The Caring Mr. Knightley

I already did this on ModesTeen, but I wanted to repost it on my personal blog. Some of you may have read it already, but it not, I hope you enjoy it!

Caring people are such blessings to be around. They minister to us when we need it; they stand by us through good times and bad. But sadly, caring seems to be a lost art. No one is that devoted and true. So, finding a character in a book that fits this description is a welcome joy. Jane Austen’s Mr. Knightley is such a gem.

Mr. Knightley appeals to people the minute you see him on screen. Okay, at first it isn’t for something as wonderful as his character qualities—his looks jump out at us. Then, as the movie (or book) progresses, you grow to appreciate and love him for his character. He is the kind of guy that all of us would want in a future spouse. Mr. Knightley is truly what his name suggests; he is a gallant knight.

“Mrs. Gilbert does not mean to dance, but there is a young lady disengaged whom I should be very glad to see dancing—Miss Smith.”

“Miss Smith—oh! I had not observed. You are extremely obliging—and if I were not an old married—but my dancing days are over, Mrs. Weston. You will excuse me. Anything else I should be most happy to do, at your command—but my dancing days are over.”

Mrs. Weston said no more; and Emma could imagine with what surprise and mortification she must be returning to her seat. This was Mr. Elton! The amiable, obliging, gentle Mr. Elton. She looked round for a moment; he had joined Mr. Knightley at a little distance, and was arranging himself for settled conversation, while smiles of high glee passed between him and his wife.

In another moment a happier sight caught her eye—Mr. Knightley leading Harriet to the set! Never had she been more surprised, seldom more delighted, than at that instant. She was all pleasure and gratitude, both for Harriet and herself, and longed to be thanking him; and though too distant for speech, her countenance said much, as soon as she could catch his eye again.”

This scene is one I can very easily picture from the movie. We feel so sad for Harriet, the music swells…..and all of a sudden, there are Mr. Knightley and Harriet coming down the line of dancers. We smile and say, “that is an amazing guy. I would want a guy to do that for me or a friend of mine if we had been so snubbed by a Mr. Elton.” Even though he wasn’t as close to Harriet as Emma was, he was an example of Proverbs 17:17~”A Friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” It might not seem like much; not dancing in a set isn’t that life shattering. And yet….wouldn’t you want a Mr. Knightley coming to your rescue? A guy who saw an uncalled for situation and stepped in the place of the little worm? The dancing with Harriet also showed Mr. Knightley a side of her that he didn’t know before, or at least didn’t give much credit to.

But it wasn’t just young women that Mr. Knightley assisted:

… “she only demands from each of you, either one thing very clever, two things moderately clever, or three things very dull indeed; and she engages to laugh heartily at them all.”

“Oh! Very well,” exclaimed Miss Bates. “Then I know I need not be uneasy. Three things very dull indeed. That will just do for me, you know. I shall be sure to say three dull things as so as ever I open my mouth, shan’t I?”

Emma could not resist.

“Ah, ma’am, but there may be a difficulty. Pardon me, but you will be limited as to number—only three at once.”

Miss Bates, deceived by the mock ceremony of her manner, did not immediately catch her meaning; but when it burst on her, it could not anger, though a slight blush showed that it could pain her.

“Ah! Well—to be sure. Yes, I see what she means” (turning to Mr. Knightley) “and I will try to hold my tongue. I must make myself very disagreeable, or she would not have said such a thing to an old friend…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

…. She found Mr. Knightley by her side. “Emma, how could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates. How could you be so insolent to a woman of her character, age, and situation? I had not thought it possible.”

Emma recollected, blushed, was sorry, but tried to laugh it off.

“How could I help saying it. I dare say she did not understand me.”

“I assure you she did. She felt your full meaning. She has talked of it since. I wish you could have heard how she talked of it—with what candor and generosity. I wish you could have heard her honoring your forbearance, in being able to pay her such attentions, as she was forever receiving from yourself, when her society must be so irksome.”

“Oh,” cried Emma, “I know there is not a better creature in the world, but you must allow there is some of the ridiculous in her.”

“Were she a woman of fortune, I would leave every little absurdity to take its chance. But she is poor! And should she live to be an old woman she will sink further still. Her situation deserves your compassion! Badly done, Emma! Badly done! She has watched you grow from a time when her notice was a thing of honor to this---This is not pleasant for you, Emma, and it is very far from pleasant for me. But I must tell you truths while I can; satisfied with proving myself your friend by very faithful counsel and trusting that you will sometime do me greater justice than you do now.”

