-75703154618678894852014-05-06T14:12:14.297-05:002014-05-06T14:12:14.297-05:00Thank you, April! I haven't purchased many tu...Thank you, April! I haven't purchased many tunics--but I will head to a store soon to give them a try on! :) --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-77958204300775810902014-05-06T14:11:05.423-05:002014-05-06T14:11:05.423-05:00Thank you for your kind words, Bronda! And of cou...Thank you for your kind words, Bronda! And of course, for reading! :) --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-88252411427222629972014-05-06T10:19:26.124-05:002014-05-06T10:19:26.124-05:00Thanks for this post! I am not a regular blog rea...Thanks for this post! I am not a regular blog reader, even tho I am subscribed to your blog! This always resonates with me, tho. The balance between modesty and practicality. I wear a lot of long skirts, especially during the summer. In winter I get a bit more mixed in my wardrobe because it's hard to get enough layers under a skirt to keep warm. I commented to another reader above because I recently delved into tunic length or knee length tops for over pants, capris, or jeans and it has CHANGED MY LIFE! lol I like to have my bum covered. Not that I'm vain enough to worry about anyone checking it out, but because I have grown into modesty gradually in my adult life. I have found this deals with the issue (at least for me) of being conspicuous and remaining modest, if you aren't comfortable wearing pants straight up.Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00638460367435880271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-43249392092746566622014-05-06T10:07:57.816-05:002014-05-06T10:07:57.816-05:00As someone who is kind of in the middle with long ...As someone who is kind of in the middle with long skirts and jeans, I've found that tunic tops meet this need PERFECTLY!!! I wear mostly skirts when I'm out, so I feel REALLY exposed just wearing jeans. With what my husband does and even my occasional projects in his shop, I'd prefer to wear a pair of pants for convenience and actually modesty when I'm crawling around. I've found that I'm MUCH more comfortable wearing a long top or jumper that's about thigh length or knee length. That way I'm covered up, but still feminine! I accidentally discovered this last fall when I bought a really cute corduroy jumper (thrifting with a friend! lol), but I didn't feel modest wearing it with tights or leggings. But with jeans it was perfect!<br /><br />So that was just my experience! Hope that helps!Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00638460367435880271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-3676935737502508422014-05-06T05:12:27.709-05:002014-05-06T05:12:27.709-05:00Melissa, I found this post to be very well written...Melissa, I found this post to be very well written. I like how you repeated several times that this is your understanding of Scripture, and how you feel led by God to present yourself. Of course, there are other people who disagree (often vehemently and rudely), but you come across kindly and clearly that these are your convictions. <br /><br />I have also gone through a transition to more modest clothing over the past few years. I look back at photos of me at a younger age and blush! One thing (other than Scripture and how I believe God is leading me) that helps me judge attire is the following quote: "Wear clothes that are tight enough to show you are a woman and loose enough to show you are a lady." I have no idea who originated the quote, but it has stuck with me! <br /><br />I think some of the push-back on ladies who prefer skirts/modest apparel comes from others who are struggling and don't want to give up control in any part of their lives. After all, if we let God change us in this area, what else might he require of us?!?! (smile) <br /><br />This is a volatile topic in our society, and again, I applaud you for the kind, balanced way you presented your take on it. Stay the course, sister! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11429164402277122620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-80168338326898758152014-05-05T19:10:58.158-05:002014-05-05T19:10:58.158-05:00Oh yes, but only around other women, only baggy, a...Oh yes, but only around other women, only baggy, and only rarely. Because men shouldn't see you in pants for some reason? <br />Believe me, I really did used to be part if the drapery crowd, but it was my HUSBAND who asked me to please stop dressing so dowdy, please wear clothes that don't make me roast in the summer, and to please stop over thinking my wardrobe. Because, as a man, and a husband, he assuredly would not want me to dress to attract another man, but he most certainly didn't want me to hide every part of me just because I am female. Believe me, he would let me know if my calves were turn ons to other guys or if I needed to cover up my assets. He is a jealous kind of guy. So yeah. I just think people put entirely too much emphasis on the clothing length, breadth, and is it "feminine enough." And most of the emphasis should be on the gentle and quiet spirit. Men are told to be modest too. It is a virtue, a character trait, not a set of rules about