Swimsuit Season

Swimsuit Season – May 5, 2012

I spent a good part of the last two days looking for a new swimming suit.  I’m frustrated and disgusted at the many, many skimpy choices and the almost non-existent selection of suits that you don’t have to worry about falling out of or waxing your bikini line.  I want to be comfortable in the water and toting my kids around.  I want to be able to bend over, or sit, or lie down without worrying about what somebody is going to see if they’re sitting at the right angle.   

Men are visual creatures.  I do not want to lead a man into the sin of lust because he can see me in my bra and underwear (basically).  Nor do I want other women leading my husband into this sin.  Out of respect for God, myself, my husband, other wives and their husbands, I don’t want to wear a swimming suit that screams “Look at me!”  Granted, I don’t want to be frumpy, either.  But, where is the happy medium here?! 

I am basically happy with my body size and shape, but the lack of modesty in swimming suits is becoming a cross for me.  For women who struggle with their weight or body image, I can only imagine.  We can’t keep our eyes closed (we have kids to watch, after all).  Should we just stay home?  A hot Texas summer with kids and no pool?  This option is too hot to even think about.  

If you’re with me on this, I propose we take a minute to inventory what we’ve got for swimwear.  Ask yourself, “What message am I sending by wearing this?”  If it’s not the message you want to send, maybe you can throw a t-shirt and some board shorts on over it.  In the meantime, I’ll be looking for the perfect modest (but, sporty) suit. 

Dear God, please help us understand the need for modesty.  Please give us the desire for it.  It is hard, Lord.  We want to be attractive because we want to be loved.  Please convict us of your love, that we may not clamor for it in unsuitable ways.  We are surrounded by a world that worships the human body.  It is one of your most awesome creations.  You have made it the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Help us to treat it with the respect it deserves, not as if it is a commodity or something to flaunt.  We are more than our bodies.  As Blessed Pope John Paul II says, “The problem with pornography is not that it shows too much of the human person, it shows too little.”  

Thank you for our bodies, Lord.  Thank you for allowing us to use them to express our souls; To make visible what is invisible.  Please help us to honor You by respecting them.  Amen.