Last month, I watched as a picture Lindsey Stirling posted on Instagram was flooded with dozens of negative, shaming comments. One read, “You’re so talented and smart. Why would you dumb yourself down with religion?” Another: “Go crawl back to your little church and beg for your faerie tale god to forgive you for being the very thing you think he created, little slave.”
It was a picture of the Savior with her testimony.
This week, I watched as another picture Lindsey Stirling posted on Instagram was flooded with dozens of negative, shaming comments. One read: “You were a role model until you publicly shamed your religion. Sad to see you go.” Another: “I found her appearance on the red carpet appalling.”
It was a picture of Lindsay smiling in front of the cameras before the Billboard Music Awards in a sheer-lined, cutout dress. The comments were from Latter-Day Saints.
If I were to set last month’s picture next to this week’s, I would see an obvious difference in the comments. Her picture of the Savior was filled with ridiculing, venomous voices that insulted her talent and her intelligence because of her religious beliefs. Most of the negative comments on her Billboards photo didn’t go beyond expressing severe disappointment. But as I consider these two photos and the reactions they prompted, I’m reminded of an alarming trend that both members of the church and nonmembers alike get caught up in.
When it comes to the people who represent us (our interests, our relationships, or our beliefs), we are all or nothing. The minute they slip up, whether they really do or we just think they do, we abandon them without mercy, as if they were never an imperfect human being to begin with and we can’t stand that they are.
That’s what I have a problem with.
I won’t express my opinion on Lindsey’s outfit. I won’t analyze whether or not her garments could be worn underneath her dress, and, in extension, whether or not she is keeping her covenants. That’s not my responsibility. At all. It’s between her and the Lord, and frankly, the only covenants that are any of my business in the first place are my own. But when I see my fellow brothers and sisters unforgivingly calling out another member in public for one choice they have made, expressing their disappointment with “I’m not judging, but…,” when I notice how it shifts the tone in public forums from “I love her” to “wow, I didn’t realize Mormons were so judgemental,” I mourn at the loss of an opportunity we too frequently destroy: the opportunity to love rather than to criticize. The opportunity to reinforce the truth that members of the church are imperfect, but that’s what makes the Gospel so precious and good, because everyone belongs in it. I believe that it is our efforts in our imperfections that make us true followers of Christ, not our perfections, and if the standard we set for ourselves is not as high as the standard we set for others, if we aren’t looking first and foremost at ourselves, we have an issue.
Whether or not we think Lindsey’s dress was modest, or that she’s completely destroyed her example as a role model, we’re overlooking how many times that beautiful girl has publicly expressed her love for the Savior in a forum of over 3.2 million followers, many of which ridicule her for it. We’re choosing, by making her dress an issue, to look on the outward appearance instead of on the heart, to hold a person’s wardrobe choice against them as if that is what defines them and the church, and it misses the mark. “We forget that teaching modesty does not have to include shaming or nitpicking other people” We forget that teaching modesty does not have to include shaming or nitpicking other people, and quite honestly, when we do that, we often aren’t very unassuming and modest in our censure. We could argue all day long about the ifs, ands, or buts about modesty and tell people how we think they should dress or look, but often, the cost of doing that is love and our own self-improvement.
Probably the most heartbreaking example of this that I’ve seen is when Al Fox, one of the most inspirational and beautiful people I know, was featured on the cover of LDS Living magazine last year. In the next issue, there was a letter to the editor by a member who condemned Al as a bad example of a covenant-keeping Mormon. In essence, it stated that LDS Living should be ashamed of featuring a Latter-Day Saint with tattoos because she set a terrible example for the youth. As a girl who looks up to Al for her amazing love of the Gospel and testimony, that letter horrified me. It horrifies me even more to think that there are other members of the church who are just as merciless toward other members and are very proud to cast the stones they throw.
The truth is that Lindsey Stirling’s dress and Al Fox’s tattoos — in extension, the way our brothers and sisters look or dress — matter far less than we act like they do. I know that we are human, and our first reaction is to make a judgement. Our first reaction is often to think about the example someone sets, how other people would react to what an individual says, does, or looks like. But in all our judgments, we might remember that we are asked to be Christlike, not Christ. What He thinks, not even necessarily of the outfit, but of the person inside is far more important than what other people think. For Pete’s sake, teach your children about covenants and modesty. Make sure that they understand why those things are important. But don’t do it in a way that would cause them to look down on or needlessly hurt another person.
