A Ministry for Modest Dress

Shirley R. Hawkins Ministries | P. O. Box 29062 | Richmond, VA 23242 | [email protected]

Melody Pannell's Testimony
Growing up in Harlem, New York City, I had the privilege of attending The Modern School, the first African - American private elementary school in New York City. It was founded by the niece of James Weldon Johnson, Principle Mildred Johnson in 1934. During my formational years at The Modern School, I remember being taught about distinctive women of culture, class and character that made a positive difference in society.

I also attended Sunday School and Worship Services throughout the Harlem Community and learned about The Proverbs 31 Woman who was "clothed with strength and dignity."  As a young girl, I was intrigued and impressed by the images of these "women of noble character" and wanted to emulate not only the wonderful contributions that they made to society in the arts, education religious and political arenas; I also wanted to emulate the way that they dressed. It symbolized respect, honor and a high regard for oneself. This is a image that has faded in the fabric of our society today.

As an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Founder of The Destiny's Daughter's Empowerment Ministry LLC., I have the great privilege of serving young women and studying today's current culture. I have found that the new "socialization of women" and the negative media "images" of women are having a profoundly negative effect on the outcome of the positive self - esteem of young women as well as healthy and holistic relationships between young women and men.

In my efforts to eradicate these negative outcomes and educate, empower and encourage young women through my work, I have added The Book "Mirror on The Wall : Would My Dress Cause My Brother to Fall? " to my repertoire of resources.

"Mirror on The Wall : Would My Dress Cause My Brother to Fall?" is a timely message that calls all women back to the image of dignity, class and self - worth. It is a bridge that seeks to "mend" the gap between the "torn" values and traditions of past generations and the current "negative threads" attempting to define "womanhood " today.

This body of work lends itself to support the foundation of empowering women to reclaim their own modesty in dress and in return invites women to begin a new journey of reclaiming their true divine feminine power, purpose and distinction as "women of noble character" in action and image.​

Melody M. Pannell, MSW, M.Div, MACE
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Founder and CEO
The Destiny's Daughters Empowerment Ministry LLC.