Psalms 101:5 says, “I will not tolerate those who slander my neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” In this also well-recognized scene, these words could be Mr. Knightley’s own. In my favorite of the movie adaptations, Mr. Knightley asks Miss Bates to accompany him as he hunts for strawberries; thus, he removes her from a scene of slander and mockery. We don’t know the age difference between Mr. Knightley and Miss Bates….my guess would be to Miss Bates being older. Yet that did not stop Mr. Knightley from being a gentleman. He didn’t give a hoot about what society might say or whether his reputation would be “blacklisted” for being seen with an old woman. He cared more about the woman in trouble.

But my personal favorite quality of Mr. Knightley’s is found in the latter part of this scene. It is wonderful to show you care by rescuing old and young damsels in distress. Yet another aspect of caring is saying something is wrong in order to bring about something that is right.

I know from experience; sometimes, you have to “speak the truth in love” (as the Scriptures command) even if the person holds a grudge against you. “A real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) That means even in the painfully honest times. It certainly wasn’t easy for Mr. Knightley to say those things to Emma. You read the novel, and at this point, he is convinced that Emma is engaged or soon will be, to Frank Churchill. Mr. Knightley could have taken the attitude, “what do I care? I love her; she doesn’t return my affections…so why should I make a comment about her behavior.” He did because he cared; he was her true friend.

Upon much research, I am finding that Mr. Knightley is the majority of girls’ favorite Jane Austen Heroine. I don’t know all the reasons, but I have to think that his caring nature is a big part of it. We all can be a “Mr. Knightley” to our family, friends, and neighbors today. Come to someone’s aid when they have been hurt; speak a truth if they are wronging another individual. By doing our own small part, we can bring a little ray of Jane Austen’s leading man into our world—and make it better, as Mr. Knightley did to Highbury.

A Modest Carol, or The Ghost of Christmas Present

As was the case after the first appointed spirit, Emma was inclined to believe that her visit from Julie was all a hoax. Alright, she had gone somewhere just a little while ago, but that could have been a dream for all she knew. After all, Emma didn’t remember not falling asleep. With these thoughts, Emma glanced at the clock. Once more realizing that the second mentioned spirit was not there, she breathed a sigh of relief, and hurried herself off to bed.

Yet as she approached her bedroom, she saw a light on. Knowing that no one could possibly be in the room, Emma contemplated calling the police. However, it is best to mention that Emma let her curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the door. Just as she would have been quite unprepared to meet an intruder, she was also unprepared for the sight that met her eyes. Standing before her was another apparition. This time, it appeared to be a look-a-like of Monica, the angel from “Touched By An Angel,” complete with her heavenly glow.

“Why, Emma,” the spirit said. “Why do you just stand there? Come and let me get a good look at you. I have heard much of you.”

As Emma approached, for like with the first spirit, she could not imagine disobeying, she spoke coquettishly. “Well, who could you have heard about me from? Was it James, or perhaps Mark? No, it has to be Zach! He always raves about me!”

“You would be wrong on all accounts. Do I not bear a slight resemblance to a person who has already visited you this night? For a relative of mine came to see you—she calls herself the Ghost of Christmas Past. Do you recollect now?”

Emma spoke softly, all coquettish airs gone. “Yes, I do remember. You do not look alike, but since you are spirits….you are a spirit aren’t you?”

“I am the Ghost of Christmas Present, and I am here to show you Christmases of today. Like with my cousin eleven greats past, you will not be able to converse with any of the images you see. Rather, Emma, my purpose is to show you what people are saying, so that you might heed and learn.”

“Oh, gossip!!! I love that sort of thing. Tell me, will I be getting to see into the homes of all my friends? I would love some juicy tidbits.”

“We shall see,” the spirit said. “Now, touch my gown.”

Like with the first Ghost, Emma did as instructed. And yes, the same phenomenon occurred. Emma found herself transported out into the streets of New York City.

“Spirit!” Emma suddenly realized she was in her bathrobe. “What do you mean taking me out into the city without my being properly attired? What will people think?!”

“First off, you are not able to be seen,” the spirit said. “Second, is that all you think about, people’s approval I mean? And thirdly, why should you care if you were seen in your bathrobe? I know for a fact that you have paraded about this city with far less on many times.”

Emma was properly chastised, so much so that she remained quiet and let the Ghost of Christmas Present lead the way about town. In what only seemed like a few seconds, Emma found herself in the West Side.

