I was thinking today about how lovely my Mom has always been. To know her is to know the essence of Grace. She does not know how to be otiose, idle, smug or clumsy or even awkward in any way. She tells me there was a time as a child, when she was forced to take ballet lessons and dance classes to end her constant stampede into her mother’s furniture. But as I look at her now, this seems absurd.

Above her wise soundbites and her ways of elegance, she has taught me the Word of God … the only thing that can truly alter anyone. Ladies can be created when given the chance to utilize these two ingredients: lessons from Scripture and teachings on grace. And I believe, it is certainly about time that they were …

#1 A lady never scoffs.

What this means in practical terms is that a lady never lifts her nose up at another person; she never spends her valuable time discussing the problems and insufficiencies of another. She realizes that no one is “lesser” than she, because but for the GRACE of GOD, there she would go as well. She realizes that a sprit of superiority never helped anyone maintain a position of importance for long …

“My brethren, pay no servile regard to people [show no prejudice, no partiality]. Do not [attempt to] hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ [the Lord] of glory [together with snobbery]! Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives?”
James 2:1&4

#2 A lady has discretion.

For an ideal example of how a lady should mind her words, let’s look at just one characteristic of the infamous queen Esther.

“Esther had not made known her nationality or her kindred, for Mordecai had charged her not to do so.” Esther 2:10

Esther was not only lovely (Esther 2:7) but had a pure heart of obedience. Her heart led her to do what Mordecai, the kind guardian who raised her, requested with no questions asked. She was led right into the heart of the palace because she knew how to hold pressing information back, until the time was right.

As a lady, it is vital to remember that the timing of truth is just as important as the truth that must be told. Tact is the name of the lady making game.

#3 A lady never compares.

As a human being, it’s difficult to refrain from looking at someone you admire and saying, “I wish I could do that” or “if only I could be like him or her.” But think of it, did people ever see Princess Diana or Jackie O wallowing in self defeat as they flipped through magazines comparing their physiques and brilliance to unbelievably gorgeous and talented people?

That would be crazy right?  … Why?

Because they already knew who they were! They were known for their uniqueness, their opulence, and style; they had power and confidence and understood they were the only women who could provide their particular gifts to the world. They seemed simply thrilled to be themselves … So much so, that singles and housewives alike, still wish to be like them!

As a child of God, there is no reason to walk with shoulders bent low, dreaming of a day you will be prettier, happier, or more intelligent. There is no time to waste sulking in the regrets of last year’s misfortune or dwelling on the newest movie stars’ “how to stay young” tips.

To be a lady, you MUST BE Assertive, Positive, and Sure … not of yourself, but of WHO LIVES INSIDE of you!

“Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.”
2 Corinthians 10:12

Who wants to look up to a grump who wishes she was somebody else?!

*Keep Your Eyes out for Part Two of How to be a Lady! Coming Soon!!*

Catch the wave,

Victoria