It’s time for another Modest Monday discussion, and today I would like to talk about heels.
Now, before the onset of plantar fasciitis in both feet, I would have been considered one who loved heels. Even now my eye is always drawn to beautiful heels, especially of vintage style. I am the one who notices the shoes first when watching old movies. Like these from the 1930s;
Or these that Katherine Hepburn wore in the movie “Adam’s Rib.”
When you first think of shoes it is hard to think of them as being immodest; however, things have changed.
There was a time when shoes for certain debauched professions were not available in mainstream shoe stores; however, a number of years ago, when pole dancing was really being pushed for, ahem, “exercise,” we started seeing “stripper heels” in the stores. Some of these shoes were pretty enough, but the heels were often ridiculously high and the platforms even more so. Although not always as garish as some of the offerings from the 1970s, some of these shoes are just as immodest.
High heels, especially stilettos and the like are designed to make a woman more “attractive” (especially to men) by exaggerating components of the gate, bringing emphasis to her hips and buttocks. Have you ever noticed that you seldom hear feminine used when describing women’s wear? The world pushes “sexy” these days. Our shallow culture instructs women to pair heels with certain clothing to bring even more attention to their behinds. “Sigh.” We [believers] should not follow advice such as this; we should embrace femininity, and yes there is a difference between feminine and sexy. Since a part of modesty is not purposefully bringing unnecessary attention to oneself, it should be obvious that we should be mindful of the shoes we choose to wear.
Believers must remember that we do not conform to this world. Just because the world puts something forward as fashionable does not mean we should just run out and put it on. We need to get in the habit of thinking, even when it comes to shoes. What is the motive behind what’s on the rack for women and men to wear? It ain’t to promote godliness, I’ll tell you that!
Sadly I have seen this type of thing creep right in the church because we refuse to think; there is no hesitation towards the worldliness we embrace. This is the reason I have seen professing Kristians come to church in stiletos, fish net stockings, and an outfit that was too short and tight. Picture that and tell me what comes to mind. If it has anything to do with evening and a street corner, you are correct!
I am not saying we have to wear flats and orthopedic shoes all the time. I am saying that God calls for a difference between us [His people] and the world. We must keep God’s will in mind when choosing what we wear on our bodies as well as our feet. Don’t let the world’s style fool you; modest heels are feminine and can be a flattering addition to one’s outfit.
Until next time,
**Have you seen these types of overly high heels?
** If so, what did you think the first time you saw them?
** Do you wear them? Why/Why not?
**Do you think shoes can be immodest?
I used to love heels when going somewhere special, to church or to a party or holiday gathering but I can no longer wear them if I am going to stand a lot. However, as I grew older my heels dropped to up to 2 inches or so., and now the flatter the better are my shoes unless a special occasion. I have not worn my heels in several years, yet I keep a pair or two, just in case. Like it or not, heels can damage your feet ladies.
The past decade I have seen an article about the oddest heels out there. And the ugliest IMHO. One had what looked like a fourt in Nail for the ‘spiked’ heel. Looks as it they are the Howard Stern design-type, designed to shock everyone; nothing more.
I have come to wonder why anyone would pay good money for them? Sadly, all I could think of was a protest against. . .what? Or a person with very low self-esteem trying to fit into someone’s world, or appearing like they are in some kind of ‘in crowd.’ If I need that for an in-crowd look I am happy to be OUT of it.
However, ladies, what some of these articles remind me some of these women need a true friend with some fashion sense who really need to speak kindly to them and gently guide them away and onto a style that compliments them to prevent them from be laughed at in public. Not every mockers is silent, after all.
Hello Dee,
Yes, there are some truly outlandish heels out there! We should never let a desire to fit in override good sense.
I used to wear heels a lot. The highest pair I tried was 4 inches, never went over that; I went back to 3″ limit. A few years ago I had a bad bout with plantar fasciitis in both feet (wheel chair for 2 years). So now I am not really able to wear them regularly anymore. If I do I can’t stay in them for long. Maybe one day though because I still love myself some cute/modest heels, especially for dressing up.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
God bless you
Hmmm
Did you mean to spell Christians with a k?
All things are lawful but are not expedient. As with anything we should check our motive. But I personally love a well made high heel.
Hello Nylse,
Thanks for taking time to read and comment on the post.
I agree that we should make sure our motives are right. I have heard many quote from the same passage in an effort to justify whatever it is they desire to do. Many fail to complete the rest of the passage which teaches us not to be so concerned with our own interests. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” (1Co 10:23-24 KJV) We have to be concerned with the example we are setting, careful not to lead others astray with our liberty. In light of the Bible’s instruction, I am not so sure that the “all things” of this passage means what many take it to mean. God is not double-minded and neither is His Word, which says,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed [Made to resemble; reduced to a likeness of; made agreeable to] to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom 12:1-2 KJV)
What’s missing amongst many today is the desire to please God and deny themselves. We must be careful about the things we choose to do. It sends a message to the World and to God.
Like I said, I too love a good high heel; however, stripper shoes are or should be considered beyond the pale by Christian women.
Thanks again for sharing in the conversation. God bless you!
I am familiar with the scripture. Basically, you may feel one way about heels and have given them a description and I feel another. I don’t think what you are suggesting is appropriate for everyone. That’s it.
Hello again :). I had some laptop trouble, but I’m back. I really wasn’t the one who gave the description to these particular types of shoes; if you put pole dance shoes or stripper shoes in google the images used in the article are what will come up. The point is that we must give thought to what we pick up because we are called to be different according to Scripture; the origin of what we desire to accept actually does matter. I think we must respectfully agree to disagree. I do appreciate your thoughts regarding the post. Feel free to contact me if you want to continue the conversation on this or any other subject. God bless you!
I, too, appreciate beautiful vintage heels. They are so much more feminine and classy and modest than modern heels!
Hello Amy,
Vintage heels, they just can’t be beat…in my honest opinion. Have you noticed how feminine things were for women back in the day? Even in victorian times and before, very feminine. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless you!