Why I Won't Teach My Daughter To "Cover Up" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why I Won't Teach My Daughter To "Cover Up"

We're teaching our young women that there is something inherently sinful with the bodies God gave them.

66
Why I Won't Teach My Daughter To "Cover Up"

I'm a Christian, I go to a Christian university, and I have pretty conservative values. But one day, if I'm ever blessed with a daughter, I will not teach her to "cover up". Instead, I will teach her respect and love, for herself and for others. I will teach her about Who made her, and His expectations for her. She will not be modest to please anyone but herself and her God.

Telling girls to cover up their bodies teaches them, from a tender age, that their form is something to be ashamed of and that their curves invite sin. But this is so far from the truth. God made women strong and beautiful, that was not a mistake. I will not tell her that her body is a distraction because it isn't. She will know, that the true reason for modesty is out of respect for herself and obedience to God's wishes. I will never let her think that she should be ashamed, or feel like she is the problem.

Our bodies are temples, works of art, the grandest masterpieces in our world... not a "distraction". We were sculpted by a magnificent Creator, and we are not made to be hidden away, but to honor God in all that we do. So while that doesn't mean wearing a thong bikini on the beach in Florida, that also doesn't mean bending over backward to make sure I buy knee-length shorts and tank tops with 3 finger width straps. The Bible doesn't have a "one-inch rule".

But as much as I will teach my daughter to respect herself, it doesn't matter if parents don't also start teaching their sons that girls' bodies are not their playthings.

So, perhaps I have a son. I will teach him to respect himself, and his God. I will teach him that no matter what anyone else tells him, a girl is not only a body. Girls have feelings, they were also made by God, and they were made to be respected. He will know that his eyes should not wander, even when it's difficult. He will know that Porn Kills Love. He will grow up knowing that God created us all to be loved and respected, and in turn to love and respect one another. He will be taught that he too should dress in respect for himself and God. My son will not be taught that "boys will be boys" or "teenage hormones" are valid excuses for his misbehavior.

Teaching girls to be modest to please teachers, ministers or parents misses the entire point of modesty in the first place: respect and obedience.

Never once in the hundreds of times I've heard a lesson on modesty has the reasoning ever been about respect for yourself or God. Mostly I've been told that modesty is important so you aren't a "stumbling-block" for young Christian men. But, you see, my body is still the same shape no matter what I wear. It doesn't matter if I'm in leggings and a crop top, or a garbage bag. A girl cannot change her body to make a boy not be curious. If boys want to look at a girl's body, they will, and often they feel justified because they're told that 'boys just can't help it'. What a joke.

Only when we start teaching our young Christians that bodies are not just bodies, but art made by God, will things start changing.

So, maybe next time you talk to a young Christian about modesty, you don't mention "stumbling-blocks" or "distractions". Maybe you lead with respect and love for one another. Because we are not meant to be ashamed of ourselves, we are made for love.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190737
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15183
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458067
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26733
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments