Beautiful Girlhood compiled by Debra Maffett
Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale was written in 1922. Those years forming the transition period between childhood and womanhood are filled with wonderful interest and attractiveness, for there is nothing of more beauty and grace than the budding and blossoming of girlhood. But the young feet that travel this way are often fearful and uncertain, or willful and bold. Each and all have need of guidance; they need a helping hand along the way. This book is sent forth with a sincere desire to be a blessing. In a timeless way, this classic book offers practical, biblical wisdom on the issues every girl faces, from beauty to attitudes to relationships.
Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale was written in 1922. Those years forming the transition period between childhood and womanhood are filled with wonderful interest and attractiveness, for there is nothing of more beauty and grace than the budding and blossoming of girlhood. But the young feet that travel this way are often fearful and uncertain, or willful and bold. Each and all have need of guidance; they need a helping hand along the way. This book is sent forth with a sincere desire to be a blessing. In a timeless way, this classic book offers practical, biblical wisdom on the issues every girl faces, from beauty to attitudes to relationships.
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matter, and her father had reproved her sharply, cutting off privileges that<br />
Betty valued very much. She felt angry and rebellious against her father for<br />
the penalty that he had exacted, and unburdened her heart to her mother<br />
in an angry outburst. Her mother answered, "We will not discuss Father<br />
now. You are angry and cannot think clearly. But you will admit that it is<br />
possible for you to obey all that Father has required. What your rebellious<br />
nature needs, my daughter, is to be compelled to obey, and you are the one<br />
to do it. The commandment has been given you, and if you want to be victor<br />
— then obey it exactly, for your own soul's good. It is the easiest way out of<br />
your difficulty, and the best thing for your character development."<br />
Betty had the good sense to see this, and though her heart did yet rebel, she<br />
said, "I shall do that." And she found the hardest part of her punishment<br />
was over, when she had brought down her stubborn and rebellious spirit.<br />
Obedience is never outgrown. It is not merely a requirement of childhood<br />
— but is just as necessary in later years. After a girl leaves the care of her<br />
parents and teachers, she remains yet the servant of duty. In fact, the more<br />
she is thrown upon her own responsibility, the more loudly duty speaks to<br />
her — becoming either a tyrant exacting obedience from an unwilling<br />
heart; or a good friend and guide leading on to right, just as the girl takes<br />
it.<br />
There were long stretches in Betty's childhood and youth, in which the girl<br />
did practically just as she desired to do. She followed the dictates of her<br />
own selfish will. Now, however, since duty beckons her, she is pressed on<br />
every side. There is scarcely any time she can call her own. She must do her<br />
duty — or lose her own self-respect. She has duty to herself, to her family, to<br />
her friends, to the church, to her community, and to her God. If she has not<br />
learned obedience and rebels at service — she will find her life hard indeed;<br />
but if she wills to do her duty and obeys from choice the commands of her<br />
stern mistress, then she will be happy in just doing her duty.<br />
There is rare pleasure in obedience. The answer of a good conscience<br />
brings into the heart a peace and satisfaction that nothing can destroy. The<br />
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