In a world of Snookies and Keshas, we girls are at a loss of what the word "classy" means.
Classiness is respect for those around us and ourselves. It's the unique and beautiful presentation of one's true beauty, without the caked on fakeness and foul talk. Classiness goes beyond the lift of a pinky, drinking tea, and wearing preppy clothes. I'm re-defining what I think it means. Every girl has the ability to obtain her own authentic class. You don't need to change what you are, but enhance who you are. Class it up people.
It's becoming more and more evident to me what true behavior of a Godly and classy young lady should look like. I've been really drawn to learning the art of the trait recently as I find myself growing out of old habits and thinking. I'm still pretty young, but it doesn't hurt to start acting like mature young ladies that shall blossom into beautiful, independent, authentic women someday. Here's just a fraction of what I've learned so far;
Don't chase! Girls of every breed are notorious for our tremendous need for affirmation and to be desired. It's okay to feel that way; we were designed to be like this! It's how we deal with it that makes the difference. Our constant longing to be longed for is a unique design that was intended to be fulfilled by the Savior that created us. He fills that empty feeling more than you can imagine if you let Him. Of course, what is God's love compared to attention from meaningless and hormonal boys right? Wrong. It's totally fine to want attention from guys. But what kind of guys are you trying to attract? I promise you there are decent and wonderful guys out there completely worth waiting for. Just because the guys in the hallways hugging every orange, tightly-clothed, obnoxious barbie doll doesn't notice you, does not mean you're worth less than any other girl. In fact, you are a beautiful gem that deserves the highest recognition.You don't want that phony attention. If you have to change the way you look and act just to get someone to notice you, then they're not noticing you... they're noticing your metaphorical accessory of desperation. There are guys who are patiently waiting for the girl who doesn't throw herself at them with her body and words, but by her poise, class and how she presents herself. "You're beautiful" is worth so much more than "dang girl, you're hot." Sit. Wait. Don't chase...
"Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right."
Song of Songs 2:7
Modest is Hottest; yes, the infamous saying. I admit I forget this one at times when I'm only looking at how cute an outfit is not thinking of it possibly being immodest. Sometimes things can be cute, but if the people you want to show it off to are more mesmerized by your birthday suit, then the out-fit, you got ripped off girl. Of course the boys are going to be looking at you if your boobs are hanging out and you're showing off every inch of skin that covers your body! They can't help it, they were built like that! Not saying that they should use that as an excuse to gaze their little eyes wherever their heart desires. No, they should respect us too. Regardless, why even leave room for letting our brother's fall? But even the most decent and respectful guys will tell you skimpy clothing is not attractive, it's just distractive. Besides, I truly think there's so many ways to look absolutely stylish and beautiful wearing proper clothing that can compliment a girl on features other than...yeah. I get more impressed when I see girls use clothing as a way to represent their respect for their bodies and for the eyes of the one's around them. A girl should be noticed and recognized by her inner beauty and how she humbly protects her outer beauty.
"And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do." 1Timothy 2:9-10
Turn the volume down. If you're naturally loud, that's totally fine. Never change your personality to fit a certain mold. But I promise you there's a difference between having an outgoing personality and being plain obnoxious. There's something about a girl who knows when to speak and knows when to hush that is so admirable to me. I believe women should be independent and strong, but still be ladies. Being a lady means being lady-like.We are fully entitled to share our feelings and opinions, but in the right time. Nothing's more annoying than a girl who doesn't know how to shut up and says everything that comes to her mind. I've always been taught to be cautious of what I say and how I say it. When guys need to use the rest-room they usually say "I need to use the bathroom" or the less thoughtful gentlemen "I need to take a dump." As much as I don't think guys should ever be that honest, it's absolutely no way a girl should talk. I even get irritated when girls say "I need to pee!" Sure it's not that bad, but do you really need to clarify what exactly your bowels are yearning to do? It's just more pleasant to use "I need the restroom" or "I would like to go to the ladies room" or if that's too proper for you "I really need to use the bathroom, excuse me!" Is that too hard? How can we expect boys to show us chivalry unless we show them classy. Some thoughts should be kept thoughts. Keep more words in, let more classy out. Mannerisms are key. Do I need to state the obvious? Chew with your mouth closed and don't talk out of turn.
"Women should learn quietly and submissively." 1Timothy 2:11
Humility is Hip. It's true. Fact: Bragging, snobby girls are not classy, they're annoying! People should recognize your beauty and brains by how you present yourself rather than how you project your words. Talking about yourself all the time is a fantastic way of turning people off. Use your words and language as a tool to build yourself up, without actually talking all about yourself. It's a nifty little trick called humility. Being humble is one of the most attractive qualities a person can have. Our speech and choice of words reflects our inner-self. Foul language is totally not classy. I've heard so many guys say how un-appealing it is when a girl swears between every word. Be wise with your wording and aware of the power your tongue has to make or break. If you have trouble with doing so, work on yourself on the inside so that your outside reflects something radiant and irresistible; humbleness.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
Be kind and thoughtful. Lastly, classy girls should be well-rounded friendly people. Nothing's more appealing than a well-educated young lady. Don't act dumb. It's not cute, it's irritating. We should always be open to learning and gaining wisdom rather than melting our brains and expecting someone else to pay our bills forever. Don't be afraid of knowledge; instead embrace it, love it, feed on it, and grow from it. Be kind-spirited and delightful to be around. The thing that drew people to Jesus most was His amazing love, joy, and kindness. Smile as much as you can. It's a waste to have the ability to spread happiness through a simple smile, and barely use it. Be encouraging and approachable. Let people see something different in you. Something unique. Something authentic.
What is desirable in a person is kindness, and it is better to be poor than a liar. Proverbs 19:22
Now, you may argue that this is not what the world says is "classy," and you're probably right. The thing is though, I'm not using the world's definition. This is what I'm learning through walking each day learning from above what a true, real, woman of Christ is. I've still got a lot to learn, but I hope this was helpful. Remember kids, stay classy.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
