A modest and pretty girl is like a breath of Spring
Modesty and Missionary Dress
The changes in the missionary age requirements come with a new set of challenges. Our daughters are leaving earlier on missions and in greater numbers than ever before. A new challenge is how do we "raise the bar" in modesty and missionary dress before the girls enter the MTC. Our sons have been dressed like little missionaries almost from birth...so cute in their white shirts and ties...and so proud to be like their dads and big brothers.
Of course, the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth offers basic guidelines for modesty that are valuable for both youth and adults. And as parents we seek the guidance of the Spirit to guide our children in their choices of modest apparel. A 2009 article by Silvia H. Allred in the Liahona has a lot of wonderful insights on the principal of modesty. In "Modesty: A Timeless Principle for All, " she points out that the way we dress demonstrates our understanding of and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Free Modesty and Missionary Dress classes
In order to assist new sister missionaries to raise the bar in modesty in missionary dress before entering the MTC, Patti Ellis, owner of the Fancy Slips company has come up with a monthly one hour class. President Anderson has given approval for this information to passed along with a caveat: though the "Church has a policy of not endorsing or sponsoring for-profit businesses...that being said, the classes could be beneficial in teachig about modesty and could be a good "Transition" activity for mothers and daughters. Her letter to the RS Presidency is as follows:
"We would like to inform you of a free one hour class being offered on Modesty and Missionary Dress. There are many YW and mothers alike who can benefit from the instruction offered in this class. With so many sisters deciding to serve a mission, this class offers, at a younger age, the opportunity to help guide her and her mother as they make choices in building a wardrobe conducive for mission and post temple endowed life. This class will be held every second Tuesday of the month. Apricot Lane at the Riverwoods in Provo has been kind enough to open their classroom to us and feed us refreshments.
"During the class we will cover (no pun intended:) What modesty looked like through time, how to incorporated it in today's styles, and then have a question and answer time at the end. The class will be an hour. It is encouraged to include the mothers, we feel modesty begins there. There is no sales pitch, but we will supply a list with resources for modest clothing if they choose to pick it up.
"The schedule for the next three months is as follows: Tuesday, April 9th; Tuesday, May 14th: Tuesday, June 11th at 7 to 8 p.m.
"These monthly classes are open to the public, but if you would like a private class time with the girls/mothers of your ward because your group will be large, we will try to organize it. Please call if you have any questions."
Patricia Ellis
Owner/Designer/Mother/Returned Missionary
Fancy Slips LLC
801-319-3010
Sisters, I hope this has been helpful. It is so wonderful to see the enthusiasm of our young women. I don't remember the last time I saw so many girls preparing for missions. What a blessing this has been!