Some of my best examples have been people who, like me, are utterly imperfect, people who live differently than I do and think differently and, yes, even dress differently. The common denominator is the Atonement and their love for the Savior. So, she wore a dress that a lot of people are analyzing for the sake of modesty right now. So what? Lindsey’s courageous effort to defend her beliefs against the ridicule of others is a much greater example to me than the clothes she wears.
Comments
85 responses to “Lindsey Stirling’s Billboards Dress Doesn’t Matter”
Thank you Arianna! Lindsey lives in a very hard situation; She is a pop-star trying to live an LDS life. I’m grateful for her example and think her perfections immaculately outweigh her imperfections. At her concert, I could see that she just wants to spread the light of Christ.
We have bigger fish to fry people! We need to be completely unified against Satan. Why are we being critical of our team members? Now is the time for all Christians to stand together!
Great article on loving the person! Thanks Arianna
So true!! Thank you!
Love this. When did it become our job to judge? Thanks so much for your article.
Unless you are my ecclesiastical leader keep your judgemental opinions to yourself. Signed, me.
Principles persist. Is it artistry or ludness for an actor or actress to pose nude just because the script requires it? Just wondered.
She is not nude! She is fully covered. It’s not her fault if people look for something that isn’t there. How shameful that you don’t wear anything under your clothing.
and when did it become your job to chastise someone for not living up to your idea of ‘principles’?
She is not nude… The dress has material that has tan coloring to it.
There is obviously a thick body suit under her dress. Get off the high horse and stop judging people.
You’re exactly the kind of person this article was written for and about.
I understand both sides of this dichotomy. First, we are taught to be in the world & not of the world & then not to judge. We are to be examples & be loving & forgiving of others “sins”. We also have been given the understanding of 3 missions of the LDS faith, which are to redeem the dead, perfect the saint & to spread the gospel. So, if we (LDS members) are to spread the gospel & don’t do it FT or with our mouths…how do we do that? In perfecting the saints (if that is truly something we believe in) why are we so offended when someone points out a weakness that could be “perfected”. So, we truly don’t believe that because society has now called it “judging” (which is so funny because I haven’t heard so much of that until Elder Uchtdorf came out & said “stop it”). Maybe if people weren’t so prideful in taking offense to everything (another apostle said something about taking offense to everything as well) we wouldn’t worry about offending each other because we would understand ourselves, that there may be some validity to it (whatever [insert weakness] is) look to the atonement to help us &/or someone may just be trying to be helpful to us, so we stay the course because they love us or look up to us (i.e. someone famous). So all in all…is this church just a “catch 22” church, because your damned if you do & your damned if you don’t, & we should all accept the fact that we are all cafeteria mormons, or we try to perfect each other in love because we are tired of seeing our friends & family stray because they see that “perfecting” the saints is judging? What is the answer then? Because both sides of this story are correct. (hope this made sense to someone other than myself…it made sense in my head before getting it out!)
Your point makes complete sense to me! Thank you for articulating it so well!
“why are we so offended when someone points out a weakness that could be “perfected”.”
because it’s not your job to police someone else’s adherence to your moral standards.
Its absolutely not our place to point it out publicly
I think perfecting the saints and judging are 2 completely different things. The mean comments that people make, or the passing comments they say are judging. Giving their opinion and truly wanting to help you are different. Perfecting the saints would be to talking to them, not at them. Being an example, making sure they know you are for them and building them up. Helping them with their weakness. To publicly shame them in comments is not trying to perfect them. Taking the time to write a truly thoughtful letter on the subject might be. It’s the glass house rule.
Omgosh! Really, it’s not the world that judges us-we do that to each other in abundance. I often wonder sometimes when ima asked and reply I’m LDS, I cringe knowing what could be next. -and it’s not our gospel or principals or even the foundation: it is always a comment on ‘some Mormon they know that thinks they are better than e ermine else, yet the are dupiahinesr in their businesses, they gossip (MEN & women) and aome a pre just the jerk.
We rip our own selves apart with gracious help from our friends, neighbors and ward families. Maybe we should lover it and live it so we don’t come across as so pretentious.
…just a fhought
We are asked not to judge and that Christ is the judge. Perfecting the Saints isn’t pointing out their flaws, it’s gathering them together to hear the word of God so that they can improve themselves. It is lifting people up with charity in our hearts. It’s mourning with those that mourn and comforting those that stand in need of comfort. Remember what the Savior said. We need to cast out the beam in our own eye before we need to worry about the mote in someone else’s eye. So far that I know, the only person who has a clear eye to see is Jesus anyway.