“Why,” Emma exclaimed. “What are we doing here? I have no friends in this quarter. Indeed, it is not fit for a person of my social status to be here!”

“Watch,” the Ghost said, slightly fed up with Emma’s ego. “You do know who lives here, and she is thinking of you today. Come….”

Emma walked into the house. There was no point in knocking, for we know that she and the Ghost could be neither seen nor heard. It was a simply furnished house. It was not neat, nor was it dirty. It had the appearance of being happily lived in. As Emma glanced about, she saw Beverly Crump, the girl who always stopped her in the streets and spoke to her.

“Lord,” Emma noticed that Beverly was praying. “I lift up this day to you. I thank you for what it means, that you sent the gift of Your Son into the world. It was so undeserved, and that makes me all the more happier. I pray that you would bless our time with Aunt Viera…”

“Meredith Viera!!” Emma was shocked. “That girl’s aunt is the host of the Today show! Why doesn’t she flaunt that?”

“Why do you always feel compelled to flaunt what you have? Sometimes, things don’t need to be revealed, and that does not make us any less of a person.” The Spirit looked towards Beverly again. “Now, listen this time, without interrupting.”

Beverly had continued on with her prayer, for remember, Emma couldn’t be seen or heard. “If it isn’t too much to ask, please keep my aunt from badmouthing the way we live. I love her so much, and I really would like to avoid an argument. Lastly, I pray a special blessing for Emma. I hardly know her, Father, but I feel she is hurting. I think she is looking in places for happiness that will not give it. If only she would look to you! Minister to her, and get a hold of her heart somehow.” Beverly finished, and left the room, with a happy countenance and a light mind.

Long after her footsteps had ceased to echo, Emma still found herself in Beverly’s room. “She prayed for me?” Emma questioned. “Why? I certainly do not treat her right.”

“To Beverly, that doesn’t matter,” the Ghost said. “She has the love of Christ in her. It is a love that cares about all of her fellow human beings.”

“Well,” Emma harrumphed. “I do not need her prayers! I have plenty of other people who care. Show me someone else who isn’t praying for me…and yet loves me.”

With that, the Ghost did as Emma requested. Indeed, she was at the human’s disposal. However, the Spirit got to choose the destinations. This time, she picked a house that Emma knew quite well.

“My brother’s house was not what I had in mind!” Emma looked at the Ghost in disgust. “Why do you take me to places I do not wish to see?”

“You are taken here because you need to see him. You should know by now that you cannot shut out the past. You try to avoid your brother for some reason, a reason that you will not admit to yourself. Here, I will say it for you: you, Emma, are envious of your brother. You wish you had the type of happiness that he does…Is that not so?”

“Alright!!!” Emma yelled. “You are right. John has it altogether. He has a wife that adores him, he is expecting a baby, a nice house…I used to want that. But life changed for me, and I cannot get that now.”

The Ghost of Christmas Present had not heard the last sentence, for she had entered the house. Emma didn’t think she had any other choice but to follow, so that is what she did. As she walked in, she was greeted with memories, for her brother’s house looked just like her childhood home. Emma watched as her brother, sister-in-law, gathered around the table with several other guests. Before they all partook of the food, John, Emma’s brother, stood up.

“I want to thank you all for coming today. It is such a blessing! There is a person that is missing, and I wish she were here. My sister, Emma, had better things to do with her day and would not join us. I feel she has made a mistake, but it is her mistake. You all know the whole story about my sister and I; many of you know past hurts that she has inside of her. I just want to say that if any of you get a chance to minister a little bit of God’s love to her, it would mean so much to me. I pray for her daily, and I would love for you to as well.”

As John sat down, Emma heard a faint “hear, hear.” She glanced to see Brad, the boy who had jilted her, sitting between her nieces. Emma also heard her sister-in-law, Jen, say, "God bless, Emma, Father.” These two little tidbits went on unheard as John began praying for the food. After he finished, eating commenced.

“I….I,” Emma stammered. “I didn’t know John still felt this way. I assumed that as time went by, he would begin to despise me.”

“You underestimate your brother. Everyone at this table cares about you,” Ghost said. “Do you see a little bit of what you are missing?”

“Fine, I will give you that,” Emma said. “It looks like everyone is having a wonderful time, and my being there wouldn’t affect that in any way. However, what of my friends? I was going there after shopping, you know.”

Now, the Ghost knew the next stop would be painful for Emma, but she had to see it. So, she took her to where she requested. It was a house of revelry, of flirtations and immodesty, of loud music and dancing. Indeed, there was nothing to indicate the True Meaning of Christmas.

