Comments on: How to Be a Lady

By: Why

Why — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:54:52 +0000

Why and in what way(s) is it good to develop a “vulnerable quality”?

By: Renate

Renate — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:12:34 +0000

Hear, hear!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:07:14 +0000

Hi Christa!

Fun post. One thing that would be good to add is that the way we respond to those who are lacking in social graces will tell a lot about our hearts. I’ve known some people who weren’t loved much at home and weren’t trained to be ladies or gentlemen in the slightest. They do the best they can, but they just have no clue. Most people snub them, thinking they’re too weird to associate with, or assume all kinds of things about their character without getting to know them. I think a true lady, a Christ-like lady, loves the “unlovable”, the ones that the world likes to laugh at, and will reach out to those who may be lacking in social graces, or who are just difficult to get to know/understand. This is a great way to show the love of Christ–to believers or unbelievers. The believers need to be warmly accepted in the body of Christ and discipled (lovingly encouraged to maturity–just as we need it!), and the unbelievers need to know Jesus!

I struggle with this, but I think it’s an important part of being a GODLY lady, not just a lady in appearance.

~Lauren

By: Christa Taylor

Christa Taylor — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:56:34 +0000

The shaving trend is really a Stateside phenomena. European ladies frequently go unshaved, so this is more of a US tradition. It started back in the 50s actuallly, when sleeveless dresses came in vogue. When women began showing more skin (i.e. arms/ shoulders) the beauty industry capitalized on the issue and created a new market for razors/shaving products.

Sounds silly doesn’t it? Now not-shaving is akin to bad hygiene.

It wasn’t always that way.

-CT
P.s. ditto on the diamonds point.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:33:33 +0000

So, I understand that culturally armpit hair is not acceptable, but seriously, why is that? I’m not saying you shouldn’t shave it (I certainly do), but God created us with pit hair, so why do we seem to think it’s so disgusting and “un-ladylike”?

And thinking diamonds are un-ladylike is really quite ridiculous.

By: Lissie Darcy

Lissie Darcy — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:55:40 +0000

I liked what you said about the women who drape themselves across men. HAHAHA.

I also like the Tarzan analogy you gave

-Lissie

By: Christa Taylor

Christa Taylor — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:30:18 +0000

Hi Jennifer,
I wish we could have coffee in person. I have some dear friends who share the same opinion as yourself, and though we disagree, we are, believe it or not, still good friends. I understand your concerns for oppressed women, and would like to converse on the subject in person.
To begin, I don’t believe we are the second sex, nor are we oppressed. It seems fairly clear that women have been raised to a position of power, influence and leadership like never before. But as women have progressed into further leadership I believe they may have undermined or undervalued one aspect of their womanhood that is precious indeed.

With the dawn of third wave Feminism leading to the sexual revolution, women are sexually and socially aggressive. And while some may tout that this is a sweet blossom of their new liberated selves, I would disagree. The flower is poisoned, and the danger is not immediately evident. But as the rising tide of women across America are seeing, true fulfillment is found in more than just high-paying jobs and titles, it is found in something that was almost shoved aside, left forgotten. Their femininity.

Women have come to me repeatedly and over and over again repeated the same refrain: “Don’t let others dictate your behavior, stop being so close-minded- ditch the confines of your wee little perspective and be independent!”
Well, I would like to know- What’s so wrong with expressing my independence by good carriage and posture? For wanting to be modest, for wanting to show respect for our bodies by showing some restraint and keeping our knees and ankles together?
Why am I called suppressed or living in a “barbaric state” when I enjoy behaving in a way that makes me feel like a lady?
If the goal is empowerment, why can we be “empowered” in every way EXCEPT the one discussed above?

We see it not as our oppression, but as our glory.
And furthermore, it works.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:11:07 +0000

Oh my goodness. I stumbled upon this site by accident, and am rather stunned as I sit here reading. I am not an active Christian, but am a strong, kind, generous, motivated and independent woman. I am appalled at the recommendations you are making for young women to follow. The rules and regulations you declare for woman to become more “ladylike” are like a handbook for the oppressed second sex to remain so. It sounds to me as though you subordinate yourselves daily to the expectations and desires of both men, and someone you call God, to the detriment of your own spirit, health and independence. Piercings, body hair, choice of clothing, and display of sexuality are personal choices which belong to each of us individually, and SHOULD NOT be regulated by others. It is our ability to make these choices for ourselves which empowers us as women and people; being bullied into dressing a certain way, or suppressing a desire to dress a different way, is such a horrific, barbaric state to be living in, that I am appalled for you women who believe that the amount of cleavage you are showing or the number of piercings you sport defines your “modesty” or “purity” which, I assume, doubles for “piety.” Please, set yourselves free, and join the 21st century.

By: anne

anne — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:20:04 +0000

amen!

By: anne

anne — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:17:01 +0000

agreed!!!