Hello beloved readers,
It’s been a while since I last responded to any people in my advice column. I believe the last time you heard from me was in 2013! My family and I were heading to Sarasota, Florida to avoid the winter weather, but as many of you know, buggies are a very slow method of transportation so we’ve only just arrived. I have quite the backlog of letters awaiting responses, so I’ve decided to quickly write a few responses to those Mennonite girls out there who need advice on how to live conservatively in today’s modern world.
Stay Modest,
Esther
Dear Esther,
As a conservative Mennonite, I know our faith believes strongly in pacifism, but I have a major conflict with this and I’m not sure what to do. I went over to my non-Mennonite friend’s house the other day and she was playing this game, Call of Duty. I was planning on just passively sitting next to her and reading quietly until she was done playing but all of sudden she got up to use the restroom and handed the controller to me, telling me to play for her! I couldn’t let her down, so I decided it wouldn’t hurt to play, at least until she got back. I could pray for forgiveness later. But before I knew what was happening, three hours had passed and I was hooked! I don’t know what to do about my obsession with such a violent game! Please send help!
– CallOfDutyFTW in Ohio
CallOfDutyFTW,
Your predicament is a serious one. The best advice I can give is probably something you don’t want to hear but deep down, you also know is true. You have to stop playing. Ask your friend if you can do something different when you go to her house, so you aren’t tempted to game anymore. Talk to your pastor and ask for guidance on how to move beyond your addiction. Contact your local Gamer Addicts Anonymous. They can help you deal with any gaming addiction, from Scrabble and Dutch Blitz to such a horrid game like Call of Duty. With help from your community, I truly believe you can get beyond this and get back to living a wholesome life.
Stay Modest, Esther
Dear Esther,
Some of the kids at my school have been teasing me about my clothing. They keep telling me that my bonnet and modest dress are “not on fleek,” whatever that means. Apparently girls my age should wear colorful, knee length dresses, but I’m not allowed to show that much leg! I was wondering if you had any advice on how to modernize my look but still maintain my modest beliefs?
–Fashion Faux Pas in Indiana
Fashion Faux Pas,
The best advice I can give you is to not change a thing. Why would you want to go modern when you already wear such a vintage style? Classic black and white is very chic, after all. And just think, while you’re singing in heaven with the angels, they will be wailing and grinding their teeth because they always showed off more than they should. So keep your hair tied tight, your bonnet fastened securely, and your dress draped from neck to ankle. Afterall, everything in the fashion world eventually cycles back around, so someday, those girls may be copying your style.
Stay Modest, Esther
Dear Esther.
My school’s prom is coming up and I don’t know what to do. All of my non-Mennonite friends will have a date, but I don’t want to be a fifth buggy wheel by going alone since I’m not allowed to have a boyfriend yet. There’s also a problem with the un-Godly music that will be playing and the way that the other students will be dancing. Plus, finding something to wear would be a nightmare! It’s all very scandalous and I know I probably shouldn’t go, but I’ve been looking forward to it all year. What do you think I should do?
–ProperPromGoer in Pennsylvania
ProperPromGoer,
Although the smartest choice would be to not go at all, if you do attend your prom, it’s perfectly fine to go alone. Maintaining your purity is more important than a party, so even if a boy asks you, turn him down. For your outfit, I would suggest getting out your nicest black dress and maybe asking your mother if you could borrow one of her best bonnets, just to spruce up your look a little. Finally, I would suggest stuffing some cotton in your ears so you can’t hear the unseemly music and planting yourself firmly in a corner facing away from the crowd so you aren’t tempted to join in the dancing. It’s the best way to control your behavior while still enjoying yourself at prom. Best of luck!
Stay Modest, Esther