I find so much hope in history. In every generation there has been some major event or war, and in each of these we find strong people of character that rose to the challenges they were thrust in. So often we can begin feeling like we are living in unprecedented times or things are really bad, "The worse they've ever been!" they say. History brings that into perspective. Right now we are studying the civil war in school and we have been reading some historical fiction set during that time period. It is always so inspiring to see how people met the hardships and decisions they had to make. It brings me hope that in terrible situations there are always people that have risen to the challenges with courage. Studying the civil war and the hatred on both sides and the devision and destruction it brought in the country gives me hope that we can heal as a country from our differences in this modern time, too. A friend last year told me that she has little hope that our country can heal from the divisions of 2020. I beg to differ.
I am always inspired by stories of people who lived through very challenging times and rose to the occasion with poise, courage, and love while keeping their wits about them. These times could be personal tragedy or hardship or something that affected more than them as in a war or economic collapse. Whatever the reason for the hardship, the ones who squared their shoulders and met it with pluck and a good attitude are the ones who lived through unimaginable things and came out with dignity in spite of everything. I am inspired by those people who stood by convictions and lived them even when it cost them dearly. They call us to a higher moral standard and to reevaluate if we are simply going along with the majority or if we have the courage to stand on our beliefs even if they are contrary to popular opinion.
I am particularly fascinated by women who have been beacons of character and courage while maintaining femininity and decorum. These always call to something deep inside of me. These women who kept busy at home, reached out to others less fortunate (because no matter how little we have, there is always someone with less,) and looked for the good in every situation. If we look, we see these stories throughout all of history. They call us to rise to the occasion of whatever adversity we are facing - be it a difficult person we know, financial troubles, political or economic issues, work upheaval, marriage or children difficulties, moves, or sickness.
I was so moved by this portion of a book we read recently and wanted to share it with you. It words things so well.
"It is the sisters and wives and mothers, you know, who keep the world sweet and beautiful. What a rough world it would be if there were only men and boys in it, doing things in their rough way! A woman's task is to teach them gentleness and courtesy and love and kindness. It's a big task, too - harder than cutting trees or building mills or damming rivers. It takes nerve and courage and patience, but good women have those things. They have them just as much as the men who build bridges and carve roads through the wilderness. A woman's work is something fine and noble to grow up to, and it is just as important as a man's. But no man could ever do it so well. I don't want you to be the silly, affected person with fine clothes and manners whom folks sometimes call a lady. No, that is not what I want for you. I want you to be a woman with a wise and understanding heart, healthy in body and honest in mind."
Another thing that reading stories throughout history helps me remember is that there is nothing new under the sun. We tend to feel that our society has slipped so far from decency and manners and common sense, and while there is some truth to that, we find these things throughout all of history. I laugh when I read pioneer stories and hear the things people said to each other. There are always know-it-alls and busy-bodies that are in everyone's business. There are always people who think they know better how to raise your children or do your job. There are people who are difficult to deal with and there are gossips. There are bullies and there are families who are broken and abusive. There are quarreling women and unhappy husbands, fussy children and overwhelmed mothers. These are nothing new. However, the stories that shine through are those women and mothers with gentleness and courage, the men and fathers with character and principle, and the ones who treated others with respect regardless of how difficult they were.
I believe the ones who have thrived through all manner of difficulty have had a couple of things in common: they always make the most of things in spite of injustices and disappointments and they aspire to live quietly and mind their own affairs. Let's be women of character and warmth, building homes and lives, growing in strength and dignity, occupied by good works.
"and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1 Thes. 4:11-12
