Images of teenage girls posting selfies of their duck poses, heavy makeup-covered faces, and plunging necklines on social media alarm me to the point of paranoia. Panic escalates when I read the accompanying caption laden with swear words that would make anyone cringe in disgust. Where are the good, old values of modesty, self discipline, and respect? Are they all dead and buried six feet under the ground intended to be forgotten forever?!
Please no.
I discussed this dilemma with my Mom and she told me: “Well, what did I do so you don’t turn out to be some wasted, uncontrolled youngster?”
Her question got me thinking REALLY HARD. For the most part, she, my mother, was always there to tell me about the benefits of being a good girl… and that includes being respected by boys, getting good grades in school, and in the future, landing good jobs that will enable me to live a good life.
During my adolescent years, which were quite tumultuous and not without its share of mother-daughter conflict, my Mother bought several devotionals and Christian books. Those books taught me a thing or two about the essence of self confidence, the dangers of peer pressure, and the perks of being a good girl, among others. So when More for Girls Only! Devotions, a book written by Carolyn Larsen and illustrated by Colonel Moutarde, arrived in my mailbox on a cool September afternoon, the familiar feeling of high school came back.
I knew what I will be reading in this book and I knew I’m going to like it.
Daily reminders
Go back up to my question about good, old values being dead. Is it really dead? The answer is no. Most of them are just asleep needing to be awaken from their deep slumber. This is why, I think, parents, mothers in my case, enter the picture. We have the power to impart those values to our children, starting from the comforts of our home.
More for Girls Only! Devotions is that kind of book that will serve as a parent’s companion in raising good children. Already I’m thinking of placing this one in a special box to be given to Antoinette the moment she learns how to read.
This book is the type that you don’t finish in one sitting (although you can do that too) because they are best enjoyed and absorbed if you read one story every day.
There are 60 value-laden stories of girls facing different life challenges in this book and the way these stories are written mirror real-life events. For example, Natalie chose not to cheat in an exam even if it was convenient to do so because she knows it’s wrong. Another story is that of Kate who can’t control her anger and ends up hurting the people who love her the most.
Each story is accompanied by fun illustrations and ends with a “Check up time”, a sort of self test that you answer to determine your personal score on that particular value/virtue. Bible verses accompany each story as well as meaningful quotes from different people.
It doesn’t end there. The best part about this daily devotional is that it moves the reader to action with “things to do” and “things to remember”. It encourages and guides the reader to memorize a biblical verse and gives a list of practical suggestions on how to be a better person.
I love that this devotional speaks in a language that young girls can relate to. The situations and stories presented are real, the kind of experiences the girls nowadays are confronted with. The pieces of advice and words of wisdom are not far-fetched ideas; they are practical and relatable and as a mother to a two-year-old little girl who is growing up too fast, I’m comforted with the thought that in the midst of all the noise brought about by scandalous young adult novels and controversial stories, there is a book on values that I can share to my daughter when the right time comes.
Smooth transition
The only part I want this book to improve on is to add a foreword or an introductory chapter that gives an overview of the entire book and guides the reader on how she can use the books. I know each story and the “activities” which came with it are pretty self explanatory but I just think it makes sense to have an introductory chapter after the table of contents so there’s a smooth transition from an outline to the stories themselves. The current flow (table of contents and then jumps to the first story) does not offer that smooth transition.
I like that the stories are short and crisp and are direct to the point. I read that prior to the release of this book, there is another material called For Girls Only! Devotions intended for those between the ages of eight and 12. I can’t wait to get my hands on that one.
My gratitude to Miss Larsen and Mr. Moutarde for writing and illustrating this gem of a book. As a parent, I truly appreciate the time and effort you’ve spent to bring this book into fruition. As a grown-up girl, allow me to also thank you for giving me another material that reminds me that good, old values should and must be espoused by any girl, lady, or woman no matter what era we are in.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for honest reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