“Well, Emma isn’t here,” a girl said.

“What a shame! I knew she was going to wear an amazing outfit; that’s why I came.” This statement came from a guy named James, one who Emma had mentioned to the Ghost in the beginning.

“You can always count on Emma to please the eyes,” Mark said.

“That’s about it,” Zach said. “She is pretty ditzy, and if she didn’t flaunt her beauty, she wouldn’t be any good to be around. As it is, the party is fine without her. In fact, if Vanessa showed a little more, she would be a perfect substitute for Emma.”

Emma heard all this in a state of disbelief. “They feel this way about me?! I thought they liked me better than that!”

The Ghost stood back and looked at her. “They like you for the way you arouse them. They do not care about you as a person, or indeed as something to be treasure. They only view you like a child does a toy. They like it as long as it pleases them; when they outgrow it, or something better comes along, they will toss you aside.”

“NO!!!” Emma sunk to the ground in sobs. “What is to become of me?!”

“What indeed,” the Ghost questioned. “My time is done here. I must leave you now.”

“You cannot leave me here without one iota of hope!!”

However, the Ghost of Christmas Present was gone, leaving Emma where she stood…alone.

To Be Continued

A Modest Carol--Part 2, or The Ghost of Christmas Past

“Emmmmaaaa.”

Emma awoke with a start, convinced she heard her name. When she glanced around the room, and saw nothing, Emma assumed it was her body playing tricks on her once more. She was just at the point of acknowledging that she might need a doctor, when she happened to look at the TV.

“What Not to Wear” had been over for some time now, but the channel wasn’t TLC anymore. Rather, there was only a black screen, black as midnight. Yet standing there was a woman, if she could be called a woman. To Emma, she looked like a combination of Ma Ingalls and Missie Davis/ Lahaye/ Tyler.

“Emmaaaa.”

There it was again. This time, Emma had seen the screen character open her mouth as the words issued forth. “What…what do you want? Who are you?” She spoke with a quaking voice, for how would you like to see an apparition you knew absolutely nothing about?!

“I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. I am here to show you your past, in the hopes you will remember. Were you not expecting me?”

“Well, I was told that you were to come. Yet I did not believe or trust, though it looks like I must now. But honestly, how can you show me things that have already happened. Time travel doesn’t exist you know.”

“You analyze far too much. There is a thing called trust and faith. Sometimes, you have to believe a person without seeing. So, when I say that I can show you your Christmases past, I can show you your Christmases past. Now, our time grows short. Come to the screen and hold out your hand.”

Emma had never heard anything so unrealistic in all her 21 years of life. However, she did not want to find out the results for disobedience, so she did has the Spirit instructed. She approached the TV with a trembling footstep and held out a hand. All of a sudden, Emma felt her feet lifted from under her, her body sucked into the device in a flash of light, and then, all was darkness once more.

“Where are we? Have you killed me or something? I can sue you for this!!” Emma was about to launch into another tirade, until the darkness began to fade and she found herself in a room.

“Do you know where you are now?” The spirit asked.

Emma glanced about. She saw a beautiful evergreen tree, covered in tinsel, ornaments, and popcorn garland. There were presents under the tree, and a family was seated on the couch. They were reading a book and sipping hot chocolate. It was a lovely picture to behold. Emma knew the house, the living room, at once. It had been her childhood home.

“Why of course I know it!! I grew up here. There is Mom and Dad and John my brother…Hello everybody!”

“They cannot hear you. You are here to observe and remember. That is all.” There was a pause in the conversation until the Ghost spoke once more. “You all look so happy. Were all Christmases as happy as this one? Even though you didn’t have that much money?”

“Oh, yes they were. Mom and Dad always tried to make the holiday special. Some years were better than others present-wise, yet my brother and I always felt loved and cared for.” Emma paused a moment, remembering the times that had passed by, which was what the Ghost wanted.

“What book are you all reading?”

“Oh, you say it is Christmas. So, that would mean we were reading the Bible. Luke 2. It was a tradition; Mom and Dad made it a rule that we could not open presents until we read the Bible. Wait….who might that be?”

Emma’s last question had come from hearing the doorbell ring. She watched as her father got up to answer the door, returning in a little bit with grandparents and some family friends. It added to the already lovely picture.

“Now I remember this Christmas. It was the last one we had with mother before she….”

“Before she died,” the Spirit finished. “Yes, I know it is so, for let us see another Christmas.”

