Buckeye Blog
Jan. 31, 2008
Socially Retarded...By God's Grace!

Posted in Kim's Articles

 1 Peter 4:4-5 - "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.  But they will have to give account to Him Who is ready to judge the living and the dead."

1 Sam. 16:7 - "...The  Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

WHAT in the world is going on in the clothing industry lately?!  I have 2 daughters (one 20 and one nearly 17) and we can hardly find anything suitable for them to wear...thank the Lord for Eddie Bauer and L. L. Bean or they wouldn't have a modest yet fashionable pair of jeans to put on.

On any given day, a trip to the mall, a view of the TV screen or a gander at a magazine cover in the checkout line can be an eye-opening experience.  What's a Christian parent raising Christian teens and young women to dress modestly to do?  Even well-meaning gift-giving relatives have bought into the world's corrupt ideas of "fashion" when it come to birthday and Christmas presents.

I'm very bold when it comes to protecting my family and I am NOT above returning a gift or tactfully declining to accept one.  Of course, we get met with those questioning looks, but I will NOT allow my girls to dress like prostitutes, nor will I allow anyone else to influence them to do so.

I know that I'm not the only one who feels this way...but why does it seem that no one else is letting the store managers know?  Whenever I can't find anything suitably modest enough to buy, or see something that anyone should be able to SEE is unsuitable for a teen, I often (much to my teen daughters' chagrin ) summon the store or department manager and let them know that they are losing a HUGE market.  "Not everyone wants to dress their daughters like street walkers."

Most of the time, I get that "well there's nothing I can do about it" answer, to which I reply, "You can tell your buyers."  (I didn't spend 8 years in retail for nothin'!)  There must be others out there getting up the guts to say something about it besides me, because I just read an article saying that "Skin if Out!" for the next fashion season.  Of course, they made it a point to say that it had nothing to do with the "Christian Right"...which makes me say a big "hmmmmmmmmmmmm...Me thinks thou protests too much!"

Yes, my girls are socially retared...BY GOD'S GRACE!  My daughters have been raised in a loving Christian home with parents who care enough to say "no" when it's necessary.  Parents who have guided them to find "...whatever is true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable...excellent or praiseworthy..."  (Phil. 4:8).  We have prepared them for how hard it can be to stand up and say, "The emperor has no clothes!"  (We didn't realize that it would be LITERAL!)  We have reminded them of the many Bible figures who stood alone for the sake of the Lord and His mighty cause.  I have reminded them of Elijah and how he thought for sure he was the ONLY righteous man left, but the Lord told him that there were 7,000 who had not bowed their knees to Baal.  No matter what the world says, we are NOT alone! 

I have reminded them of how young David was chosen by God to be king.  Even when his tall, handsome, muscular brothers were paraded about, God told the prophet "no" until the sweet little shepherd who had a way with a harp and a sling-shot stepped forward.  Even his own dad couldn't believe it!  But God looks at the HEART.  NOT a fashion statement. 

Our family might be "socially retarded" as the world sees us...but who has the better reward for how we will live our lives?  Not by works, but by the faith we have in Christ and the obedience that faith causes us to walk in.  I'm hoping that after our initial shock and disgust at seeing how so many girls have been sucked in by the world's lies, that we will remember to pray for them.  They were also created in God's image and we must remember..."There but for the grace of God, go I." 

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><


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Comments

Jan. 31, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mcblog


I am loving that phrase, "socially retarded." I hope that my young ones will grow to be as socially retarded as your girls. I have also said things to managers before, and my daughter just turned 4. I cannot believe the clothes that they expect us to buy even for little ones. If I'm not going to let her dress like a hoochie-mama when she's 15, then I'm surely not going to let her do so now. They need to know these things. You are so right. Thanks for this post.


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Jan. 31, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous


I don't know what happened with that link. It works when I try it here, but that is often the case for some reason.

I am planning to be at CHEO. I've gone the past two years in a row and enjoyed it very much. I'll look for you and introduce myself!


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Jan. 31, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by momto4beauties


Yes, modesty is a concern for me as well, with four daughters. Swimsuit season always makes me cringe..especially since my eldest is approaching her teens. My sis had a swimsuit made two years ago, but it didn't fit her quite right. However, this site now offers a 'make it yourself kit' so you can get a better measurement/fit. For all those interested, here is the site...by a homeschool graduate! http://www.modest-swimwear.net/ Great swimsuits!


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Jan. 31, 2008 - modest clothes

Posted by HomeschoolCPA


For modest swim wear vistit a store that sells to swim teams. They frequenly have cute, one piece suits. Kastaway is a local (Cincinnati) store that has a webaite:
http://www.kastawayswimwear.com/

Also Venus Williams (the tennis start) has a new fashion line that is modest AND cute! Available at Steve and Barry's sporting goods stores.
http://www.elevenbyvenus.com/

Happy shopping!
Carol, mom of two teenage girls


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Jan. 31, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Sisterchicksteph


Hey Kim! I just tagged you! Visit my blog to get all of the details! (Sorry I wasn't at gym today- I had to take Deuce to get his glasses). TTYL!


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Feb. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Vicki


Yes, I read about Hickory...*LOL* I read a lot, but don't comment much, unless it's someone I know pretty well....I'm sorry for your loss, and happy to know that you are getting a new addition!! I have other pets, including 3 other cats, but as you know, each one is special, and none can replace the ones you lose!

Thank you so much for your comments, and your very sweet words!! You summed it up well when you said "did everything she could to make life, meaningful, pleasing to the Lord and the best that she possibly could."....That is my hope, my desire!

Again, thank you!!!

Blessings,
Vicki
www.prairierosesamongthorns.com/vblog


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