Part I: “My Journey to Modesty at age 43!”

If you were to ask someone to define the term “modesty,” how do you think they would respond? When most people hear the term “modesty,” they immediately envision an outward appearance covered from head to toe. However, I would like to submit to you that God’s view of modesty is not merely external but also internal specifically the attitude of one’s heart. You see The Lord desires to change us from the inside with evidence of an outward change. This is the process of sanctification. He must deliver us from the old ways of the world that we have become accustomed to. This might include ideologies, perspectives or mindsets rooted in carnality and worldliness. We must be a pure vessel for Holy Spirit to reside in. Imagine someone as holy as Yeshua trying to take up residence in a polluted, tainted and dirty atmosphere in all of His holiness. Doesn’t sound very appealing now does it?

Although I turned 45 this year in 2025, my journey to modesty actually began a few months after my 43rd birthday in 2023 while living on the west coast. What catapulted the events leading to my modesty journey was that I became the center of targeting by a group of nonbelievers. The targeting included spreading rumors, lies and gossip amongst former co-workers, family and former friends. I prayed to The Lord to understand why would someone consistently say things about me that weren’t true especially considering how dedicated I was to Christ Jesus. He is faithful and answered that it was based on my outward appearance. You see even though I fully surrendered to God in 2015 including a vow of celibacy, I still continued dressing the same way I did when I lived in the world. You know things common among worldly women - wigs, weaves, hair attachments, makeup, fake nails, high heels, luxury brands, expensive items. Although there had been an inward change within me, the outward perception still screamed VANITY!!!!

The names I was called were very unbecoming especially as a woman of God. It was from here that I gained an understanding and Abba, in all of his grace and mercy, began to show me what biblical beauty actually looked like which is pleasing to Him. How could I represent such a holy being when I still remakes of worldly residue? It was in this moment that I truly understood how He exchanges our garments of sin for robes of righteousness. What a wonderful, big and mighty God we serve!!!

I too began to see how these things were unholy and displeasing to The Lord. The Bible talks about the seductress Jezebel, a Phoenician queen who “painted her face” or put on makeup, in efforts to seduce Jehu who had been assigned by Yahweh to annihilate the wicked queen. Many women in the Body of Christ who are professing Christians have not yet made the connection between makeup and seduction. You see there is a spirit of pride and lust attached to makeup once it is put on. All you have to do is turn on the TV or any form of social media to understand what I’m referring to. The puckered lips, flawless and contoured skin, form fitting clothes - you get the idea but it’s all rooted in a spirit of lust with women desiring to be attractive.

It feels good to the human flesh to be complimented and for some women even desired even if it is not one’s own husband. While men are usually after the one thing that God created as a form of intimacy in the covenant of marriage between husbands and wives. The Bible tells us especially as women that we are not to be a stumbling block unto our brothers. A “stumbling block” means a hindrance. For example, a brother in Christ or even another worldly man may be tempted in an ungodly way by the way a woman dresses or looks. We as women of God do not want to lead our brothers into sin.

Stay tuned for Part II of the series - “My Journey to Modesty - The Protection of a Christian Headcovering”

**Remember Yeshua loves you. After all, He died for you!

Blessings,

-Trena