They never left the room, but sure enough the picture changed. Dad and John were downstairs talking and reading, just like the previous Christmas. Emma was not there, yet she was coming down the stairs just as the picture cleared.

“Emma, my dear,” Father said. “Where have you been this morning? You missed our Bible reading.”

“I know I did,” Emma harrumphed. “I have decided that I am old enough to make my own decision regarding faith. I do not want to be a part of anything that took Mom away from us. It is fine for you and John; it isn’t for me. I still love you and Mom, and I can even respect your convictions. I can’t personally anymore.”

The Ghost looked at Emma. “You really said that? Didn’t it sound like dishonor to you?”

“Of course it did,” Emma shot back. “I believe I had some valid points. I was sixteen that Christmas. I was a girl in the prime of life when she needed a mother. I didn’t have one anymore, so I made do the best way I could. I tried to forget some of the things Mom loved best, the main one being her faith. And I think I turned out fine.”

“Oh, really? Look at your father,” the Spirit instructed. He looks hurt and grieved, as does your brother. All they can do is look on you with sad eyes as you open all your presents, gather them up, and return upstairs, without even giving them the time of day. Their ears tingle with the sound of your door slamming shut as you change and even more so when you go out to the garage and start your car. You chose to spend Christmas with your friends, instead of your family.”

“Spirit, it is my own affair.” Emma got flushed all of a sudden. “I truly had a wonderful Christmas. My friends and I had a lovely dinner, and I met a lot of great people. One of which was Julie you know.”

“I know,” the Ghost of Christmas Past replied. “I also know from that Christmas you changed. Watch, as we jump in time two years. See the change that has come over you.”

Emma did as the Ghost instructed. She couldn’t do otherwise. She beheld herself as a young woman of eighteen. “I see no change, Spirit.”

“You don’t? Look at you. You treat your brother with no respect, as he and his fiancée try to persuade you to stay home this Christmas. Your father is ill, they say. But no, you refuse…hotly. You are dressing in what was the current fashion then, a tight red dress that shouldn’t be called a dress, but a shirt. You walk at the door with a swinging hip and far too much makeup. Do you notice your brother? He turned his eyes when you came down and did not look at the door until you closed it. Hear what he says.”

“Jen,” John sighed. “My mother would be heartbroken at how my sister has become. Mom always tried to teach Emma modesty, yet it looks like she has thrown that out, along with her faith. I love Emma so much; it hurts me to see her lower herself like this.”

“I never knew he felt that way,” Emma said to herself. “I always felt that he saw himself as a goody two-shoes, that he looked down upon me.” Yet aloud she said to the spirit, “Where was I in all this?”

Emma did not know that the Spirit knew what she was thinking. Yet the Ghost did not let on as she changed the picture. The two now found themselves in a room. It was loud and noisy. Girls were giggling far too much and there was nothing Christmas-keeping in the manner of the people. Emma saw herself, flirting with many guys until one came up to her.”

Emma’s heart filled with anguish. “NO, Spirit!!! Not this vision!! I beg of you not to show it to me!!”

“You created it. I only show what has already occurred.”

Emma watched as her younger self greeted the young man and the two of them went off to talk. Emma could she that she was expecting some usual actions and traditions, like a kiss or two, but none came.

“Merry Christmas, Emma.”

“The same to you, Brad. Are you not well today? You do not seem yourself; most assuredly, you do not act like it.”

“Oh, I am more than well. A joyous event has happened. The Lord got a hold of my life last week. He has changed me, indeed He has.”

Emma put on a form of mock happiness, “I am so happy for you, Brad.”

“Yes, well, it changes things you know…between us.”

“What do you mean?”

“Emma, I cannot act this way with you anymore. I feel that it is wrong to be kissing you for fun when we are not married.”

“Brad, what are you saying?”

“Emma, tell me honestly. If I had had Christ in my life when we first met, would you be so interested in me now? I do not think so. You are the same; I am different. I want something higher than just flirting and typical behavior. I want to be around a woman who shares convictions with me, who will dress in a way that honors me. Emma, when we first met, I will say that I loved the way you dressed. Now, I don’t. You dress for many men, Emma. Thus, I wholeheartedly believe that you will have no trouble finding another guy.” Brad paused and held Emma’s hand. “I care deeply about you, Emma. Not as a physical attraction anymore, but rather as a person. I wish I had known all I know now, so I wouldn’t have caused you all this grief. I cannot re-write the past, but I can change the future. So, I must leave, and we must go on with our lives. May you be happy in the life you have chosen.” With that, Brad left, and tears spilled from both Emma’s eyes.

