Be A Lady.

Hey there readers! Before I post about myself, I can't help but jump right in to my very first message!  Now keep in mind that I am no English major and please forgive me on any grammar mistakes.  I stumbled across this image on Pinterest, {{if you haven't yet experienced the beauty of Pinterest--it is what everyone is making it out to be, I promise!}} and I found it to be spot on.  I was immediately in agreement with what the image was portraying and my thoughts about it could keep me writing for hours, it's a shame that no professor has chosen this picture for my class to analyze and discuss.

What does it mean to be a lady, anyway?

This doesn't mean we all need to become that "ideal" housewife that we read about in history books: with her ironed dress, high heels, make-up, and spotless house.  Although those aren't necessary bad ambitions a woman can strive for, it seems to me that the majority of women today have lowered their standards for not only themselves, but also the men they choose to date.

Why? 

Could it be because we have lost sight of what a lady looks like? So many of us believe that it has to do with our outward appearance.  But, the truth of the matter is--women need to switch their image of beauty to inside their hearts and not on the surface.

I’m not saying that what we look like has no effect on being a lady because the way we choose to present ourselves to the male population will in fact change the way they view us.  But we need to come to terms with ourselves that our beauty, “should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4).

Ladies, you have the ability to be, “clothed with strength and dignity” (Proverbs 31:25) and it’s up to you whether or not you want men to look only at your appearance or at your heart, too. 

I found this helpful list on the internet to describe a few ways of what a lady may look like.

To be a lady is to:

• “Dress appropriately for the occasion. Yes, this is a tricky one but do you’re best.  A lady never deliberately sticks out of the crowd.
• When you mention your enemies speak about them with respect – not matter what they did – they are human and still deserve respect (Yes, I do mean you’re ex too!)

• Cut the whining and complaining.  Seriously, who like a girl that constantly whines and nothing is ever perfect for her?  Take what you’ve been given with grace and use it to the best of your ability – however meager it may be.

• Honesty.  One of the greatest attributes bestowed upon mankind.  Use it with tact and pride.

• Project yourself – real, human, feminine, (and slightly imperfect!) with spirit and vitality.  Don’t try and be a copycat.  You’re unique – embrace it.

• Know how to handle yourself and your emotions.  Know what makes you upset, angry, depressed, and moody.  Learn how to curb the unloveliness.  Yes, this takes time and effort maybe a bit of actually trying and failing but remember that old saying, “practice makes perfect?” ”

You are a beautiful woman and worth fighting for.  Any man who knows this should willingly open the door for you, treat you with respect and truth, and become to know the real you as the days progress.

A little insight, my pastor told me: Men tend to live up to expectations—so women, raise your expectations!! No man wants to let someone down and especially the girl they are trying to impress, so if you expect great things from them then the man willing to do those things is the one you’ll notice.

Be a lady. It may be intimidating to some men, but the ones truly interested will take initiative.

With much love,

Kristen (: