"In 1892, the personal agenda of an adolescent diarist read: "Resolved, not to talk about myself or feelings. To think before speaking. To work seriously. To be self restrained in conversation and actions. Not let my thoughts wander. To be dignified. Interest myself more in others."
Later in 1982 a girl's New Year's resolution: " I will try to make myself better in anyway I possibly can with the
help of my budget and babysitting money. I will lose weight, get new
lenses, already got a new haircut, good makeup, new clothes and
The traditional emphasis on "good works" as opposed
to "good looks" meant that lives of young women in the 19th century had
a very different orientation from those of girls today. Before World
War 1, girls rarely mentioned their bodies in terms of strategies for
self improvement or struggles of personal identity. Becoming a better
person meant paying less attention to self, giving more assistance to
others, and putting more effort into instructive reading or lessons at
school. Many parents tried to limit their daughters interests in
superficial things such as hairdos, dresses or the size of their waist,
because character was considered more important than beauty, both by
parents and the community. And character was built on attention to self
control, service to others, and belief in God. When girls of the 19th
century thought about ways to improve themselves, they almost always
focused on their internal character and how it was reflected in outward
behavior. In fact, girls who were preoccupied with their looks were
likely to be accused of vanity or self-Indulgence."
Here's a random New Year's 2013 resolution I've come across on the internet from a women:
"This year, I'm determined to be more confident around guys."
"Stick to It Tip: Trust us, guys are just as nervous to talk to you, so don't be afraid to strike up a little casual conversation."
I could shock, grieve, & waste your precious time (& mine) with
more 2013 resolutions from the foolish women of our times but they were so foolish I decided not to. And I'm sure many of us already know the wisdom of this generation is foolishness with God, (1Corinthians 3:19 "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.") and "...that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." (-Luke 16:15)
Mothers, Sisters, friends keep yourself pure from this generation. Seek the Old Paths that uphold virtue; Proverbs 19:27- "Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge." this verse can be applied to us daughters, as well.