Never mind J.Lo and Shakira. Instead, I’d like to extend my sincerest apologies to Victoria and her secret. Well before the recent division over the Superbowl LIV half time show lashed out online, I penned some words to Victoria. Woman to woman.
Victoria’s sleek catalog had come addressed to me in our mailbox that bitter cold day. She did not even make it into my house. She landed immediately in the recycling bin in a rather undignified manner between the plastic bottles and a discarded pizza box. I know that was not hospitable of me towards her. It was freezing in the garage, and she was barely covered. I hope she didn’t take it personally. It was just a business decision.
Why such inhospitable treatment, you ask? Two reasons really.
my son
The first reason was my (almost at that time) thirteen year old son. My business was (still is) to teach him to treat women as his equal and with respect. Then and now, I want him to fall in love with a girl for her wisdom, her faith and her kindness. Not her boobies.
Don’t get me wrong. My son’s physical attraction to his future wife’s body is a-okay with me. I’m just saying the sexy part shouldn’t be the glue holding the relationship together. As an almost fifty year old woman, I know all too well that hips widen, bellies pooch and breasts head south. Sometimes WAY south! Unless you are J.Lo and are blessed by freakishly good genes and work your biscuits off to stay in top shape. I mean, seriously. She’s IS physically gorgeous and I admire her dedication. But, let’s carry on, shall we?
my daughter
The second reason that catalog landed in the recycling bin that day was my (almost at that time) sixteen year old daughter. My business was (still is) to teach her to feel beautiful because she is treasured by God and has infinite worth in His kingdom. Too many times in her life she will have to stand against the lies that she is too (insert your own personal adjective here) – short/tall, heavy/thin, brunette/blonde, light/dark. Then and now, I want her to stand confident that, body and soul, she is marvelously made! Strong. Smart. Brave. Kind. An incredibly capable woman with strong opinions and freckles.
Again, please don’t misunderstand me. I am all for a woman feeling confident about her body and wearing sexy underwear if that is what pleases HER. I’m just suggesting that a woman’s sex appeal is not the aspect that makes her beautiful, worthy or valuable. And a man who knows that and treats her as such is a keeper.
So, again, my sincerest apologies to Victoria and her secret. She was not (and still isn’t) welcome to enter. Her value system as an advertiser and my value system as a momma were at odds. I’m guessing they still are.
P.S. Also apologies to Victoria for the stale milk smell at the bottom of our recycling bin. I have been unsuccessful so far in teaching the other people in our house to rinse containers before recycling them. One lesson at a time.
Adapted from original 1/21/15 Facebook post. Image by jacqueline macou from Pixabay.
