Thursday, September 22, 2022

MODESTY "What is This?

 mod·es·ty

ˈmädəstē/

noun

noun: modesty

1.

the quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities.

How it is viewed ultimately depends on your perspective. There are several definitions for modesty in most dictionaries; it is most often rendered as humility, shyness, or simplicity.

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in G-D's sight is very precious.


"If you've got it, flaunt it." is a familiar phrase to women these days. The world has some confused ideas about what it means to be a beautiful woman. Nevertheless, a modest individual can be seen as a person possessing positive characteristics. Humility need not be a deficit; one who recognizes their own strengths and weaknesses who has become comfortable with herself will feel no competition with others. But still need to look put-together for your own self-confidence.

 

I have learned how to see my appearance for what it is, contrary to the modern belief that to be modest is to allow ourselves to become doormats and castoffs, living a life of modesty is a personal determination. I purposefully set out to be content in keeping my hope and trust in The One who designed and fashioned me according to His will. Therefore bringing Him glory and honor not only through my verbal profession of faith, but my acts of deeds in modesty.


First and foremost, a biblical definition of modesty must focus on the heart. Modesty is primarily about our motivations. In addition, modest dress is also about discernment, having an awareness of others and our environment.

One who lives and behaves in simplicity quietly performs daily tasks and routines without blowing a trumpet beforehand. There is no need to call attention. Modesty acts gently, but with no less perfection or care as one who may constantly announce their deeds.

Colossians 3:12 says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” 

What we wear says more about us than we might think. Many of us probably barely think at all when we get dressed in the morning.

 

Is it OK to look pretty? Yes!

Wear makeup and jewelry? Yes! 

Put effort into my clothes? Yes!

Take care of my body? Do I have to care about how I look? Where can I find modest, classy clothes without spending a fortune? What should my attitude be toward the latest fashions? How do I figure out what looks good on me? What is appropriate to wear when? What in the world do I do with my hair? Do I cover my hair? And if so. How? These are all questions we have at one time or another. 

I personally have struggled with many of these through out my journey in life starting at the early age of 12. As a "preacher's kid" my life was examined, evaluated, criticized, opinionated, etc. etc. etc., and it caused me many a hardship.

So now, as a "Roeh(pastor)'s wife" and a "teacher/morah" myself;  I am determined to examine, evaluate, criticize and make opinions on myself through G-d's principles and values for my own sake.

Makeup and jewelry was seen as "Jezebel", now it is optional for me, which is really nice. With regards to makeup, I find that I have fun with it, but I often don't bother to wear it because I don't have time or whatever. When I do I tend to like a very simple and natural look.

Upon meeting me for the first time, people may immediately see “stocky build” "middle-age" “curly hair” or "plain Jane".  After spending a bit of time with me, they may notice “artistic” or “corky.” After getting to know me, they may be able to see me as “emotionally complex” or “a highly abstract thinker.” And just as others can view me on different planes, so, too, there are any number of ways in which I can view myself. 

So as I venture into the challenge of tzniut/modesty, my focus or vision is to project every aspect of myself in such a way that it draws the focus to my true identity. The way to project this message is to transform the outside layers of myself into an expression of my inside. 

Tzniut/modesty begins with looking past my more superficial layers and seeing who, on the deepest level, I am capable of being. And, most importantly who I am in the eyes of my Heavenly Father!

G-d has blessed each one of us with a unique personality and the freedom to express it. When our clothes and grooming support the person who lies beneath we are the most at ease and happiest with our appearance. 


So in order to help me discover the mode of dress that best expresses who I am, I will attempt to re-do my closet.

It’s time to show the world what it really looks like – one soul, one body, one face, one closet at a time, starting with mine!


Next Blog: Turning My Closet into My Personal Boutique!

 

Being a Good Steward of our Adornments is necessary to enable us to be "Modest & Fashionable!"


Shalom, Rachel bat Sarah

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

My Basic Modesty Outlook

 Hello, Ola, Shalom!

My name is Rachel, I welcome you to my blog page. I am attempting to venture into sharing my ideas in fashion & modesty, while being frugal without being a total washout! I hope to become a source of helpful tips in all aspects of making ourselves beautiful without being alluring and attracting!

Modesty to me is about more than what one wears, although one can dress stylishly, one must be modest in how we perceive ourselves to others. One must shine in our inner beauty foremost then reflect it in our outer appearance. To be modest by no means does it define a frumpy, unmade, outcast. 

We must learn the degree of modesty that best fits us personally according to Torah. This way we don't feel subjected to undue restrains and therefore reflect distress and discontent with our King. I personally feel that since we belong to a Sovereign King we should reflect that royal identity in modesty and grace. 

Each of us have our own individual taste in fashion. So by no means should we put our "own" guidelines on our sisters and friends, that restricts or diminishes our G-d given spirit of creativity. Some of us can dress in vibrant colors and sparkly ornaments and look absolutely gorgeous yet modest. Then some of us can adorn ourselves in classic and subdued attire and look just as gorgeous and modest without looking like we are mourning. 

Our inner beauty shines through regardless of the outer attire, if and when our relationship with Hashem is an Ongoing Daily Lifestyle!


Here are a few of Scripture references that I guide myself by.

Proverbs 31:30

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

ש 30 Charm can lie, beauty can vanish, but a woman who fears Adonai should be praised.


Isaiah 3:16-24

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

16 Moreover Adonai says:

“Because Tziyon’s women are so proud, walking with their heads in the air and throwing seductive glances, moving with mincing steps and jingling their anklets —

17 Adonai will strike the crown of the heads of Tziyon’s women with sores, and Adonai will expose their private parts.”

18 On that day Adonai will take away their finery — their anklets, medallions and crescents, 19 their pendants, bracelets and veils; 20 their headbands, armlets, sashes, perfume bottles, amulets, 21 rings and nose-jewels; 22 their fine dresses, wraps, shawls, handbags, 23 gauze scarves, linen underclothes, turbans and capes. 24 Then, there will be

instead of perfume, a stench;

instead of a belt, a rope;

instead of well-set hair, a shaved scalp;

instead of a rich robe, a sackcloth skirt;

and a slave-brand instead of beauty.

 

Ezekiel 16:8-14

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

8 “‘Again I passed by you, looked at you and saw that your time had come, the time for love. So I spread my cloak over you to cover your private parts and entered into a covenant with you,’ says Adonai Elohim, ‘and you became mine. 9 Then I bathed you in water, washed the blood off you, and anointed you with oil. 10 I also clothed you with an embroidered gown, gave you fine leather sandals to wear, put a fine linen headband on your head and covered you with silk. 11 I gave you jewelry to wear, bracelets for your hands, a necklace for your neck, 12 a ring for your nose, earrings for your ears and a beautiful crown for your head. 13 Thus you were decked out in gold and silver; your clothing was of fine linen, silk and richly embroidered cloth; you ate the finest flour, honey and olive oil. You grew increasingly beautiful — you were fit to be queen. 14 Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, because it was perfect, due to my having bestowed my own splendor on you’ says Adonai Elohim.


We are FIT to be Queens! Lets embrace our own unique beauty and dress as royalty, yet being modest and graceful reflecting Hashem's beauty within us!