If the Savior Stood Beside Me, Would I Wear the Things I Wear?

by Jill Taylor
What a sweet experience it has been for the past several months to always have this thought on my mind: "If the Savior stood beside me." You need never wonder if He is there or not; the scriptures teach us that He is there--ever watchful, ever aware.

painting by Liz Lemon Swindle

Our Savior does stand beside us--but I also testify that He will and does stand closer as we strive to turn to Him in everything we do! And what a grand blessing that truly is! We have the opportunity to determine the distance that He will be by us! I love knowing that He is always there--always there! I love knowing even more that every single one of us get to choose! We hold the ability to keep that distance small, or, if we choose, that distance will be greater.

As we contemplate this question, “If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?” or “Would I do the things I do?” may I add another verse to this song? "If the Savior stood beside me, would I wear the things I wear?"

What an unspeakable gift that would be if our Savior did walk physically beside us. His light would undoubtedly penetrate our hearts and His divine influence would fill us with a desire to be pure--inside and out.

My mom has always been a shining example to me of modesty! She made it easy for me to want to dress modestly because she dressed modestly! When I was in college, we had another typical freezing cold Utah winter, and summer was finally just around the corner, and I needed a new swimsuit. I was taking a heavy load of classes and didn’t have time to make the drive back home to go shopping with my mom. At that time I was dating a young man, and our relationship was getting more serious. I told him that I was going to go to the mall and look for a swimsuit. He decided to join me, and off we headed.

Trust the Lord Enough to Follow His Plan for You

by President Alex Jensen
When Sister Packer asked me to speak to you this evening, I said no. I said, “I don't want to give a talk, but I would be delighted to share the impressions that will come into my heart as I listen and look out into the faces of the beautiful sisters in the stake, young and old.” I'm delighted to be able to do that for just a few brief moments.

From LDS.org

First, I want to make sure you understand that this fireside this evening has come by revelation from the Lord. It was done as I counseled together with the stake Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidents. I want to testify that this is of the Lord.

I hope that you have listened carefully tonight. As I looked out at your faces, I wish I had the power to communicate to you how your Father in Heaven sees you. You are a powerful force for good that literally has the ability to change the world. One of my greatest sadnesses is that oftentimes I am convinced that sisters of the Church don't recognize that in themselves, but I want you to know that it is true.

As I sat here this evening, into my mind came a quote from President Uchtdorf, remarks that he made in 2010 at the General Women's Conference: “We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own 'happily ever after.' The truth is, God knows how to get there! And He has created a map for you; He knows the way. He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. The map is available to all. It gives explicit directions of what to do and where to go to everyone who is striving to come unto Christ and 'stand as [a witness] of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.' All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.”

Modesty Leads to Spiritual Security

by Joelle Jenkins
We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, children of God. We are each “uniquely beautiful” young women, and we need not defile our bodies in dressing immodestly. We live in a world full of temptation. Dressing immodestly contributes to temptation and vain perversion of the world.

from lds.org

Modesty may seem like a minor part in our life here on earth, but it is vital to our survival on the path back to our Heavenly Father. Modesty leads to spiritual survival and security. It is vital in leading us to the temple and the blessing of receiving an eternal family. Dressing modestly can affect who we are and who we can become.

Modesty affects our identity. Dressing in something too short, too tight, or sleeveless does not show our Heavenly Father the proper respect we need to give our bodies. They are precious gifts from our loving Heavenly Father. Modesty helps us avoid diminishing our identity as a daughter of God. Sister Elaine S. Dalton has told us that “Modesty is a condition of the heart. It is an outward manifestation of an inner knowledge and commitment. It is an expression that we understand our identity as a daughter of God.”

Testimony: My Modesty Wake-up Call

by Tami Halford
I wanted to say a big "thank you" to the stake for an amazing fireside for the women. I do have to admit I was surprised to hear that the issue/topic our leaders felt was the most important for us to address was MODESTY (our outward expression of our inward commitments to ourselves, our husband and our God).

What message are we trying to send by what we are wearing?

I was not aware this was a problem big enough to be the center of the meeting for every woman in our stake, but as I listened to the speakers and have pondered since, I realize that YES! They are right! I can be a lot better. I am always covered, but some things are too tight or fall too far forward in the front when I lean down or are too wide on top or pants that fall in the back when I sit down! My exercise clothing especially needed a HUGE overhaul! I was leaving very little to the imagination in some of these tops and bottoms!

I have to say I am THRILLED!!! I will no longer be tugging, pulling, or being uncomfortable at all in anything I wear! What a relief! Thanks again!