Modest Mentors Series~Jenny

Welcome to Pure Modesty's Modest Mentors Series!

In the spirit of Titus 2, I have asked women whom I greatly respect and admire to answer a few questions that relate to modesty. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have all the answers nor have I arrived at being a “Modest Mentor” myself, because dressing modestly is more than just skirts!

I hope the interviews in this series will be helpful wherever you are in your journey of becoming a virtuous woman!


Today's interview is with Jenny at A Mother's Heritage.

The term Modesty has a broad definition these days. What does Modesty mean to you?

Modesty means to me not only my dress, but my deportment and attitude as well. I can be wearing a modest attire, but if my behavior is not prudent and wise, if I do not carry myself in honor, then I am not truly modest.

Have you always dressed modestly? Why? (if not describe briefly what changed.)

I was introduced to dressing modestly early on in my life. As I grew that grew in different particulars. From my teen years I wore skirts or dresses only, having worn pants before that. But I was also taught that it was not just wearing a skirt that made me modest, but the heart of the matter. We have seen too many times where there is outward "modesty" but the behavior is far from pure.

The last few years after much prayer, thought and counsel our family decided to reintroduce pants into our family for me and my daughters, although we still wear skirts and dresses often. Even with this decision though, we are very conservative in our choices. I am teaching my daughters how to wear longer tunic-type blouses and attire that are modest as well as lovely.

How would you answer, "I can dress how I want because Jesus looks at my heart!" It is true that the Lord looks on the heart, but we are also known by our fruits. Others cannot see our hearts, and our outward attire reflects much to others.

What do you think is the greatest challenge women face today when it comes to purity and virtue?

~We are in a time where we are losing even basic propriety as women. It is now socially appropriate for girls to initiate in relationships with boys.  Flirting and general casual behavior are common place.  In our society girls are so masculine in their behavior, and our young men no longer honor the ladies.  We need to be teaching our young girls to behave with dignity and propriety, in ways that do not tempt others, modesty of heart, dress and behavior.

~I read an article recently that really hit the nail on the head when it mentioned that instead of wanting to be pretty, now girls want to be "hot".  It is my opinion that this trashy look that girls now are wearing is not even "pretty" but is giving more of the appearance of a street woman.  Is it any wonder when they lose their purity at an early age?  Does their dress speak to others words of invitation or words of wholesomeness?  Do our daughters value their femininity as from the Lord? We need to teach them to remember the "A gracious woman retains her honor."  Proverbs 11:16

~We need the fathers to be more aware of their daughters' attire and give them feedback.  A young lady does not always know how a young man thinks and what might be a stumbling block to them.  I believe the Dads should be often having dialog with their daughters as to what is appropriate, no matter what age they are.  I regularly ask my husband for feedback on certain clothing, styles, etc.

Did you have a mentor? If not who was your greatest womanly influence?

I would have to say my mother has been my greatest influence.  She has been and still is a huge blessing from the Lord in my life.  God has also given me other friends over the years that have been such an encouragement to me.  But I will say that one of the best lessons the Lord taught me was to love being a woman and prize that gift.  It has required standing alone many times, but this will often be the case in the Christian life.

Would you like to share any other wisdom with my readers?

~Keep at the forefront of your heart and mind these few questions:

Is my choice of clothing...

loving my brethren around me?

consistent with my profession as a follower of Jesus?

retain my honor as a woman?

does my husband or father feel it is modest?

and most of all...does my dress AND behavior bring glory to God?

Jenny is an ordinary mom with an extraordinary God. Following a beautiful courtship, she has been married to her best friend for over 16 years. Jenny homeschools her 7 children (ages 14-10 mo). This means everything from teaching basic phonics, to assisting her oldest through CollegePlus! When she is not teaching, playing with her children, or changing diapers, she loves to sing, write, blog and clean...yes, clean. As a recovering OCD perfectionist and "neat freak" she still has unmatched socks, messy closets and is allergic to mornings. Jenny is also the author of the ebook Embracing the Mess. Come and be refreshed, blessed and challenged in your high calling as a wife and mother over at A Mother's Heritage. You may also follow her on Facebook, or Twitter.