A Different Time

One of the exhibits at Kensington Palace in February was Debutantes. If you read Jane Austen, or the Bronte sisters, you'll know that a lot of time, money, more time, more money, etc., was spent on these elaborate Seasons of Coming Out into Society. March of 1958 was the last 'official' season in London, although the ghosts of similar traditions still linger in our culture. These dresses were part of the last, or one of the last seasons. I wonder how these women felt, knowing they were "it"? Did their younger sisters mourn the loss of their introduction to society? Were they relieved that they didn't have to live up to such standards? I'm sure it was a little bit of both. I learned that many of the families went into debt, vying to hold some sort of place in society. How sad is that? On one hand, it sounds kind of fun; dressing up, parties, dancing. On the other? You are being measured by your wealth, your ability to show, curtsey, and flirt. All so that the right couples will eventually be put together to further the social breeding that was so valued at the time. I recently completed a Bible study on Esther. Reading about how she came to become Queen reminds me of these Debs. She was given beauty treatments, clothes, everything she wanted all to be paraded with other ladies. God had a bigger plan for her, though. She was sent, Esther 4:14 says, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther's life was not just her beauty, but what she accomplished. She was obedient to God despite great personal risks. Are you more like the Debutante, putting on a show, or like Esther, looking to God to find your calling?