clothing.Jennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-53162114546157707032014-05-05T18:05:26.708-05:002014-05-05T18:05:26.708-05:00I do hope that you read ALL of my post. Especially...I do hope that you read ALL of my post. Especially the part where I said I would be dressed occasionally in other garments besides just a skirt. I am not of the legalistic mindset that it HAS to be a skirt only. I encourage everyone to talk to God and seek out scriptures for themselves. I only hope this post helps women think about what they wear. Far Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-86579943582718282352014-05-05T16:33:49.262-05:002014-05-05T16:33:49.262-05:00I think what is and is not considered feminine and...I think what is and is not considered feminine and modest is completely cultural. If you are holding yourself to pre-WW2 standards, it would be considered scandalous to let your ankles show! In Iran you could be fined or imprisoned for showing your hands!<br />To not wear jeans because it points to your crotch is silly. You said yourself that pants "point" to your crotch whether you are a man or a woman. So it is OK for me to know your husband has a bum to sit on, but it is not OK for him to see that I walk on two legs? Perhaps we should go way, way back and have the men wear skirts too! Then nobody has crotches!<br />I am not saying that women should let it all hang out and show the world what color bra and panty set they are wearing today. But decently cut jeans, designed for a woman, with a loose tee shirt is just as modest, and actually calls LESS attention to yourself than wearing long flowing skirts 24/7. I come from that culture. I used to wear nothing but ankle length skirts until I realized that men are way less interested in my calves than the conservative church makes them out to be. I see people staring a whole lot more at a family of women walking around the store with sneakers and jean skirts than any other family wearing "normal" stuff. <br />It wasn't practical when doing the things that I love (bike riding, hiking in the wilderness, exercising) to wear long skirts. It actually was less modest when a blustery wind came by! :-P<br /> I guess my point is this: wear what is practical. Look like a good girl. Don't draw undue attention to yourself, whatever you are wearing. That is the spirit of the law.Jennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-67076046738645477292014-05-05T15:45:37.603-05:002014-05-05T15:45:37.603-05:00Thanks for this post. I'm not at a point of ag...Thanks for this post. I'm not at a point of agreeing with everything you've said, I'm open to the thoughts you've presented. Truth be told, I'm just a whole lot more comfortable in jeans and I actually think that when I add a nice top and shoes I can end up looking much more feminine than what some women show up looking like in their skirts and tennis shoes. (that sounded snarky, I didn't mean it that way.) And I'm a socks and shoes kind of girls so that works way better with jeans. <br />I tried wearing skirts around the house and it lasted one day. Wow, it got in the way, had to hold it going up steps, etc. and oh I hate to feel my thighs touch! So, I'm wondering, do you have any advice on how to get around those issues if I want to at least start wearing skirts more often? Beth Cranfordhttp://www.bethcranford.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-43350210365357162792014-05-05T15:00:31.887-05:002014-05-05T15:00:31.887-05:00Hi, "Anonymous"! :) Thank you for read...Hi, "Anonymous"! :) Thank you for reading and for your comment! I WILL be doing a post on the subject of birth control. It is a subject near to my heart, actually. I'll try to get that published SOON! :) --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-31111268820925883032014-05-05T14:58:55.189-05:002014-05-05T14:58:55.189-05:00Thank you, Moriah! I'll be reading your posts...Thank you, Moriah! I'll be reading your posts now! :) --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-77130912903425617452014-05-05T14:58:08.180-05:002014-05-05T14:58:08.180-05:00Thank you, Tiffany! And thank you for reading! :...Thank you, Tiffany! And thank you for reading! :) --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-74960346122944289072014-05-05T14:57:17.160-05:002014-05-05T14:57:17.160-05:00Thank you for reading, Zipporah A! Glad to know I...Thank you for reading, Zipporah A! Glad to know I'm in encouraging company regarding this topic! :) --MelissaFar Above Rubieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05090466984173332753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-20360262515146522802014-05-05T13:19:25.707-05:002014-05-05T13:19:25.707-05:00great post! I have commented before but had to del...great post! I have commented before but had to delete my blog due to privacy reasons. I wear a mixture of pants and skirts but I love skirts especially in the summer time. They make me feel so feminine and lovely. I do have a question, what are your views or are you going to do a post on birth control? I am asking as a somewhat neutral party, we do not believe in hormonal birth control but are using NFP to space our babies. so far our views on biblical womanhood are very similar so I was just curious. :)Bridget L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06409264775963956125noreply@blogger.com