I am sure that most of us women have become aware of the attempt of modern society to blur the lines of normalcy into what has become known as the “new normal.”
I find it highly irregular that anything can be construed or conveyed as the “new normal” since things are either normal or they are not. For example: When normal conditions under which one is used to performing certain tasks do not exist, due to unforeseen circumstances, then another way or approach may have to be implemented in order to reach a desired result. However, this does not mean that the new way or approach can in any way be construed as the “new normal” because it is not.
This somehow reminds me of the late comedian, Jackie Gleason, who would say at times, “Don’t confuse me with the facts.” Of course when he said this in just the right way at just the right moment, it would bring a huge response of laughter from the audience. However, facts are facts and truth is truth. When speaking of the facts and the truth of a situation, sometimes the simplest proverbs say it best—“It is what it is.” I love this saying because it lends the proper perspective to a situation—and once the facts and truth of the matter are accepted, one is better able to deal with the situation.
Unusual Trends?
Looking back on certain social trends, I can recall several which were highly unusual. A couple of them are in the realm of women’s fashions. As we all know, fashion trends come and go, but a few of them tend to hang around a little too long—popping up and advertising themselves until it seems as if they are going to last forever. Take for instance the somewhat recent style of mixing stripes, checks, circles and diamond shapes, zigzagging into a crazy pattern with a myriad of unmatched color combinations—with the end result that some of the garments are so bizarre in appearance that it is enough to make the eyeballs spin to the point of dizziness and nausea! Whew! No normalcy and no balance in this sense of fashion.
Also, there are some in the fashion industry who have tried to tweak the concept of classic clothing—calling their tweaks (changes) the “new classics.” These changes are an attempt to make classic clothes more sexually alluring and appealing—usually by revealing more bare skin on a woman’s body.
However, there are others in the fashion industry who know the true value of classic clothing and have not bought into these new ideas and concepts. Classic clothes have classic lines, are lovely, sophisticated and modest. The beautiful fact of classic clothes is that they never go out of style and they endure the test of time.
In the area of modesty, I have been asked this same question quite often over the years by women, young ladies and even the elderly—“Why is it that, even though we women and young ladies have been taught to be modest and to wear modest attire, some ignore and neglect these instructions and continue to push the envelope in these areas, wearing revealing and even seductive clothing?”
This type of dressing can be highly offensive to others, especially at Church services, where we go to worship God. I have even heard some of the men voice their concerns, saying that it makes them very uncomfortable and that they have to avert their eyes from the seductively exposed areas of women who are dressed in this manner. Logically speaking, there is just no benefit to anyone in this type of situation anywhere, anytime.
A Helpful Checklist
Here are some helpful questions to ask oneself when shopping and trying on clothes before buying:
1. Is this dress/skirt too short for its intended purpose?
2. Will this dress/skirt ride up to be shorter when sitting or bending over?
3. Is this blouse/dress too low-cut and revealing, especially when bending over or stooping?
4. Is this garment (including slacks and jeans) inappropriately snug and form fitting?
5. Will I draw undue and inappropriate attention to myself if I wear this garment?
6. Is this garment age-appropriate?
If we strive for godly standards in all that we do—including modesty and modest attire—then surely Christ will be well pleased. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). The key is normalcy and balance in everything. One very helpful resource for considering how to find this balance in modest attire can be found in Mr. Rod McNair’s article “Leadership Training and Modesty” in the October 2009 Living Church News.
Aging Gracefully?
Something seems to happen to some women when they reach their forties. It suddenly dawns on them that they have passed their youth and that old age looms closer than ever before. This seems to happen for some as soon as a grey hair or a wrinkle appears—panic time! “How can I cope? What can I do to hang on to a more youthful appearance?” These thoughts run through a woman’s mind. Some then resort to overdoing the make-up, dressing in “youthful” fashions (which only makes one look ridiculous) or going overboard with dieting and exercise—and some run as fast as they can to Botox or plastic surgery.
Have you ever talked to someone with an expressionless botoxed face? I believe I have done so several times. Some might say, “To each her own.” But what good is a twinkle in the eye without genuine laughter and crinkles at the corners, or a warm smile to light up the personality? Or what good is a good old fashioned belly laugh if the face cannot join in the fun—due to botoxed paralysis?
As they age from their late thirties into their forties, most women find this to be a difficult time in their lives. I call it the “forties syndrome.” A major problem, of course, is the hormonal changes that a woman experiences due to menopause, as her body tries to adjust to her new situation—the cessation of her childbearing years—which is more difficult for some than for others. There is no “one size fits all” because each woman is different. However, most women go through this period of time without any severe problems and continue on with their lives.
By the way, it is not a sin to grow old—it is just a fact of life. As long as we have breath, we will be growing older. As that same saying goes, “It is what it is”—like it or not.
We can be thankful to have each day of life to live for God and to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)—instead of being obsessed with youth and physical beauty, as are many women and young girls in today’s society.
Due to modern technology, medical breakthroughs and increased knowledge concerning health, diet and exercise, women are living longer these days—but what good is a longer life without understanding or the maturity that comes with it? We are told in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This is a calling we should be thankful for!
Beauty from Within
So as we grow older, let us look on it as an opportunity to embrace a more mature beauty, especially from within. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3–4). Again, normalcy and balance are the keys.
I believe that any woman who has God’s Holy Spirit has a unique beauty about her, especially if she adheres to God’s laws, concepts, precepts and principles. Then if she also complements her inner beauty with a beautiful but modest outward appearance, she truly is letting her light shine. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
There seems to be a trend today to blur the lines of normalcy and to knock balance off-kilter. It is something that we may need to be aware of as we teach our children how to differentiate between what is normal and balanced and what is not.
So as we continue on in our journey toward God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, let us strive to be as normal and balanced as we can possibly be—with God’s help, guidance and direction, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith and salvation.