“Spirit, remove me from this place. I beg of you to see no more. LEAVE ME ALONE!!!”

As Emma made a lunge at the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Spirit gave a parting piece of advice. “Remember Brad’s words, Emma. You cannot change the past, but you can change the future. You cannot run, no matter how much you try.”

Suddenly, all was silent. Emma found herself in her living room once more, the TV back on TLC. The clock struck one o’clock. Once more, the scheduled Ghost did not make an appearance…or so Emma thought.

To Be Continued

A Modest Carol

Julie Matthews was dead. This should be strictly understood and grasped, or else what I have to relate will not be understood. The point remains that Julie no longer had breath in her body. On the occasion of her funeral, there was no one to mourn, no one to speak a eulogy, no one place to place flowers upon the casket. Not even her friend, Emma Smith, attended the event. Julie was placed into the ground quite unceremoniously and quite unloved.

Emma and Julie lived in New York City. Regular shoppers at Tiffany’s and Saks Fifth Avenue they were. Their reputation as the best dressers, the best bargain finders, and the best snobs preceded them wherever they went. Emma was actually the better known of the two, and she knew it. In all honesty, Emma liked that now she alone could have the spotlight and reputation.

The day of Julie’s funeral found Emma browsing Times Square. It was a dreary day, but it was made even drearier by the lack of fashionable clothes. What was fashionable? Well, it was anything that the current favorite actress wore. It did not matter the color, the style, the lowness, or tightness. In the middle of her frustration, Emma was interrupted.

“Good day, Emma. A Merry Christmas to you.”

It was Beverly Crump. Simply put, Emma didn’t like her. Beverly could never be considered stylish, and thus, Emma did not believe it was okay to associate with her.

“It is not a Merry Christmas. Due to this ridiculous holiday, the stores are sold out of everything good to wear. I have no appreciation and joy for a holiday that does this every 25th of December to me.”

Surely you don’t feel that way!! Christmas is a wonderful time, a time to remember others and the Savior’s birth. Don’t you have family with which to celebrate the holiday?”

“Humbug all of it! Of what importance is the Savior? I believed once, but I know better now. My sister-in-law invited me to come over, but I said no. I cannot afford to spend one day away from the stores, especially after a day like today. Good day to you.”

Emma stormed off in a huff. She turned her feet towards home, when she heard….”Emmmmmaaaa!” Emma looked towards the bright lights of Broadway, yet she saw nothing. “Pull yourself together, girl. You haven’t eaten all day; you are hearing things, courtesy of your low blood sugar.” Yet Emma was still apprehensive; she didn’t usually hear things when she didn’t eat lunch…or breakfast.

She walked up the stairs towards her apartment. Facing her was the knocker, a usual knocker you understand. Yet when she glanced at it, she saw Julia’s face. It faded just as quickly as it came. Emma quickly opened the door, quickly locked it, quickly ran to her room, and quickly locked it too. She anxiously laughed.

“Perhaps my doctor is right; I can’t go without eating. I will put in a frozen dinner right now.” She did so and sat down to eat, with “What Not to Wear” playing in the background.

Scarcely had she settled in to the sofa when “Emmmmaaaa” was heard again. Then, appearing on screen, was Julie Matthews. Emma saw her yet refused to believe her eyes.

“Emma,” Julie said. “It is I, Julie, your friend and shopping partner for the past 5 years. I have come to warn you.”

“You are not Julie. I had a coroner and an undertaker take care of you yesterday.” Emma suddenly became defensive, though she knew not why. “I have not eaten all day until just now. You are a new health phenomenon I haven’t experienced.”

“Do not be ridiculous! You have never had these before. I am real and I have come to warn you. See this chain that is bound to me?”

“It is a lovely chain, Emma. The store bags from all your favorite stores. Did you design….”

Julie let out a yell. “This is not a lovely chain; it is a ponderous one. I did design it, though if I knew what I know now, I would not have. My life has been a failure and all because of this chain.”

“Oh, you were not a failure,” Emma said compassionately. “You gave everyone the best fashion guides around, especially with your lustrous brown hair and sense of style. You could have easily been a model. You made clothing your business, beauty your business.”

“I should have had love my business! Christianity my business! Modesty and sisterly concern my business! I did not, and I cannot erase that!! But you can…and I have come to warn you. Unless you want the unhappiness and tight chain and life I am doomed to wear…HEED ME!!!!”

Julie spoke with such vehemence that Emma could only heed. “Alright, alright!! What must I do?”

