"The real ornament of woman is her character, her purity." - Mohandas Gandhi
Purity of body, mind, soul and heart is what I truly prize in a woman (and also in man) with a certain innocence. This virtue was honored long ago and expected to be retained by young women. A woman without her purity was like a king without a crown.
Henry Crawford, like many men of his time, prized purity in women though he chose not to retain that virtue in himself:
"...a very few months had taught him, by the force of contrast, to place a yet higher value on the sweetness of her temper, the purity of her mind, and the excellence of her principles." - Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, Henry Crawford's thoughts of Fanny
Most importantly the Lord values purity and righteousness of the heart and character:
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. - I Peter 3:3-4
When I wan thirteen years old I made the commitment to purity of body and since that time have also made the commitment to purity of heart and mind. Some days are more difficult than others especially in the aspect of the mind. But the Lord gives the victory if I just trust and wait on Him.
Painting entitled 'Pure' by Daniel F. Gerhartz who has some lovely works.
It seems like a very long while since I last posted, but what with work and snowstorms and one thing and another... May your day be blessed by the Lord and filled with a song of praise to Him.
Melancholy
I agree. It is so sad that today, women are ridiculed rather than honoured for keeping their purity. I guess we just have to keep in mind that those whose opinion matters most - God, and Godly people - still value purity of mind and body.
ReplyDeleteI saw your blog on Mia's list and thougt I'd see what it was like. I really like it! I enjoyed looking at the list of movies you have. I love Jane Austen films (my favorite being Pride and Prejudice. The one with Jennifer Ehle), Little Women (Wyona Rider), Anne of Green Gables, the American Girl movies (Felicity is my favorite) and all the old musicals. You have a lovley site!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Abigail
www.aliteraturelover.blogspot.com
This was interesting post. Just one question: you spoke about purity in women and mentioned virtue in young women. What do you think about purity in old(er) women? I am just curious.
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