March 17, 2011

A True Lady {No, not Scarlett!}

We've all seen her; maybe even envied her. Laughing brashly and surrounded by scores of suitors, she drew eyes like a magnet. The gaudy make-up, simpering smiles, flirtatious flounces, and flesh-baring clothes set her apart like a peacock amongst doves. Except, in that crowd, there weren't any doves. Oh, yes, you're hearing right. This vain, conceited peacock was only one of the flock. 
Our culture is full of women who flaunt their bodies, displaying themselves for all the world to see. They pursue and preserve their outward beauty, yet they allow their inner beauty to rot like an ancient, moth-eaten book. Yes, these are the people I am talking about when I refer to "women." But *who* do I denote when I speak of a lady?
Definition of a Lady: A courteous, decorous, or genteel female.
Before I move on, I would like to announce that I am not condemning the term "woman" or a person who is a woman. In this article, the word "woman" does not refer to females but rather the opposite of this gentlewoman defined above. If the term "woman" did refer to a female, I would proudly call myself a woman. But, that isn't what I am talking about here. :)
The concept of a lady didn't start with the dictionary. As you may have already guessed, it originated in the Bible:
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Do not let your adorning be external -- the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear -- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. Proverbs 11:12 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. 
Ladylike qualities:
~Courteous
~Genteel
~Decorous
~Polite
~Honest
~Pure
~Discreet
~Gracious
~Poised
~Classy
~Graceful
~Charming {though not as the world knows it}
~Full of Christ-like love
~Respectful
~Honorable
~Conducting yourself with dignity {but please, let us not be pompous!}
~Cheerful
~Having a sunny disposition
~Determined
~Diligent
~Tactful
~Stylish
~Submissive
~Gentle
~Feminine
~Modest
~Demure
~Elegant
The point of this post? Well, I have started a series on "Ladylike Elegance", and it talks about practical ways to become more ladylike in your daily life. {You know, sitting down, standing, etc.} But before I continue that, I feel a need to define what I meant by the words a "Lady" and a "Woman". We're not talking about carrying a handkerchief all the time or never being with matching gloves, hat, and a handbag. Being a lady is about cultivating your inner beauty, while in the process, growing in your outer beauty. Now... which are you aspiring towards? As for me, I have determined to become a true lady in every aspect of my life! Blessings!! =)
~Southern Belle

6 comments:

Because He Lives! said...

Hello Southern Belle,
I aspire to be all those things and more. Those words are unfamiliar to our culture today. I'm so blessed to have found your blog!

Southern Belle said...

Thank you!! I am so encouraged by your comments... they are so sweet and kind :)

Anonymous said...

Southern Belle,

I was quite inspired by your post.

Unfortunately in today's society, too much focus is placed upon outer beauty. Of course, no one wants to look "frumpy" on the outside, but as Christian women, we need to be beautiful on the inside as well.

At any rate, your blog is truly a blessing. I am glad I to have found it. :) I know that I shall come back for future visits.

Blessings,

-LR
http://aqueeninhercastle.blogspot.com

Southern Belle said...

Thank you, Lady Rose!! My desire is to be a blessing and an encouragement to others, and I am so glad God is using me to do that... :) I feel so unworthy, but I am so very thankful that I have a God who uses people such as me! =)
Blessings, and thank you for your lovely word of encouragement! :)

Tory said...

This post reminds me of a book I am reading called "Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild"... It is very good!!! :)

Unknown said...

I wouldn't agree with submissive. A real lady must stand up and fight for what she believes to be right.

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