“You will be visited by three spirits. The first will come at 12 o’clock, the second at 1 o’ clock. The third will come I know not when, but it will come. Be prepared and change.”

With that, Julie faded from the TV screen, and Emma slumped into a faint. She awoke at twelve by the ding of her clock. She remembered Julie’s words. “Ah, it is midnight, and nothing has happened. I knew she was a figment of my imagination.”

However, she was wrong. The aforesaid spirit made her appearance.

To Be Continued.....

I'd Rather Be Feminine Than A Feminist

I am following the 2008 election pretty closely. Strike that, I am keeping close tabs on Mike Huckabee's campaign. However, I know stuff about the other candidates as well. Hilary Rodham Clinton has received the endorsement of National Organization of Women (NOW) When she recived this, she proudly stated, "Yes, I am a feminist!"


Now, compare this to the movie, The Village. When Ivy asks Lucius how he can not be afraid of the dangers around, Lucius says that he is when he thinks of her in harm. He cares about her above all others and wants to keep her safe....and she doesn't protest or anything! In fact, she seems to appreciate it!



There is a big difference in these two women. One represents the nowadays woman, the one who wants to throw off the shackles of mankind. She desires to be in control. If there was danger, she would be the one sitting on the doorstep. The other girl represents women long ago, women who knew what it meant to be regarded and protected. She realized that men and women are vastly different...and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.



However, women like Ivy aren't very common nowadays. And I miss it. Like with the changing of dress, I believe what we have lost is irreplaceable. Due to the vast majority of women wanting to be in control, men don't step up to the plate anymore! They are willing to let women protect themselves, run politics, and abandon their God-given roles as wives and mothers.



Make no mistake, I do not hate people who are feminists. They are human beings created in the image of God. I find their policies off...but that is a different matter! I just wish they hadn't wrecked it for the rest of us, those who do desire men who are gentlemen. I do not mind being "branded" as the weaker vessel, especially if that means men open the door for you, men protect you, things like that.

I do not know how to communicate to guys that I want the old ways in this area of life. All I can do is pray. I can pray that men like Mr. Darcy's wouldn't be confined to fictional novels. I can pray that men like Peter Marshall would rise up. God would have to do a miracle to thwart the path we women are currently on...and he can! If you all desire a change, let's raise our voices to the One who hears! Maybe we can make things better for our children and future generations!

Intro, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Conclusion

Missing Something

It is no secret what my favorite movies are. I rave about Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility a lot. I felt compelled to mention Love Comes Softy and North and South here on the blog. Give me the choice between Anne of Green Gables and the latest "romantic comedy" and I will definitely choose the former. Overall, I just love girly movies...but that wasn't what this post was to be about.

There is something about these "timeless classics" that appeals to me. Do you know what it is? I could let you guess, but I am not:-) The way the women dress and act stirs up a feeling inside of me. It is a feeling that, if I could go back to those days, I would. Now, I know there are a lot of bonuses in this century. However, they pale in comparison to what we have lost.

I remember when I watched North and South particularly, an "object lesson" came to mind. Margaret, the main character, was at this fancy dinner party, wearing a slightly revealing dress. Her dress did not communicate, "Look at me and what I have." Rather I believe she was stating, "This dress doesn't state all about me. I have a sensible head on my shoulders, I can lovingly serve my mother and father, and I want you to get to know the real me." And in that scene, the main guy, Mr. Thornton, doesn't look at what is revealed; he looks at her face the entire time.

Now, think of what we have now. In supermarket aisles, we are bombarded with images of Hollywood actresses revealing anything and everything it seems. Always, the women are wearing cleavage showing, leg showing, form fitting clothes. And it communicates, "Oh, don't you wish you had me and what I have." These attitudes absolutely sicken me....and they are everywhere. You get it on tv, with such shows as "Dancing With The Stars." (I don't watch it; I just hear about it.) Movies and commercials now cater to this way of living. Even secular music covers aren't exempt.

What has gone wrong? You can't blame it on the changing fashion world. Even in Jane Austen's day, there were low dresses. (Granted they were not quite as low.) So, what is the deal? I believe it is the attitudes that have been to blame. We are human, after all. That said, I wish we didn't have the battles regarding dress that we do now. No longer do dresses and skirts communicate feminine or "I am a girl;" they communicate being sexy. People feel that they have to degrade themselves by revealing themselves in order to catch a guy. Wrong! Though they are fiction, every single movie I watch has the girl coming out victorious...and the guy isn't some nerd, either.

