A LADY

We’re told as little girls to be a little lady, or to sit like a lady, or act like a lady. And that’s a good thing…a very good thing. Our daughters should be taught what it means to be a lady, but I think that perhaps the idea of a lady is a little abstract in today’s world. What does that mean exactly? How is one a lady? Is a lady one who cleans her home and cooks her meals wearing high heels and a pretty dress and bright red lipstick, or one who never speaks louder than a whisper (Ever After, anyone?), or one who is always perfectly manicured and makeup-ed, never gets her hands dirty, or sips tea with her pinky in the air? One who wears only pink and lace and pearls? Is a lady only a certain personality type, or is it the way you dress, or the way you talk?

Can you be social and outgoing and still be a lady? Or must you sit quietly in the corner of the room, just observing and smiling demurely at the conversations and party going on around you…?

What is the quintessential lady? (I’ve always wanted to use that word…!)

I don’t think I have the answer to that question completely formulated yet…but I mull over it at times. I can often feel like a failure at being a lady. I laugh loudly and obnoxiously at times, I talk way too fast, I trip over my own feet, I spill things a lot, I’m in general a kind of hurried person (hence the reason I spill things…), and I’m not really the pearls and pink kind of girl.

But somehow I don’t think these things are really what constitutes a lady.

Maybe being a lady is more about understanding who we are as women…understanding what it is that we are created for. We are created to bring beauty, life, rest, and grace to this world. We are created to show who God is in a distinct female way.

I think if I focus on that aspect of being a lady, than all the other characteristics and qualities will just kind of fall into place. If I realize that the life of God within me as a woman is gentle and kind and modest and beautiful, then I feel empowered to live that out. If I value His life, then I will value mine, and as such, my life and characteristics will reflect that value.

It’s totally good to value yourself.

You don’t have to wear pink nail polish or lace dresses or speak quietly or always have the perfect manners…we’re all created differently and part of being a lady is just being exactly who you are. But I think that no matter our personalities or personal style or quirky characteristics, we can choose to be a lady. We can choose to value our place as women and to walk out of this value every day.

You are beautiful and kind and gracious, because that is who He is within you.

What about you: what are your thoughts on being a lady? Are there certain qualities and characteristics that you think a lady must have?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!