If you take a moment to stop & REALLY LOOK at her dress you will see that it is not ‘sheer’ but a very light grey color with a wonderful black geometric pattern on it. I see nothing immodest about it & I’m sure Lindsey is wearing her garments. She is living & sharing the gospel every day in her amazing life…so if you think about it realistically she is NOT going to compromise her covenants & testimony by choosing to wear something that doesn’t fit into her own personal guidelines of the gospel. She looks beautiful & she is beautiful inside & out & we should all butt out & just enjoy who she is & the beauty she brings to this world with her talent…
Thank you Tracy. I agree with your comments on her dress. I also appreciate the article. It is a very poignant perspective of not judging others. I see some of the more visual imperfections of others in my faith. But I think it is important to remember that all of us have imperfections, be them more visible or internal. I know I certainly have my imperfections. It is hard to not get caught up in the latest gossip of “did you see what she was wearing?” and the like, but we would serve ourselves well to not jump to conclusions and to give others the benefit of the doubt. Lindsey does an impressive job of sharing a strong and powerful message. Is she perfect, no, but neither are we.
I am an Atheist, however I have been a fan of Lindsey for a few years now and respect her beliefs. Her music, sheer talent and dedication has brought joy to millions of people around the world, regardless of faith, race or gender.
As far as I can tell, she is a good person, doing her best to live her life in accordance to LDS doctrine, while at the same time making people happy. She is one of the best ambassadors you have.
It is bad enough she is attacked by small minded people on the basis of her faith, it is worse when the people who should support her attack her for a piece of clothing which, if anyone cared to look quite clearly has an under layer covering her modesty from her shoulders down to her legs (I’m a man so do not know what you actually call that)
Her music has helped many people through some very dark times and she thanks God for the gift to do that.
KSLL
KSLL is absolutely correct.
Totally agree with you on this! KSLL INDEED!
Wow, so nice to read your kind words, even if you are not a member, and atheist! Thank you for seeing it clear and respecting her so nicely!
Solid point, Tracy. We must remember that the easy thing to do is to judge– and the quickest thing to do is to make a harsh judgment before evaluating all the facts. What we need to keep in mind is that the adversary is there– and he wants to tear the Church down any way he possibly can. Photoshopping can do amazing things. And people critical of the Church could very likely have seen this picture of Lindsay and thought, “Gee! Guess what we can do with THIS!” And, look, they’ve got us arguing amongst ourselves.
If you simply enlarge this picture just a bit, there are, indeed, fabric wrinkles in many places where it looks like it could be flesh. How convenient.
If this is the case, I’m sure Lindsay has likely looked at what has happened with this picture and is devastated.
Let us all pull together. Let us be wise and focus on what is truly important– building up the kingdom of God.
Linsey herself has responded to her critics, she realizes how it might of looked to some. However, she also said that this dress was lined, with tan material all the way through so you only are seeing her arms, you are not seeing her skin in that dress. Next time she will probably go for something where people wont thinks which isnt going on with the dress. There are member on Dancing with the Stars who dont pay as close attention – yet who are we to judge?
the answer is LOVE and Matthew 7:3
Would she wear this outfit to church or any gathering with her church friends? I am disappointed and uncomfortable with her outfit simply stated — she is not a role model for young women who are striving to be modest.
I see those posts saying that they are disappointed by the girl’s dress and something pops in my head: Who are you to be disappointed on her? Are you her parent? Her church leader? Jesus Christ? No? Ok, so mind your own business and leave her alone. People who judge also go to hell!!!
Of course she wouldn’t wear an ultra formal dress to church. Who does, besides girls after prom? On they other hand, if she had her whole family there with her at the awards show, she would probably still wear that dress. Stop thinking of the sheer parts as showing skin, because there is no skin showing, and you might be able to see that it is perfectly modest with regards to coverage. Yes, it is edgy and high fashion, but not immodest.
She wasn’t AT church. She was AT an awards show. Her dress was perfect.
She should not be ashamed of the choice she made, or the comments she’s received, and we should not be judging how she chose to dress for that specific occasion. It’s none of our business.
