Looking for Role Models

I had been looking for a birthday gift for my oldest granddaughter. I see her only once a year, and they live in another state. It’s not easy for this grandma to know what she likes. I decided to ask my son if she likes dolls or stuffed animals. As a child I grew up with a baby doll or two, a Betsy McCall (she was my favorite) and a Patti Play Pal. I did my stint with Barbie. In fact, a friend and I made clothes for our Barbies. Mainly skirts. Usually with a small piece of fabric and some elastic. Her mother knitted them sweaters. Growing up in the fifties I had exposure to television that seemed “wholesome” compared to today’s standards. The Little Rascals, The Musketeer’s, Shirley Temple, Lassie, Ted Mack and the amateur hour, the Nelson family etc. Annette Funicello, Sandra Dee and Hayley Mills were some of the teen idols that we looked up to. This generation has a host of others that have a penchant for getting into trouble. Now as a child of the fifties and having watched what I considered wholesome shows, it did not prevent me from rebelling. I put in my time and now as a child of God, I do not look back. I have to wonder who came up with the Bratz dolls? It seems that the young girls of this generation, are growing up with role models that have little to offer, in the sense of abstaining from things and lifestyles that are harmful. I’d just like to see little girls enjoy their young years and not think that they have to rush into adulthood. It is not very often, that I hear of young girls making a difference in this world. I know they are out there, contributing and setting an example for others. That they are the salt of the earth and letting their light shine in this dark world. Perhaps they get overshadowed by the wayward ones, that the media promotes, by focusing on their series of unfortunate events. So now I share the doll of my choice. I think she is sweet and appropriate for a little girl. I really like the way she is dressed… 

 It is my prayer that the youth take hold, of what God wants for their lives. For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope…Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all of your heart. Jeremiah 29: 11-13

I wrote this years ago, at a different blog platform. Something I read today, reminded me of it. What triggered me, was reading about a young girl on social media, that has become popular. She is now a reality show celebrity. Thinking, so I am assuming, that she has newfound freedom, to do as she wants, say what she wants and dress as she wants. Now as you can see, I am a child of the fifties, so role models back then were different. Lol! I have no intention of picking on anyone, because we are all free to make choices and decisions for ourselves. But our choices will definitely affect our lives. Our world is getting bleaker by the day. Politicians say what they want, people are brazen and saying and doing what they want, with no regard for human life and animal life as well. In all of this, there are good decent people. People doing good things. Compassionate hearts reaching out to those in need. Self has become misconstrued, with placing ourselves high on the totem pole. We humans are given the beauty of creation and opportunities galore to be different, to let our lights shine, and hopefully to shine brighter these days.