Modesty. If there was a list of all of the controversial topics within the Christian faith, modesty would definitely be on the list.
We know it’s important, but what does it mean? How short should skirts be? Are spaghetti straps sinful? What about makeup- how much is too much? Is braiding hair wrong?
All of these questions (and more) have lingered on my mind at one point or another.
But here’s the thing: none of these “rules” are important. The important part is a modest heart. (Ha! That rhymed!)
Amanda Leite of apinchoffaith.com recently published a book entitled The Path to a Modest Lifestyle which I read in exchange for this review. In it, she explains that “modesty is not only about being humble on the outside, but to be jumble and have a gentle spirit on the inside. He is always watching and wants His daughters to respect Him and all He has given us” (Leite 2).
This is so true. The heart of the whole modesty debate is what’s going on inside of a person. Someone can be dressed from head-to-toe in baggy clothing and still be the proudest person on earth.
The clothing doesn’t create a modest heart… but rather a modest heart creates a desire to wear certain things.
Amanda categorizes modesty into three categories:
- Fully Covered
- Fresh Modesty
- Mainstream Modesty
People can fall into whichever category and still be modest. Amanda classifies herself in the “Fresh Modesty” category. I consider myself to fall in the “Mainstream Modesty” group.
The most important thing is that you “take time to pray and ask God what He wants from you. Do not think of what others will think of you, because it doesn’t matter” (Leite 16, emphasis mine).
Once you decide which category of modest dress you want to belong in, it’s time to go through your closet. Amanda provides a very detailed guide of how to simplify your closet, and she also teaches how you can build your modest wardrobe on a limited budget.
Above all, Amanda emphasizes that a humble and modest heart is the most important thing. 
This humble heart should flow into all aspects of your life… not just our clothing choices. “…a humble heart does not flaunt the things you have or have done, but instead is silent and lets the Lord reward you for your actions” (Leite 19).
In The Path to a Modest Lifestyle, Amanda graciously shares her story and how she came to believe what she does about modesty. She backs up each point with Scripture. She stands strong on her beliefs and yet never throws condemnation on those who believe differently than she.
In short, it’s a great book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s desiring to learn more about what it means to have a modest heart.
You can pick up a copy of The Path to a Modest Lifestyle on Amazon (here).
Need more info? No problem! You can read reviews about this book on the following websites:
You can connect with Amanda though the 
following:
Email: apinchoffaith@gmail.com
Website: http://www.amandaleite.com
Blog: http://www.apinchoffaith.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaleiteauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apinchoffaith/
Have a blessed day,
Kara
