Real Questions from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls.

Real Answers from Pure Style Ministry.

How short is too short for wearing skirts or shorts?

Modesty is a heart issue. So, examine your heart and motives before deciding what to wear. Take in to consideration the preciousness of others - and of course, follow your parent's guidelines and school dress code. Generally, a good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure that when wearing skirts or shorts - there is no possibility of seeing more than you bargained for! Bend over before you go out and check to make sure that there is no chance of anyone catching a glimpse of your undies! I think leggings or shorts under a skirt are a good choice. I prefer long shorts, Capri pants or gauchos. These are better alternatives to being worried about the length of a skirt or shorts.

What type of swimsuit should a pure girl wear?

Once again, remember this is a heart issue. How does your heart affect your clothes? In many ways. In order to let your purity sparkle like diamonds, a pure girl will discover that the best clothing choices are modest ones. In regards to swim wear, there are all different types of bathing suits that are cute with good coverage. It is always wise to ask yourself: "good, better, best" when considering what to wear. I favor bathing suits that keep all your parts covered, including your belly button. Avoid any suit that is low cut in front or high cut in back. For purity sake, this will ensure you are modest. In addition, it will help safeguard the minds of any guys you may be around.

Do boys really appreciate the delicate girls?

I think you'd be surprised that the answer is yes! More importantly, GOD appreciates the delicate girls. Strive to live a life pleasing to God in every way. He considers our gentle hearts a delight. I would encourage any teen girl to focus more on her love relationship with the Lord than with any guy...no matter how cute, sweet or smart he may be. In her book, For Young Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn asked guys to give their best heart-to-heart advice for girls. With hundreds of responses, the top thing guys want you to know is this: "Be yourself, because you are more valuable than you think". For more great comments, check out her website at www.foryoungwomenonly.com or read her book.

What is a good way to tell your friends about purity?

A great way is to live a life of purity in front of your friends. They'll notice - believe me! When you are pure in thought, heart, speech, and pure physically, the Lord takes great delight in you and your purity will sparkle! More is caught than taught - meaning, if you live what you believe you will have a greater impact on others than by just simply telling them. I'm sure you understand by now that 'actions speak louder than words'. Consider your actions. Consider your friends. Find ways to be a shining example to them. You might invite them to a pure style event or have them accompany you to church or youth group. There are many ways to tell your friends without actually telling them - so, show them!

What are some tests you can do to make sure you are wearing modest clothes?

Try asking your dad or brother. Those are two really important men in your life who won't steer you wrong. If you don't have a dad or brother, ask your mom or trusted friend. Above all, ask God - would He bless this outfit? If you are unsure, it is always better to be safe than sorry by choosing something less questionable. I know a teen at my church who shows her dad all her outfits and seeks his advice. She trusts her dad's judgment and has found there are many ways to be stylish and modest at the same time! Find someone you can trust and seek their advice. It is for your own protection. Modesty is the first line of defense in guarding your purity so choose wisely what you wear. It can have a greater impact than you can imagine.

How do you know if a guy likes you?

According to Shaunti Feldhahn's book, For Young Women Only, "Guys are attracted to girls with good personalities, as well as inner and outer beauty and confidence. They want a real girl, not a perfect Barbie doll. But they can't force themselves to be attracted to someone." If you want to know if a guy likes you, get lost in God! You may be asking yourself what on earth I am talking about - but just hear me out. I believe strongly that a girl should be so lost in God, that a guy has to seek Him to find her. If you want to be attractive to the right kind of guy, then develop a passionate love for God. Remember, modesty is attractive - because the girl who dresses modestly is a mystery, someone who is saving the secrets of her beauty for one man. Let your purity sparkle and love for Jesus shine!

How much make-up is too much?

Why wear make-up? Is it to make yourself look more grown-up? Is it to enhance your natural features or hide your face? What are your reasons for wearing make-up? If you have believed the lie that beautiful girls are worth more, then I recommend you check out the book, Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Shaunti Feldhahn. You do not need to wear make-up to be loved and accepted. If you want to wear make-up that highlights your best features, my suggestion is to keep it natural and light. Some of the most beautiful faces I see are those of my children. They are natural and pure. Also, my ninety-year-old lady friend, Ruth was radiant and stunning, yet hardly wore any make-up at all. Her eyes had the glow of a godly woman. Her lips spoke words of kindness that made them more beautiful than all the lip-gloss in the world. Experiment with make-up at home with your parent's permission. Be yourself. Be noticed for the natural beauty that God gave you.

How do I keep my style pure?

Great question! So glad you asked! A young person can keep their way pure by living according to God's standards and obeying His words (Psalm 119:9). Seek after God with all your heart, acknowledge Him in everything you do, say and wear. Trust Him. He will direct your path and won't steer you wrong (Proverbs 3:5). You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by making a commitment in your heart to live a lifestyle of purity. Keeping your style pure means walking with God each and every day. Run from evil, cling to the truth. Put on the full armor of God and take your stand! A life marked by purity is a life of honor, integrity and blessing. My encouragement to you is to purpose in your heart to be pure and then take the necessary steps to achieve that goal. THINK PINK:

• P - purity & modesty
• I - identity in Christ
• N - nothing is impossible
• K - keep looking up