Those of us who long for the days gone by have a difficult road ahead. I cannot even imagine what will be "in" when I have a child. However, I will train her that God had something higher in store for us....and it is our job to do it. It might be wearing longer skirts and higher necklines as everyone looks at us with shocked faces. It might mean staying away from current romances, for honestly, is that the kind of relationship we want for us or them? Being regarded as feminine wasn't considered wacky up until recently. With God's help, let's try to bring it back. Let us not only look like women, but be willing to go against the trendsetters for the sake of our Christian brothers. Let's have our dress say, " I am a girl. I am a Daughter of the King, one who is highly regarded. There is more to me than my body. Focus on that. Only one guy will get that former part of me."

Intro, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Redeeming the Times

It is hard being a young woman today. Let's use a simple deduction process: You are a Christian homeschooler (the group probably gets cut in half,) one who isn't dating (slightly smaller) and tries to dress modestly and femininely (gets even smaller) and for the defining moment...staying home in her father's house until marriage as opposed to college. If you try to figure it out, probably only a tenth of girls, if that, go into this "circle." I find that so sad! What used to be the vast majority is now a small minority.

Mom likes to say," What is considered normal today wasn't considered as such until around fifty years ago!" She's right. However, while I don't know the exact date of the change, I do know where to place the blame. It is we women who are responsible for what we have now. Yes, the lack of gentlemen, the drastic changes in dress, feminism....it is all thanks to us.

Genesis 3:16 reads,"...And though your desire will be for your husband, he will be your master." My translation can also read, "And though you may desire to control your husband." Well, women didn't like that! So, over a period of decades and centuries, women began to change things. Slowly, women began working outside the home, began desiring to be viewed like a man and so began dressing as one. Now, we have a full fledged feminist movement.

I don't want to appear as one who holds its gender in low esteem. It is SO EASY to listen to the voice of Evil and follow its sugar-coated lies. That is just what my previous generations did. Yet as with Adam and Eve, one's sins and mistakes can affect all of mankind. God, in His death, made available the ability to confess our sins, turn from them, and try to change out lifestyles.

God has placed a desire in my heart to redeem my time and bring back Biblical Womanhood. Would you join me? We will be considered weird, for the voice of feminism is loud and its ideals far reaching. Yet "God bless you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in Heaven." (Luke 6:22-23) I want to redeem the times for my future generations.

It might appear that I will be making baby steps in changing the world. However, God can use anything, big or small, for His glory. I choose to leave, with God's help, godly "footsteps in the sand," marks to guide my children and their children in the way of femininity and grace, However, may they be footsteps that always point to the Savior!

Intro, Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3

An Introduction

If you could go back in time, to what time period would you go? Like my mom, would your destination be "little house on the prairie" days? Would you go back to a particular nation, as my brother would with pre-Soviet Russia? My personal choice, if I had the option, would take me to Regency England.

I love that time period. I mean, the book I am currently reading is Wives and Daughters. North and South is the next movie I plan on adding to our family's inventory. One of my favorite authors is Jane Austen....see, I am crazy about it!! Yet why does the Regency era appeal to me so?

I believe the answer to that question lies in the general make-up of women. Though some seek to remove femininity, beauty, elegance, and grace from their lives, those yearnings are in each and every women, or so I think. I will even go as far as to say that I believe God put those desires in us for good reason; they set apart from our male counterparts.

So, if I remember those traits, I see why I love the Regency era so. The modest gowns, the tea times, the functional family relationships, the courting, the protection of men....all of it "soothes my soul." Perhaps if I lived in a time and place where my desires were fulfilled, I wouldn't crave Regency England and my world of certain entertainment so much. However, I do not live in a different time and place; I am firmly rooted in 21st Century America, and my love of "old-fashioned womanhood" is probably considered really weird by people.

Many would say that we have come far from horses and buggies, slow forms of communication, and the days of man-powered machinery. Okay, maybe we have. After all, e-mail is a great way to keep in touch! :-) However, when it comes to women, their role, and the way that they are perceived, I do not believe progress and change has been good. In fact, I believe we have missed out on a lot.

I do not want to appear as if Regency England is the greatest thing as sliced bread; I know it had problems. Yet, if you would allow me, (and even if you won't) I want to try to communicate why I think the way I do. But more importantly, I want these next posts to glorify God; that is my main goal. So, here we go! (Yet remember this: what I will write about is my opinion only. You are not in sin if you don't practice or follow what I think. PLEASE bear that in mind!!!! And God bless!)