Ladies, it's about time we reclaimed our self-respect.

Let's cut to the chase here.

I have noticed the tragically growing trend of hoeism. Is that even a word?

Welp, today it is.

I mean when did self-respect and dignity go out the window for women?

source: Google

When did being a 'bad bih' or an 'Instagram baddie' become the ultimate goal?

And it's so unfortunate that this trend is not only being followed by grown women but also teenagers and pre-teens.

It's like everywhere I look on social media and in the real world, women and young girls alike are dressing more and more skimpy.

Everyone is dressing like they're sponsored by Fashionova.

Why?

Who told us that being naked or dressing scandalously is the new standard of beauty?

The world today seems to associate nakedness with confidence.

And this is where I have to put my foot down and remind you that the devil is liar!

There is a difference between shamelessness and confidence, and walking around half naked demonstrates the former.

Women and girls listen, we need to protect our bodies!

We are not playboy models, we are not harlots, so why advertise yourself in such a way?

I know that the world, this darn patriarchal world, has convinced you to strive for and enjoy the male gaze but my fellow women and girls I assure you that you were not created to be objectified.

Being a 'baddie' or dressing like one does not demonstrate confidence.

Rather it demonstrates the opposite!

It's giving insecurity, it really is.

It's giving I am dealing with internal insecurities and I need to use my body to deflect from them or overcompensate for areas I feel I lack in.

Some of y'all are really out here making your bodies your whole personality.

Do you know that there are females out there in relationships with men and all they do is have intercourse?

If they ain't having sex, they've got nothing to talk about.

Like he's only with you because of your body because that is all you presented.

The only difference between you and a prostitute is the latter gets paid to be objectified, and that is not a good thing either.

I mean think about it for a second, every time you've posted a picture where you are half naked or gone out looking like onlyfans is your 9-5, what do you think the men or boys that see you are thinking?

I guarantee you that they are thinking of all the sexual things they could do to you. And that's facts.

I don't know about you but I don't want that kind of attention nor do I want anyone thinking about me in such a vile way.

I don't want people to gravitate towards me because of my body, if people do gravitate towards me I want it to be because I have substance and I bring something meaningful to the table.

Ladies, please let's learn to respect our bodies, and carry ourselves with respect.

Because we collectively and as individuals have so much more to offer.

Once, we start taking these steps I am sure this patriarchal world will learn to respect women and will be forced to stop reducing us to our bodies.

Because I am utterly sick of the objectification of women in the media, and especially in music.

And what shocks me even more is the huge female support that some of these misogynistic artists are able to garner.

And, is anybody else realising that women in the music industry don't do half as well as men no matter how talented they are if they don't advertise their bodies?

Let's leave that, that's another topic for another day.

But I will leave you to ponder that.

Quick testimony, I was once subscribed to the world's patriarchal standard of beauty. And I struggled with it for years and sometimes the devil tries every now and then to make me slip up but I am so glad that Jesus is always there to nip that in the bud. He's always there to remind me that I don't need to rely on the male gaze or the approval of men to feel beautiful. Because, as per Psalm 139:14, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Stay blessed y'all.

Shalom.