unconventional

Jennifer Gerhardt, a dear friend of mine, is currently working on a project she calls Radical Modesty.  It is really phenomenal…and I highly encourage you to watch this video if you get a chance!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPODYc2PrWk&feature=channel_video_title

Also, I just recently finished two years of being a dorm mom at Faulkner University and I have spent quite a bit of time the past few weeks thinking about and talking about modesty with my girls from Faulkner.

First of all, let me say that I get it.  I understand the debate from both perspectives.  We absolutely have to have rules and standards and, being a Christian University, Faulkner absolutely cannot be silent on the issue of dress…especially with some of the dress that is available now.

But I also understand why my girls get so upset about it…and, honestly, I share their angst.  I am not immodest person…or at least you won’t be seeing my butt cheeks any time soon.  And I believe that you can be modest, beautiful and Godly if you wear shorts that are more than 3 inches above your knee.  One of the advantages to not working at Faulkner anymore is that I can wear whatever I want and not worry about if it falls within regulation.

I think what it boils down to for me is the way in which others handle modesty.  I think Jesus would never use disdain, disrespect or cruelty when addressing modesty.  I don’t think He would be condemning or over zealous.  I think He would lovingly explain why there are guidelines and gently request a clothing change. I don’t think He would call someone out in front of a group of people or even one other person (instead of embarrassing a precious girl).  But that’s just my opinion. I agree with Jennifer Gerhardt when she says that modesty is an outward display of an internal spirit and I don’t think it can be forced upon anyone.

Also, the following article (which I found on Jennifer Gerhardt’s blog) perfectly states something I’ve long been unable to put a finger on…something that has bothered me about modesty, but I couldn’t figure out.  Strict, iron-fisted discipline on this subject does objectify women.  It calls us out for the beauty that God created and it places your standards on my beliefs…in an unfair way.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/current-events/op-ed-blog/26523-is-modest-really-hottest

I do think that Christian campuses need guidelines in order to set ourselves apart.  I’m good at very little, but one of my strengths is that I connect with college age girls…and the way that many handle modesty is pushing them away.  I just think we need to renew our tactics.