I’m in young womens presidency- and a huge Lindsey Fan. I went to her concert 2 times with my two older children, and will go again in 2 months. We all make our thoughts, but the thing I never would do, is write that on FB or anywhere. She was flooded by so many negative comments, how must she feel? If every time you see somebody in church wearing a too short dress, or whatever, if all the time people would speak out their opinion… Sometimes, I just leave it! you have the right to do so for your YW’s in your ward. Or a good friend. But I never would do it so open! Rather then spending so much time and anger about this, include her to your prayer to stay strong!
Sandy, I had a son that was 15 and at that time I was a single parent. He went to church out of respect for my beliefs which at the time he didn’t share,but was starting to listen and be receptive on his own. He wore colored shirts and looked nice until someone took it upon themselves to chastise him for not wearing a white shirt and tie in the Lords house. He came home and never went again . I have to work Sunday’s and my time is so tight I can’t change. I sit in the foyer in nice Levi’s and shirt to take the sacrament and I study the scriptures all week. Even though I have to go to whatever ward has the early time, I am treated with love and respect.
Exactly what I mean! We should build up not put down somebody!
I would wear that dress to church. It’s a beautiful dress. Perhaps it’s the way that you are looking at it that is really the sin. If your thoughts are going somewhere because of you looking at that dress, you might need to check yourself. It’s a geometric design with nude material underneath. What did you think it was? I have a feeling some of the naysayers would have an interesting Rorschach test. Perhaps her dress exposes more about you.
I would definitely wear that dress to church or a church formal activity. The dress is all one piece with the tan lining. there is no skin being shown in the cutouts. I am a young women who looks up to Lindsey and my mother thinks of her as an amazing role model.Her outfit is modest and I have seen Latter Day Saint’s wear outfits that really are immodest, unlike Lindsey’s. I am astounded at the amount of members that are judging her. She knows who she is and is following what she knows to be true. Instead of trying to find things wrong with her, why don’t we search for the things that she is doing right. She is showing modesty is important by the sheer fact that the dress does have a lining and she isn’t conforming to the ideas of society that you are some wimp if you don’t show skin. Lindsey is an amazing role model who isn’t afraid to stand up for here beliefs and those who truly see who she is will continue to stand by her.
My question–would you wear your prom dress to church or any gathering with your church friends? 🙂
Lindsey Stirling is hot. nuff said.
Good article Arianna. It is embarrassing to see such vitriol coming from members of the church. And you wonder why the church is hemorrhaging members right now. The greatest ‘apostasy’ since the Kirtland bank failure is happening right now. Many are waking up an realizing the emperor has no clothes. The ‘good ship’ has holes in it and is in danger of sinking, and rather than trying to make repairs, the church is excommunicating anyone who points out the holes. And far too many members happily throw stones of judgement, smug in their confidence that at least they are still true and faithful.
Lindsey Stirling and Al Fox are two of the best ambassadors the church has and the members are so judgmental they can’t even see it. Not all is well in Zion. Not at all.
I thought we were to be the light of the world, not the judge. But I could be wrong. Why the complaining? The dress was fine and she is a great ambassador for the Church.
Great positive post! Thanks for sharing!!!
Motes! MOTES! Motes everywhere! Let us cast the first stones.
The Church has recently published a series of essays on lds.org that change all we thought we knew for over 150 years regarding the First Vision, Blacks and the Priesthood, Polygamy in the early Church, and how the Book of Mormon was supposedly translated, but instead of spending their downtime studying these incredible admissions, judgmental members instead whine incessantly about a dress…a dress that is actually very covering and modest. Get your priorities straightened out people. The ship is quickly taking on water and all you want to do is complain about how the light fixtures look.
Thank you Paul! Perfect!
You’re not going to change the culture, Arianna. It’s endemic to the belief system that women are responsible for the purity, or the impurity, of men’s thoughts.
I can see both sides of this argument. However, as many have said, we are not to judge but to uplift one another. Lindsey is in a difficult environment for her chosen career. As Linsey has stated, she is not perfect. None of us are. She does not shy away from her religion, as I have seen others of the LDS faith do.
I am sure the dress and actions of Julianne Hough and Derek Hough could be “questioned” as well. However, again, it is not for me to judge.
Duh! The dress is FULLY LINED people!
Amen. I am no LDS, my husband was and we have chosen not to continue with it, for a few personal reasons and THIS. I love the people and many of the values but feel safer obviously on the outside rather than being pushed there when they don’t like a choice I have made.
