This world is evil, and it is not getting better. This annoys those who are sensitive to these things, and Hearthie, a woman who writes at Traditional Christianity has a proposal (comments are closed there)

We use ugly speech, we wear ugly clothes. We think ugly thoughts, we watch ugly television. We are rude, we are thoughtless, we are inconsiderate. We take no thought whatsoever about how our actions, words or dress affect anyone other than ourselves. It’s called being selfish.

It’s time to fight back.

I propose that we strive for radical godliness of character.
I propose that every one of us strive to look appropriate and visually pleasing when we walk out the door.
I propose that we take, very seriously, our ambassadorship as children of the King.

Kindness. Gentleness. Goodness. Truth. Love. Charity. Friendship. Obedience. Fidelity. Loveliness. Peace. Justice. Honor.

We can’t control what other people do, we can’t control what other people say. What we can do is obey our God – radically. Radical obedience, radical unselfishness, radical kindness. Speaking words of grace, seasoned with salt.

There is absolutely nothing you can disagree with in her proposal, but the influence that Hearthie proposes is a quiet witness and correction. It is very important.

Because there are other ways to influence, to use your femininty; to control men. Not for good, but for evil.

Mark 6:13-29

13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 15But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

17For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. 18For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. 21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” 23And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” 24She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Herodias is an example of the woman who may not dress ugly, look ugly — but was ugly. It did not matter what she wore — she was deliberately provocative and demanding.

Ladies, this society is evil. You can either fight against this or you can join in the mess. If you choose to fight, even passively, you will have opposition: the cutting gossip, the cold shoulder, the shunning. For Hearthie is correct. it is a time for radical obedience.