Charmed, I'm Sure

Oh, just another Manic Monday!

My day has been a bit t0o short for everything I needed to get done and a bit too long for my eyes and brain to be fully functioning.

So today's post is in honor of a few people who have lived trough crazy and chaotic times, yet hold it together so well you'd never suspect it.

I'm talking charm. Not Lucky Charms, not charm bracelets, but charm: a delightful characteristic; To attract or delight greatly.

1) Eleanor Roosevelt

"For more than thirty years, she was the most powerful woman in America. Niece of one president and wife of another, Eleanor Roosevelt was at the center of much of this century's history -- a charismatic woman of charm and of contradictions. Aristocratic in voice and manner, she was also "tough as nails," says historian Geoffrey Ward. 'In fact, she was one of the best politicians of the twentieth century.'" -PBS.org

2) Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni Eareckson Tada, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joni

and Friends, is an international advocate for people with disabilities.

A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson, then 17, a quadriplegic

in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. After two years of

rehabilitation, she emerged with new skills and a fresh determination

to help others in similar situations.

During her rehabilitation, Joni spent long months learning how to paint with a brush

between her teeth. Her high-detail fine art paintings and prints are sought-after and

collected. Joni source of inspiration and encouragement. She proves to everyone that anything can be overcome with Christ. Joni is definitely a woman of grace and charm.

Source

3) Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot is a Christian author and speaker. Her first husband, Jim Elliot, was killed in 1956 while attempting to make missionary contact with the Auca (now known as Huaorani) of eastern Ecuador. Their daughter, Valerie , was 10 months old when her father was killed.

Two Huaorani women living among the Quichua, including one named Dayuma, taught the Huao language to Mrs. Elliott and fellow missionary Rachel Saint. When Dayuma returned to the Huaorani, she created an opening for contact by the missionaries. In October of 1958, Mrs. Elliot went to live with the Huaorani with her three-year-old daughter Valerie and Rachel Saint.

Returning to the United States after many years in South America, she became widely known as the author of over twenty books and as a speaker in constant demand. Elliot toured the country, sharing her knowledge and experience, well into her seventies.

Generally when we think of "charm" we think of some guy charming a girl or maybe even VH1's Charm School.

However, when I think of charm I think of graceful women, who can make you truly believe in their cause. They are true ladies, but definitely not wimps. They exercise power and authority, in the most feminine way.

A lot of the reason I am so drawn to vintage fashion is that fact that decades ago it seemed like being lady was the most accepted and admired way to be. 

Nowadays being rude, crass, vicious, promiscuous, and a gossip are what women are taught to be. I know there were probably so many people thinking this exact thing in the 50's but sometimes, the way we dress and act in this century makes me sick. Beauty is not flaunting your body and fashion was meant to be an art and an addition to your personality, not just something to cover the areas of your body that still deemed inappropriate. 

Well, it's something to think about.