It becomes so easy to pass judgement these days and everyone seems to be so quick to pass judgement as well (on BOTH sides). Lindsey can make her own choices, it’s a hard balance to be modest and be in entertainment. It seems like there is only one path and it is immodesty. I think that LDS members really wish to see that there is a possible path to be in that industry and be able to keep standards that are dear to them. Garments and modesty are important to LDS individuals and others shouldn’t belittle that either.
During the twenty fourth of July parade in Utah president David O McKay was watching the parade. He and others watched as a group of cheerleaders marched by in sequined bathing suits. Someone asked President McKay if this dress was appropriate. his response was:
‘I see nothing but the beauty of God’s creation.’
I too, see one of the most beautiful of all of Gods creations. Lindsey Sterling! A wonderful person full of love and excitement for life and appreciation for all that God has done for her, and sharing her great talents with all the world! I love you Lindsey for being an example of Jesus Christ!
The current problem with the church community is the majority of leadership roles are held by the older older generation. They have very deep seeded view of the way “the church” should run…who then promote these mad up mormon rules that have nothing to do with the covenants we make or the gospel we live. People are corrupt, people are broken, people are sinners. The gospel is pure, true, and example of what we are striving to be during our lives.
Your margins need to be changed so that the right-hand side of your articles are not chopped off.
Sorry your experiencing some issues, would you mind emailing us a screenshot of what you’re seeing so we can get it fixed? Thanks for the heads up! – mormonbuzzz@gmail.com
Great job on this article
You know I think this is a prime example of how people just don’t know how to deal with or what to say when others especially of their faith make mistakes. We’re asked to make righteous judgement, not to forgo judging altogether. I think defining what we mean by “judging” and also by what we mean when we are “disappointed” is important. Something I realized about the story with the woman who was caught in adultery and brought before Jesus, and when he said those who have not sinned toss the first stone, is that he was not only saving and not condemning the woman, but also the people who brought her. He gave all of them a chance to repent. Yes, people have said some pretty mean comments to Lindsey, that’s a mistake. I’m pretty sure Lindsey was mortified to learn her dress made her look a tad bit scandalous, even though she thought she was being modest. 🙂 I bet she wished someone had told her before she went to the awards ceremony. That’s got to be really hard to be publicly scorned like that. I know I don’t like it when I have wardrobe malfunctions in public. Those who made harsh comments, probably should brush up on their kindness skills, but I don’t think we should condemn them either. We’ve all judged people harshly before, we’ve all made mistakes. Yes, people could have done things differently. I don’t think we should just pretend that people don’t make mistakes, we shouldn’t pretend or make it seem that judging a situation or choice is a bad thing. We need to be able to say yes, Johnny over there is a nice guy and he’s smoking, and smoking is bad. Johnny could probably be doing better. That doesn’t mean Johnny doesn’t have good qualities about him, and we shouldn’t give him more opportunities to grow and learn. If we don’t recognize and turn a blind eye to when people make mistakes, it’s like we’re walking around blindfolded. If anything I think this is an example of someone should have told Lindsey what her dress looked like before she went out on the red carpet, she’s still super awesome and a wonderful example of living what you believe. I think this is also an example of others jumping to conclusions about her character, or making comments that make it seem like they were. We have to forgive all of them and give them all second chances, and not jump to conclusions ourselves. Just another fine example of how we are all imperfect and need God to help us get through life. 🙂
Very well written! Thank you!
The church has a very good structure set up to handle problems if and when they arise. If her church leaders do not feel the need to judge/condemn her, then neither should any other good LDS person. Those who judge others without looking to what church leaders are saying on the issue only condemn themselves. Perhaps the deepest meaning one can apply to “follow the prophet” is in fully understanding that by following the Prophet, we can make better choices in how we treat others based on his example rather than our own. Lindsey has a mother, she has church leaders and she has a very intelligent brain. She knew exactly what she was wearing. What this incident proved to show the most is that some members of the church are still too busy looking outward instead of inward. If our sins smelled like smoke, the world would live in a casino. God is a LOVING God. Condemnation is not our job. Loving others is our job. If you don’t want to wear the dress, don’t wear it, but keep your condemnations to yourself. They serve no purpose. “16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
I see blue and black.
Thank You!
For an instant, and only for an instant, I thought “that’s not like her” when I saw the picture. After that instant was up, I thought “then she wouldn’t have worn it, her convictions are too strong”. I realized that it MUST be lined, because her convictions are too strong for it not to be. Regardless, it is none of my concern.
