Just this past week, I pulled off an old favorite, Deeanne Gist's The Measure of a Lady. Set in Gold Rush San Francisco, Rachel Van Buren is a lady above reproach. Living by standards set incredibly high, Rachel finds that the true measure of a lady is not in following the rules, but being the best version of yourself possible.
I wonder where all the "ladies" have gone? Let's pretend that we were to keep to the same standards that Rachel Van Buren believed measured a true lady, our wardrobe alone would disqualify women in today's modern society. Yet, I've still be called "a lady" even in pants (because I don't wear dresses or skirts). So, what defines a lady in the 21st century?
Google's definition of a lady is 1.) a woman and 2.) a woman of superior social position, especially one of noble birth. If that is the measure, then there's a whole lot of "ladies" out there that are instantly disqualified. I would like to suggest that being a lady goes beyond social position or noble birth. Rather, it is the morals and beliefs held by said ladies, like protecting one's family from reproach, upholding modesty through morals, and standing by those morals even when it is difficult, that truly measure a lady.
In my own words, I would define a lady as a woman of great character, strong morals, compassionate, and kind. A woman who is beautiful from the inside out, passionate about what interests her (whether that be bugs like Rachel, or books like me), and devoted to her family. A lady stands up for those weaker than herself, and strives to better the lives of her family and community members. A lady sees the good in others. A lady also knows when she has been bested and seeks forgiveness. A lady is a powerful individual indeed.
Google's definition of a lady is 1.) a woman and 2.) a woman of superior social position, especially one of noble birth. If that is the measure, then there's a whole lot of "ladies" out there that are instantly disqualified. I would like to suggest that being a lady goes beyond social position or noble birth. Rather, it is the morals and beliefs held by said ladies, like protecting one's family from reproach, upholding modesty through morals, and standing by those morals even when it is difficult, that truly measure a lady.
In my own words, I would define a lady as a woman of great character, strong morals, compassionate, and kind. A woman who is beautiful from the inside out, passionate about what interests her (whether that be bugs like Rachel, or books like me), and devoted to her family. A lady stands up for those weaker than herself, and strives to better the lives of her family and community members. A lady sees the good in others. A lady also knows when she has been bested and seeks forgiveness. A lady is a powerful individual indeed.
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