Forever 21, Starting At 12

I found myself extremely discouraged after a trip to the mall this past weekend.

In case you haven’t read the Author page of this website, I attend a college just outside of Philadelphia, PA – which just so happens to be the home of America’s second largest mall. King of Prussia.

As I walked the halls and perused the shops of this ginormous center, I noticed a disconcerting trend. Girls of the preteen and early teenage years were browsing stores and purchasing items that were far too inappropriate – under the supervision of older siblings, aunts, grandmothers, and parents! Others were roaming through vendors completely unsupervised - picking up items that no one should wear in public, much less a twelve year old girl.

One circumstance particularly bothered me. While waiting for my fiancée to finish trying on some winter sweaters, I witnessed a 13-year-old girl walk out of the dressing room to ask for her mother’s opinion of an outfit (presumably for a formal dance at school); although the outfit was scandalous in every possible way, the mom gave absolute approval – saying, “It looks so cute on you!” She came and went multiple times, as each dress proved to be significantly tighter and shorter than the first.

My heart was broken as I took in the spectacle – imagining how unsettling it would be to witness my 12-year-old sister doing the same thing!

What is more ironic, though, is the stance that those same parents and supervisors will take against their children down the road. In just a few years, those same mothers and fathers will be repulsed at the behavior and attire of their daughters – as they reveal more and more of their body to the rest of the world! In shock and dismay, parents will wonder where they went wrong, as young ladies get pregnant, drunk, disrespectful, and wild.

Here is something that we must understand as a culture: most young ladies do not have a filter for what is inappropriate. While browsing the clothing in each store, they judge what is “cute” by the utterly despicable clothing displayed on the mannequins and worn by older woman with lower standards. Therefore, they are completely educated by society and media as to what is fashionable and appropriate.

Is that right? Should that be so?

I would say no!

Women of God – I beg you – stand up for what is right! The girls of this nation need modest, beautiful ladies to act as role models. If you don’t speak up for what is appropriate and righteous, who will? If you don’t present yourself in ways that honor the Lord, who will? I guarantee that mainstream society won’t.

I’m tired of seeing girls run around in clothing that makes everyone blush. It breaks my heart to see ladies compromise their bodies at such a young age, and (as a direct result) grow up to forsake priceless things like their own standards, value, and virginity.

Sisters in Christ, I implore you to remain quiet no longer! Please, begin to stand up for these young women in a bold manner – guiding them in the ways of righteousness!


Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography / Foter.com / CC BY