Man enough to answer.

Written on October 17, 2009

Here's a poem from a recent book I've read that really has changed my thinking...

The book is I kissed dating Goodbye, by Joshua Harris. The poem is A Woman's Question, by Lena Lathrop. Some of the words might seem old-fashioned, but the message is timeless.

Do you know you have asked for the cosliest thing Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman's heart, and a woman's life- And a woman's wonderful love.
Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win, With the reckless dash of a boy.
You have written my lesson of duty out, Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman's soul Until I shall question thee.
You require your mutton shall always be hot, Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be true as God's stars And pure as His heaven your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef, I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts- I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called Home, And a man that his Maker, God.
Shall look upon as He did on the first And say, "It is very good."
I am fair and young, but the rose may fade From this soft young cheek one day;
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves, As you did 'mong the blossoms of May?
Is your heart an ocean so strong and true, I may launch my all on it's tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and true, All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman's heart and a woman's life Are not to be won that way.

An excerpt from the book:
To girls reading this book, I pray this poem serves as a reminder to keep your standards HIGH. Require all things that are "grand and true." As you consider the possibility of marriage, don't lower your standards for a moment; any guy who asks you to do so…

ISN'T WORTH YOUR TIME.