I requested a pamphlet idea on modesty on a group page on Facebook. As it turns out some of the ladies suggested I write one. Talk about feeling completely unqualified for a task!! I couldn't find inspiration and no matter what I wrote it just didn't sound right. So I decided to write a letter to my daughters. It isn't much, but it is my words and thoughts. I thought I would post it here so I could have a record of it for when the girls get older.
Dear Daughter of the Lord,
What is beauty? Beauty can be found in many things. Beauty is a mother holding her newborn baby. Beauty is a rose bud blooming. Beauty is an act of charity to a stranger. Beauty is a hug from your mom. Beauty is found in a compliment from your dad. These things are beautiful when shared and received.
Who is the most beautiful woman you know? What makes her beautiful to you? What makes your best friend beautiful? Is it the way she fixes her hair? How about the clothes she wears? Is it the smile on her face? Maybe it is the happiness in her eyes? All of us are beautiful children of God. Some of us have prettier faces while others have more beautiful hair. This does not mean that those without the pretty faces and beautiful hair are any less beautiful. You, my daughter, are as wonderful as can be because that is how God made you. You are beautiful just the way He created you.
How does modesty enrich our beauty? Is modesty only making sure your skirt is long enough or your shirt fits your body correctly? No, modesty is much more than just what clothes we wear and how we wear them. Modesty takes our God-given beauty and enhances it into elegance. I want to give you some simple ways to practice modesty in other parts of our lives. Even grown women need to do these things. The examples will not include how long your skirt should be or any other guidelines like that. You know what you should and should not be wearing. You know why you should not be wearing them. I trust you enough that I do not believe you will wear inappropriate clothing. Remember when practicing modesty in these instances you will also help protect yourself against vices and sins. A lovely woman who acts and dresses respectably will be respected by others. You will be a blessing to those around you and an true example of the Catholic Church’s teachings.
Modesty in our speech will show others that we are sensitive to the feelings of those around us. This includes watching what words we say to others and with what tone we say them. Our words should always be helpful, not hurtful. You should try to compliment your friends and family every chance you are given. We feel better about ourselves when we are told our smile is beautiful or the color of our shirt makes our eyes sparkle. A young lady who is soft-spoken and kind with her words is a treasure to her family.
Modesty in our actions includes acting lady-like around others. You will be more beautiful to the Lord and to others if your actions are thoughtful and compassionate. The young lady who practices charity, shares her laughter with others, smiles at someone, and is patient in difficult situations is far more beautiful than the top model who dresses in the latest fashions. The beauty of the soul far outshines the beautiful of the body.
It is very important that we take care of our bodies. Making healthy food choices and drinking plenty of water helps our bodies to look and feel better. We should also get enough sleep so our attitudes are pleasant. All of these things will help us fulfill our responsibilities to our family and God. You cannot take care of others if you do not take care of yourself first.
When choosing what clothes to wear I want you to remember to pick clothes that are comfortable. You cannot be a happy person in uncomfortable clothes. We should dress ourselves for the glory of God and for the vocation God has guided us into. If we are dressing to impress others then we are not being modest in either dress or thought. A modest girl is not boastful or draws attention to what she is wearing. We would not want to be the source of jealousy for other young women or gain unhealthy attention from young men.
We should always take care to be the very best example in all our actions, words, and attire. I believe that some of the most beautiful women in this world are the women who worked hard all their lives, wear clothes at were considered outdated decades ago, and continue to sacrifice for those around them. Their true example of womanhood is incomparable. We are to be in this world, but not of this world. We, as good Catholics, should hold ourselves to a Mary-like standard. Our Blessed Mother is always depicted in modest clothes, but more than that, she was always a model of virtue. If you try to be virtuous in your life you will automatically be modest.
You are already one of the most beautiful young girls I know. Your love of God and your neighbor, your joyous nature, your appreciation of beauty shows how amazing of a child of God you are. Remember that we love you just as you are. You are a jewel in our treasure box. You are a blessing in our lives.
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