WHAT TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY GIRLS CAN LEARN from ELSIE DINSMORE

WINNER — 12 and UNDER CATEGORY

Elizabeth Sumrall

One of my most prized possessions is my Elsie Dinsmore library. Each summer, when I am given another book or two, I reread the series, and again, feel the thrill of tracing the life of Elsie. I find more than pleasure, however in reading. I am challenged and inspired by Elsie’s wonderful Christian conduct. In today’s world when true examples of Godly behavior are rarely found, even among professing Christians, it is inspiring to read about Elsie Dinsmore’s life. The twenty-first century girl can read and see the blessings of honoring parents and husband, being submissive, holding firm to convictions, training one’s children well, and having a heart for others.

The foundation of Elsie’s lifestyle was the word of God. Her nurse, Mammy, read the Bible to her from a young age. As soon as Elsie was able to understand, Mammy taught her to love her dear mother’s Savior. For, Elsie’s mother, who died shortly after Elsie’s birth, had been a devoted Christian.

Elsie’s father, on the other hand, (when we first met him), was not a believer. Although Mr. Dinsmore did not even come to see his daughter until she was eight years old, Elsie held him in high esteem; rarely even thinking of him in a wrong light. Mr. Dinsmore was very strict with his daughter and, before his conversion, often unreasonably harsh. Even so, Elsie was entirely submissive, honoring her father all the days of her life. When his request opposed her Christian convictions, she remained steadfast in her beliefs, but meekly received the punishment rendered.

Herein lay our young heroine’s strength; when situations were not as she wished they were, Elsie simply trusted that her Savior knew what was best for her. Though others had forsaken her, she found peace and comfort in Him as her

Elsie’s calm attitude in such circumstances amazed her lost family. They marveled that she could be so content in her Savior. Though they did not understand, her actions gave them no opportunity for complaint. Rather, their hearts were softened toward the things of God. Several of the family came to know the Lord, among whom was Elsie’s beloved father. Elsie was much blessed by this change wrought in her father. He became her dearest and closest earthly friend. They spent many happy years together, until another won her heart away.

Mr. Edward Travilla, who was also a believer, asked for Elsie’s hand in marriage. Mr. Dinsmore, a close friend of Mr. Travilla himself, gladly granted it. How blessed Edward was to have found such a wife! Elsie submitted to him as she had to her father. She was in no way ambitious to rule or have control, but was content under her husband’s guidance. She honored, obeyed, and loved him all the days of their marriage.

Elsie was happy in the role God had given her as a mother of eight. She taught the children herself, instead of following the common practice of hiring a governess. Every morning, she faithfully met with them and instructed them in the ways of the beloved Master.

Though Elsie had quite ample means, she did not spend her wealth in indulging her own, or her children’s fancies. Viewing herself as a steward for God, she preferred to use her resources as a means of blessing others. Likewise, Elsie did not regard herself as better than others. She looked at people’s heart attitudes rather than all the outward appearances. Even the servants were kindly treated, as Elsie provided schools, church, and medical care for them.

When I read of Elsie’s Godly life, I am very much encouraged in my own daily walk. The Twenty-First Century girl is so different from the Biblical standards put forth by Martha Finley. She would do well to learn from the scriptures and from role models such as Elsie Dinsmore, the true beauty of girlhood. As I read through the stories so carefully penned by Ms. Finley, I see lessons throughout for the young girl aspiring to virtuous womanhood.

Rather than dishonor and disrespect, we see in our heroine the virtues of honesty and humility. When treated unfairly in school by Arthur, (her father’s young step-brother), and prevented from completing her lessons well, Elsie chose to remain silent rather than to expose his misdeeds, for she was loath to speak a word against another. Instead of disobeying Ms. Days instructions and leaving the room, as the other girls encouraged her to do, she bravely took her undeserved punishment.

In place of the now prevalent self-serving attitudes, we see Elsie display generosity time and again. Even from a young age, most of her allowance was spent on things for others, rather than herself. Christmas presents were carefully selected and purchased by her for each of the servants of the household.

We again see her servant’s heart as she attends so faithfully to the invalid Herbert Carrington. When the other children would choose to do something Herbert could not do, Elsie would kindly remain with him.

Whereas today, pride and defensiveness are prevalent, Elsie was humble and penitent. She quickly confessed her offenses as soon as she became aware of them. We read of the time that she granted the request of a friend to cut her hair for the making of a bracelet. When it became clear to her that her father did not care for such a practice, Elsie told him what she had done.

Today, many girls are greatly influenced by peer pressure. Elsie, on the other hand, desired only to please her Lord and her father. At Lucy Carrington’s party, though all the other girls were allowed to stay up late and to partake of “party foods”, (things Mr. Dinsmore deemed not best for his daughter), Elsie willingly abstained.

In all matters, Elsie looked to her father rather than to her peers for guidance. Her hair and dress were modest and simple in accordance with her father’s taste rather than the fashion of the day.

Elsie did not view children as a burden, but as a blessing. For many years, she willingly entertained the small children which had come to spend the holidays with her family. As she gave of herself, shared with them, and even settled their disputes, Elsie was being prepared to be a mother. Girls today should learn from her example in this as well, and spend their teenage years among young children learning to love and care for them. Time spent in learning practical skills such as cooking, cleaning, and sewing would help them to later care for their families.

In much the same way, as Elsie practiced being a faithful daughter to her father, she was being prepared to be a faithful wife to her husband, learning to honor and submit to him. Elsie was a wonderful example of the Biblical wife put forth in Titus chapter two; loving Edward and her children, being discreet, a keeper at home, good and obedient to her husband.

I am thankful for the lessons I have learned while reading every volume in my Elsie Dinsmore library. I have been inspired to higher standards and encouraged to look forward to one day being a submissive wife and a loving, gentle mother myself, as Elsie was. I desire to train my children in the ways of the Lord, and to encourage them to read of, enjoy, and know Elsie Dinsmore as I have.

ABOUT ELIZABETH SUMRALL

Elizabeth Sumrall lives in Louisiana with her parents and younger brother and has been homeschooled all of her life. her hobbies are piano, classical ballet, needlework, and scrap booking. She also enjoys playing with her dog, Kayla, drawing in her nature journal and most of all reading.

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