Lady Etiquette: Be a lady, not a gossip

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I know it's been a while since we first addressed the Lady Etiquette series. It is something I feel deserves a lot of thorough consideration, as our goal is to uplift others with it. Today's encouragement comes straight from God's mouth.

1 Thessalonians 4:11:

"Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands."

I recite this verse like a mantra in my home. Every time one of my children tattles on the other, I simply respond with this verse. When they begin talking about what one of their friends/classmates did to get into trouble, I respond with this verse. It's one of my favorite verses. I honestly believe being a busy-body and a gossip is one of the most unattractive things a woman (or anyone) can do. It goes back to holding yourself to high level of respect. Not necessarily being self-righteous, but rather exercising a shred of meekness.

It seems I've been saying it a lot lately, more to adults, however, than to my children. I keep getting told everyone else's business in some way or another, which I don't care to hear (or read). In a day and age with Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc., it's so easy for our personal business to be aired all over the place. 

Keep your private life private. 

Don't over-share. 

Don't share others' private business. It's their business to share, not yours. 

If others are spreading rumors, saying nasty, hateful things, do not allow that poisonous talk to seep into your thinking. 

There is no need for you to concern yourself with other people. You only need to worry about yourself. 

Keep your eyes focused on your tasks and your goals. 

Inspire others by encouraging them to grow in character and abound in faith!

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Oodles of love!

Steph

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Lady Etiquette: Self-respect

As part of my desire to uplift women, I wanted to begin a small series called Lady Etiquette, a loving reminder of how we ought to live and the kind of person we should desire to be(come).

More and more I am learning how important it is to nurture and encourage one another. And not just each other, but future generations, as well. Sadly, bullying doesn't only exist within our children's schools, but within the adult community too. Adults are harsher than children. I've been a victim of this nearly my entire life. I think the best way to stop this kind of behavior is with love.

For some these may be reminders, but for others it may be a moment of enlightenment. If it's only a reminder for you, then take these reminders and share them. The sad (and disgusting if I'm being totally honest) fact is, we have reality shows about girls who get pregnant at fourteen years old. We're making money off young girls having sex! I don't see how it is loving to exploit this racy behavior, but rather to encourage them to have more respect for themselves and for their bodies.

And that is only one example out of thousands. I know we could line up an astounding list of comments of ways ourselves and our kids are bullied and taken advantage of. Of ways we all, little by little, are stripped of our self-respect, or worse, never taught to have any at all.

This isn't a lesson we stop teaching at age 13, or 18, or even (for me) 30. It should be a daily reminder, RESPECT YOURSELF!

Love dearly,

Steph

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