Proverbs 31:10

I remember my love of tank tops and shorty shorts. I loved cutting off those old pants into summer shorts. But, I have come to learn there is a place for these. It is called the beach.

Granted, I have recently come upon a “physically restricting” modesty standard. The lines are drawn. And, I really appreciate it.

I am not perfect at this modesty thing. And, I certainly wasn't any better up to this point. But, I am trying. I have an honest desire to be better, because I know I should be.

I have found that all the women I truly admire, like really truly think are amazing, have been modest women. There is a difference… between, “Yah. She is way cool and fun. I really like her.” And, “Wow. That is a women a want to be like. There is something about her.” That something is called confidence. That something is called integrity. That something is called courage. That something is called a testimony of divine nature.

I remember making a goal after attending a stake conference. A sister in the young women’s stake presidency gave a talk and told a story about when she had gotten married. She found that there were clothes she had to give up and thrown out. She couldn't wear them anymore. I was touched by her honesty and sincerity. I then made it a goal to keep all of my clothes upon going through the temple. It wasn't fun. And, it was so easy to label clothes into a “sports” category. These are my “workout” clothes. But, deep down, I knew. I knew when I was working out and when I was just lounging about.

I find myself disappointed every now and then because of this: I think there are more women on my side than there are. It is deflating. I guess I am disillusioned. It is hard to do something you know is right… when you know other people know it’s right… and they aren't doing it. I think we are fighting the same fight. We aren't.

I browse Facebook, and I see girls having a lot of fun. They look happy, healthy, and under-dressed. We know Facebook is a social network. We use it to instantly share our thoughts, values, philosophies, pictures, emotions, and lives. So quickly we conditionalize our standards. I understand if we have moments of weakness and our standards get a little shaky. (I believe strongly in my Savior and His Atonement and our opportunity to repent and be better.) But, my main question is: Why are we posting it?

It takes guts. It really does. But, one step in the right direction can take you to places where you want to be. It can take to you to friends you want to have. It can take you to a spouse you want to be with. It can take you back to live with God.

To my friends and exemplars of modesty. Thank you. Thank you for your brave examples and encouragement. I see your beauty. I see your confidence. I see your love of God. I see women that I want to be like. Thank you.

I have a testimony of modesty. I know my Father in Heaven loves me and he wants me to be happy. I know there is a plan, a beautiful plan. I know that we are blessed when we follow the commandments of God. I know I am a daughter of God.

"Who can find a virtuous women? For her price is far above rubies."   Proverbs 31:10