It was that instant however, where it was obvious that I failed her, not the other way around. For this, I am deeply sorry.
I know that darkness only needs an instant, and I know that light will not occupy when darkness exists, and was in fact invited. For this, I will stand tall to the consequences of my failure.
I don’t judge her, but I also don’t want to judge those who -do- judge her. We are ALL soooo imperfect, so in need of God’s grace, so in need of the kindness of others.
(I’m actually pretty CRAZY about her dress and I’m impressed that she has managed to make or find a gorgeous, stylish, flattering design that is suitable for women who would like something that covers a lot of real estate.)
People gives me a bad time, because, i have long hair and a long beard…i remind them, that our Savior had long hair and a beard….they walk away saying nothing. ….
We need to remember to love all, for we all sin differently,
Amen!!!
YES! I’m embarrassed at all these busy body Mormons that look for the first chance to eat their young.
As to those who feel justified in judging others, I’ve never managed to meet anyone who pontificated about the right to judge others while actually managing to do so competently.
Congrats to Lindsay. Be yourself, ignore the naysayers, and show off your talent.
Thank you for your post. If all our shortcomings were as smelly as cigarette smoke, sacrament meeting would indeed be a stinky place. As for Al Fox, I have heard her testimony and have heard few others in my 55 years of life that are as sincere and genuine as hers. When I see her in the news or print, I literally don’t see the tattoos. I see a young woman, married in the temple to a fortunate young man, raising a righteous loving young family.
I feel like I could write a book about this.
To Lindsey, thank you for your efforts and for your positive impact on this world. Keep up the good work.
How many of us can imagine literally millions of people watching everything you do, from your greatest moments to your worst? There is certainly enormous pressure, especially as an openly religious celebrity. It probably feels like the whole world is just waiting to pounce like wolves on every imperfection. As fellow “Saints”, can we afford to cannibalize our own brothers and sisters like this?
Far too few people pay attention to Doctrine & Covenants 121:43-44, where after it mentions reproving, it says “…and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved… That (s)he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.”
Stronger than the cords of death!
I have seen a whole lot of “reproving” from a lot of people, but very precious little of it came with an increased show of love and support. Yes, sometimes we do need to censure (ps, we clearly do not sing hymn #235 enough) but if you aren’t willing to put in the work, please do not add to the hurt.
Finally, if nothing else can we at least remember the words of Christ “By this shall man know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Please do not ever believe that insulting somebody and telling them you have given up on them has anything to do with love.
Absolutely love this! Thank you for writing this. These are my thoughts exactly! I think the savior said it best… “He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.” None of us should be judging. It is not our place.
The great thing about this article is that it isn’t actually talking about her dress. The author purposefully compares it to the comments Lindsey received on her post about the Savior. The overall point is that hate is hate regardless of which “side” you think you’re on and that we are damaging ourselves by emphasizing appearance over action. Negative comments on an internet photo are not a productive way to represent Christ. it only spreads more negativity. I personally believe that when someone posts a negative comment they don’t actually believe that they are going to influence good – but are rather patting themselves on the back for being better.
I love this!! Why do people LDS or not feel the need to judge anyone. Instead of belittling others why not lift them up. It would have been just as easy to say that she looked beautiful! And she did!!! If people feel the need to constantly judge others then they are truly unhappy with their own lives and I guarantee that if the camera was turned on them they would be havin the same problems. I applaud Lindsey for all her courage! For the ability and drive to openly express her love for the Savior!! She is one of a kind and should be congratulated for her ability to live a life of fame without being sucked into the nastiness of it! Not judged and belittled because she wore a dress THAT KEEPS HER COMPLETELY COVERED!!! I am proud of Lindsey and I hope that she keeps her head up!! She is a wonderful person!! And she should be reminded of that everyday!!
Maybe we should hold the “Rameumpton Awards,” for those who missed the point of the story in the scriptures. We could have physicians be the announcers. Once they receive their award, the physician can do an on-the-spot mote removal. Lindsey looks beautiful. I hope she’ll give me that dress when she’s done. I want to wear it to church.
Thank-you Arianna. Your comments were both courageous and I hope thought provoking!
At times when I find myself being judgmental or feeling judgement on another person, I have to ask myself where this judgement is coming from. Most times I can attach my judgement to an issue of Jealousy or wanting to make myself feel better about my choices vs. the choices of others. whether we feel jealous of someones beauty and talent (and then berate them for wearing something “immodest”), or we judge someones past choices (like getting a tattoo) that is now leading them into the “spotlight”… whatever it may be I really have found that judgement starts from feeling of jealousy or inadequacy within themselves.
