Excerpt from the book, IMAGINE THE FUTURE YOU
On sale for.99 until March 1 Here
BY ADA BROWNELL
IMAGINE RESPECT
Outward appearance doesn’t have anything to do with our
character, but it might demonstrate some of who we are. Whether we are in
rebellion, too lazy to work on our appearance, trying to attract attention, or
too timid to be our own person might show on our bodies. But if we keep our
hair clean, brushed, and styled; and our clothing clean, wrinkle-free, and well
fit; and use colors and styles that complement our age, complexion, hair color,
and body shape, it says we care about the details of life.
IMAGINE YOUR UNIQUENESS
As young people grow up, their choices begin to show. Their
creativity, eye for style, and desire to be respected blossom in hairstyles,
makeup, and clothing.
Appearance also sometimes demonstrates whether you are a
leader or a follower.
Many young women today would rather dress warmer (in cool
weather or intense air-conditioning) and less seductively than their peers, but
their self-images depend on guys devouring them with their eyes. A large number
of young women don’t feel they have worth unless they have a boyfriend, and
this starts about age twelve. Some will do almost anything to keep the guy,
because they can’t deal with rejection—even from slime. Some attempt or succeed
at suicide because of broken relationships that weren’t worth pursuing in the
first place.
How did a girl’s self-worth depend on how she looks and
whether a guy is leading her around as if she’s blind? Does she understand
outward looks and most young relationships are temporary?
I’ll never forget Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s answer on the
radio one day when a teen girl called, greatly upset about breaking up with her
boyfriend. “Are you ready to get married?” the counselor asked. “Courting is
for people who want to get married.”
She said dating when you’re young adds too much grief to
your life. When you break up, you’re mad at the former beau or gal, and then
you’re mad at your best friend when she or he dates your heartthrob.
Not too long ago a commercial confirmed that fact when two
guys on a ski lift were discussing one dude’s former girlfriend. The other
skier admits he’s called her and they’re going out now. She’s sent photos. The
former suitor asks to see, and then he tosses the phone into a canyon.
Schlessinger advises teenagers to go out with groups of guys
and gals, getting to know one another, having fun and being friends with
everyone until they’re about ready to get married.
Furthermore, having relationships too early can risk your
future, especially if you participate in premarital sex. Have you noticed how
many entertainment stars are addicted to alcohol or drugs, apparently to kill
the pain because despite all their “so-called beauty,” professional success,
and going to bed with many partners, no one seems to make a commitment strong
enough to love until death?
IMAGINE GOOD LOOKS
Every person is uniquely attractive because we all are made
in the image of God. Humankind finally figured out it’s not the color of our
skin that matters, but we still don’t seem to know it’s what’s under our skin
that counts.
My mom told me the most beautiful thing I can wear is a
smile. But even a smile won’t cover an ugly attitude, hatred, envy, anger,
lies, greed, jealousy, and rebellion.
I know life sometimes hits youth with ugly blows, but you
can have peace and joy.
Guys and gals who
have the courage to look good, inside and out, despite what everyone else is
doing, will receive respect. If you don’t believe that, think for a minute
about a young individual you look up to because of who they are. Listen to how
guys and girls treat and talk about people you know who aren’t respected.
Ask yourself why people respect someone you know. Is it only
because of how they look or more about how they act?
We’re not talking about being popular here. We’re talking
about people you trust and admire. Who do you know that you respect? Can you
trust people who always party, make poor grades, disrespect their teachers and
their parents, use bad language, and dress seductively? Do you think they will
have marriages that last for life?
IMAGINE SETTING TRENDS
People who dress modestly and tastefully—still staying in
style—will create peer pressure. More than one person will want to be just like
them.
In my teens, those around me helped me grow my character and
to be wise in what I chose to wear. My four older sisters set wonderful
examples, and one of them always says, “Be classy, not sexy.”
But my oldest sister, Marjorie, had the greatest effect on
me. She went to church at the invitation of a friend and that night accepted
Jesus as her Savior. I was a baby then, but everyone in our family decided to
follow the Lord, including me. That changed my life and made a powerful impact
on my future—on earth and for eternity.
Jesus said, “The thief’s (Satan’s) purpose is to steal and
kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (John 10:10).
Copyright ©
2015 Ada B. Brownell
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