It is sad that some women feel that their bodies are being shamed by conservatives and other people in general. We live in an age of “liberation” where there is an almost anything goes mentality.

In the past, many women dressed classy, looked attractive and elegant, all while keeping their clothes on. I don’t know how many, if any, felt ashamed of their bodies for covering themselves up. I understand times have changed.

Now, when there is encouragement and appreciation for women to cover up more, it is considered by some to be discrimination and body shaming. Some call it “criminalization” of women’s bodies.

I am not referring to online bullying and real shaming, where girls and women are picked on, ridiculed about their bodies, and people criticize them for every flaw or imperfection.

Instead, I’m referring to the fact that some people simply view women’s bodies in a respectful way, and have expectations accordingly. It is not that people with this conservative mindset want women to be ashamed of their bodies. Of course, I cannot speak for every conservative-minded person, but based on conversations with some of them, and based on myself, I conclude this.

It is very unfortunate if some women and girls believe that people are trying to make them feel criminalized about their bodies. Not only do some people recognize and honor a woman’s body as sacred, but they are also concerned for women’s safety.

Even with all the predators around, there are women who believe that it is perfectly acceptable and harmless to parade around with very little on. It is indeed the right of people to dress the way they see fit. I respect that. Everyone has free will. It is not up to other people to wrongfully judge others.

In addition, a predator may attack a woman no matter what she’s wearing. However, some women don’t seem to understand that their bodies are in fact sacred. Plenty women are willing to leave very little up to the imagination. Some women don’t seem to understand the danger.

This does not justify any predatorial behavior. Human predators should not even exist, but they do. By their own admission, there are some men who respect women who cover up more. I do wonder how many women know this? If they did know, would they care?

Either way, there is an agenda that is being presented as “freedom,” and it encourages women to be unashamed of their bodies by showing a lot-or everything. I’m not sure just how far they are going to take things with this agenda.

Some equate people honoring a woman’s body and having a preference for her to not have it all out, with shaming a woman’s body. As a conservative woman who respects my body and dresses in a conservative way, I consider it honoring my body. I am not ashamed of my body. I would hope people don’t think that I’m criminalizing my body or feel ashamed of it because of the way I dress, which is nicely, but conservatively.

By speaking on this topic, I’m venturing on territory where not many preachers even go these days. Not that they should dictate to the people on how to dress, but it would be helpful to address the general topic from a Christ-centered and biblical perspective, without dictating to individuals.

Unfortunately, many people would likely be offended, so I believe that is why more pastors do not speak on it. Speaking of preachers, for example, I don’t believe it’s appropriate for me to be in one’s face at church with cleavage all out, or sitting in the front pew with a tiny skirt or short shorts on.

This is because I respect the house of the Lord, I respect my body, and I respect others, including the pastor. This is not because I’m ashamed of my body. This is my personal conviction; not to dictate to others. I am also heavily influence by this:

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:27 28

Reality is, some other people also respect a woman’s body, and because of this, they prefer to see a woman cover up more. Women are beautiful. Ladies can also be vulnerable to the predatory behavior of others. Women are known to be targets for rage-based sexual attacks and sexual objectification.

Bottom line is, women as well as all other people should be celebrated as whole, valuable human beings, and not objects. People should be respected and be able to live safely.

It is highly beneficial for women to use good judgment, self-respect, wisdom, and common sense in how they carry themselves. May God continually grant each of us the ability to honor the free will of others, and to be guided by wisdom and discretion in all of our endeavors.

“How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    and good judgment than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 NLT.