Mormons are the worst people I’ve ever dealt with, the most gossiping, shaming, shunning, creepy, inflexible, hateful-with-a-smile-on-their face. Closed minded.
Arriana,
Just wanted to let you know that I used your article here as my Elder’s Quorum lesson this Sunday. You made excellent points up and down the board. Thank you.
1. Her dress is racy and immodest and if her intention was to give the illusion of nude underneath with the tan color, it is also unchaste and goes against what we have been taught about purity and virtue/modesty. 2. She is a public figure and representative of the church, the criticism is well deserved. 3. The disturbing thing here are all of the people defending her choice of dress.
Ok. Mrs. Stirling acknowledged publicly almost immediately that modesty is important t her, and why it was important. She also stated that in hindsight she would not have chosen it again. That makes comments against her choice too late to serve her in a positive way.
Shmitty, perfect people are translated. The rest of us still occupy the same planet.
Regardless, love the sinner, hate the sin. I don’t care if its hypocritical, i’ll still point out the contradiction to her faith in her choice of dress and how it goes against teachings of modesty/chastity.
Hopefully, this will teach more people to be less hypocritical, including myself. This article summed it up nicely as well: http://ldsliving.com/story/78969-lindsey-stirling-responds-to-criticism-over-modesty-of-her-billboard-awards-gown?page=1?utm_source=ldsliving&utm_medium=email. It’s okay when WE make a mistake because WE’RE human, but when someone else makes a mistake shame on them. No matter how big or small the mistake, we have to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and imagine it was us who did something like that. You don’t know their circumstances and, as this article states, it’s none of your business. The Atonement is individualized – everyone’s mistakes are between them and God.
I understand, too, that Lindsey didn’t make a mistake here, in fact, it was the people who criticised her who did, but I’m just saying that there’s still a lesson to be learned from all this.
Thank you, Lindsey, for staying strong despite your fame and setting an example for us all.
Henry Hatter – Jessica, What beautiful pirtue arrangements and selections. The bride and the groom through-out the panorama of camera shots remained extremely photgenic and interesting. It was the gown, however, that set a great tone in the expression of honesty in dignity and class, a view all brides and grooms hope to achieve during this beautiful and solemn ceremony. The dress had just enough expression to complement a bride of even temperment as told by the collection of pictures included and a regal body disposition that does not overshadow the beautiful gown the bride is wearing. I believe both the bride and the photographer achieved their goals!! Congratulations
I hope that everyone upset by this is at least as upset the Bryce Harper is appearing in the SI Body issue. If you aren’t, why not? Is modesty equally applicable to everyone or not?
I myself am Agnostic, but this article was wonderful. I agreed with every last word of it!
If you want have a positive influence in society and attract more people to join The Church, then be Christ-like and accepting and tolerant of others. If you think only perfect people (like you) are going to be saved, then be judgmental, condescending, critical and meddling. And watch people like me tear up their memberships and stay away in droves.
I am not a Mormon and only know a little about the faith. Lindsey is a wonderful, beautiful, extremely talented person. I learned about her a year or so back. I’m too old to “follow”, but I listened to every video of her I could find. I learned her biography, her beliefs and her lifestyle, and was impressed with how she lived her faith and didn’t seem to let fame and fortune change her. I didn’t see the pictures mentioned until the one in gray one in question here. It is attractive and not immodest. BUT what I was captured by in this article was the dichotomy (as mentioned by Ellen G. in May) of the reactions. This seems to be a prevalent theme in society now-a-days. People are so critical of things that are not theirs. Race, politics, culture, and so many more things I cant list them all. The big driver of this is that there is no “right” and “wrong” any more. This is not actually what is happening. In our society (western), what is right and what is wrong comes from a moral code based on Judeo-Christian beliefs. This code is breaking down so that anything is fine. So, right is what I want, and wrong is anything I want to do that you don’t like, or anything that you think or do that I think clashes with what I think or want to do (even if it doesn’t affect me in any way). The reality is that there IS right and wrong, because there is a God (only one) who created us in His likeness and taught us right from wrong in our hearts. Accept what is right and wrong (you already know), and behave accordingly
It doesn’t metter what where,which dress , but we must understand Lindsey Stirling is a girl like others.