If you’re younger, you may not remember this or know what in the world I’m talking about when I reference a “slip.” See, years ago, it was commonplace for women to wear light undergarments called slips to keep their private stuff private. If yours was showing, you were a little compromised, and friends would say to you, “your slip is showing,” to help you not look like a nut. To give you some perspective, slips were these bothersome little things because they could shift and hang beneath the hem of your dress and make you look unkempt.
Seriously, women wore slips as undergarments because they provided an extra layer of modesty and helped prevent clothing from clinging to the body. Slips were typically made of lightweight fabrics such as silk or cotton, offering comfort and breathability.
They were designed to be worn underneath dresses and skirts, providing a smooth foundation and enhancing the overall silhouette.
Slips also played a functional role by absorbing sweat and preventing outer garments from becoming soiled.
Additionally, slips allowed for easier movement by reducing friction between the body and the clothing, making them a practical choice for daily wear.
Over time, slips have evolved in design and style, adapting to changing fashion trends, but their essential purpose has remained the same – to provide comfort, modesty, and a polished look for women’s attire.
If you want to see the woes we had when we went “slipless” back in the day, simply Google “Princess Diana Sheer,” and you’ll instantly see why we wore them. Or, you can simply click this Today link and see an image of what we avoided by wearing slips. They were a necessary evil.
Telling another woman, “Your slip is showing,” was simply “girl code.”
So, someone would likely tell you: “Psst… your slip is showing.”
It was a sign of friendship and definitely an indicator someone cared about you a little.
No way in the world would a good Christian sister wouldn’t let you walk around with your underwear hanging down!
Christian friendship means, “I got ya covered, Girl.”
Saying your slip is showing is covering your Christian sister.
As women and sisters in the Body of Christ, we must, likewise, have one another’s “back” in the same spirit of the “girl code.”
For example, if a sister is taken in a fault, instead of gossiping about her, looking at her sideways, or putting her down, we must love her enough to warn her and tell her when her “spiritual” underpinnings are not right.
Unfortunately, that’s not always what happens.
But, when we do help one another, it’s a good thing. In the best-case scenario, we will deepen our bond with the sister we help.
Better yet, we prevent the enemy from getting a stronghold on her life.
Hopefully, she will be there to do the same for us one day.
What a beautiful cycle, right?
Don’t be one of those “Scardy” Cat Christians.
Nowadays, Christians hesitate to correct or rebuke others because they don’t want to be seen as judgmental. I hate that word! The word “judgmental” sucks the power from the Christian community, creating an environment where truth is often suppressed to maintain a false sense of harmony.
This reluctance to engage in necessary confrontations can lead to moral ambiguity, where essential biblical truths are overlooked in favor of comfort.
Instead of fostering genuine accountability and growth, many believers opt for silence, thus allowing harmful behaviors to persist unchallenged.
By reclaiming the concept of loving correction, we can empower each other to embrace our faith more fully, encouraging a culture where spiritual development is prioritized over merely avoiding discomfort.
Being scared to correct wrongs also keeps people in bondage.
In my younger days, I wish someone had the guts to tell me, “Hey, that’s wrong,” or “Slow down with that man.”
No one did.
They likely didn’t want to seem “judgmental.”
However, truthfully, judgment has its place in the Body of Christ.
I’ve got a perfect example of Godly friendship in Galatians 4:11.
Peter was eating openly with the Gentiles (sinners). It was not a cool thing to do back then.
When the Jews (church folk) came around, Peter, being two-faced, quickly rejected the Gentiles.
That’s the equivalent of someone sneaking over to a friend’s house to have a beer every Friday only to say on Sunday, “I don’t drink.” Fake!
Anyway, Paul was there to tell Peter his “slip” was showing so he (Peter) could correct the hypocritical behavior.
Another Example of Godly Friendship
Or, how about when Nathan went to David to tell him his “slip” was showing after David slept with Bathsheba? (Read 2 Samuel 12 for the scoop).
Because Nathan didn’t care so much about being seen as judgemental (mainly because it was his job to be), David was able to repent and continue toward his destiny and purpose.
Godly judgment is actually a kindness and is much better than secret love, as it fosters growth and understanding rather than harboring hidden truths.
When judgment is rendered with love and compassion, it serves to illuminate the path for those who may be lost, guiding them toward redemption and personal development.
In contrast, secret love can lead to misunderstandings and unfulfilled desires, ultimately causing more harm than good.
By embracing godly judgment, we create a space for honesty and integrity, allowing for authentic connections and meaningful relationships to flourish.
Lovingly Honest… that’s the friendship between Christian women.
Christian woman, be courageous enough to tell your sister if her “slip” is showing, for it is through our loving honesty that we elevate each other and foster a spirit of integrity and mutual support.
At the same time, be humble enough to receive the truth when yours is too, recognizing that we all have moments of vulnerability and that true friendship flourishes in environments where we can lift one another up without fear of judgment.
Embrace these opportunities to grow in grace, understanding that our flaws do not define us but rather enrich our shared journeys.
Some will agree, some will disagree – but all should consider it.
So, what does your slip is showing mean”? It means helping someone who is in a state of vulnerability and may not know it.
