Old Fashioned

 

 

Somewhere in time, this week, I was reading a book written in 1930.  I have written my own book that actually made it all the way to an editor.  She took a look at it and said some of my language was too modern for the time.  I agreed and chose to do some research on what was written at the time.  I have a book by Grace Livingston Hill that was actually written in 1930.  It’s been pretty fun to read.  While writing my own book, I researched prices and events in the time of 1929 – 1930, but some of the things portrayed in the book were a surprise to me.   

In 1930 an expensive car, the top of the line luxury model, could cost about seven thousand dollars.  Today a similar car would be closer to fifty thousand or higher.  Clothes were expensive by comparison.  An inexpensive dress could cost seven to ten dollars. It’s about the same amount a person might pay for rent during the time.  This explains why older homes have small closets. People didn't own the amount of cloths we do today, they were too expensive.

There are terms in the book I found funny.  One character really thought another was terrible, so he called him a louse.  This was so bad, those who heard where shocked at the language.  When the hero was describing the villain, he said that he was a strange bird. I found both those phrases humorous and mild compared to terms in use today. I also think both of those terms may work their way into my story. 

In the book, if a woman is wearing red lipstick, it’s a sure sign she has gone modern and isn't living a good Christian life.  In 1930, you didn’t hold hands unless you were serious.  Romance was sweeter, it was shown more in words and deeds than physical attraction. 

I decided that I’m old fashioned.  I like the days when women and children were taken care of before anyone else.  Days when the people that used profane language were considered uncultured and uncouth.  Morality was guarded. A man didn’t take advantage of the woman because he had too much respect for her.  

When I think about today, I don’t think we are better.  I think we lost something good when he let are morality slip in favor of popularity.  The language that can be heard on most prime time television shows would have shocked the average person in 1930.  As a matter of fact, the subject of the shows would shock them also. I don’t think we are better off for the change.

As a Christian, the life Christ calls us to hasn’t changed.  We are still to be salt and light in the world.  We are still to be careful with our speech and live moral lives.  I get the impression that we think God has changed his tactics.  He lets us get away with more now because of the days we are living in.  I know that’s not true.

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

God doesn’t change.  He leads us, guides us and forgives us, but He does not change.  His standards do not change with the whims and shifts of society.  I wonder why we let society change us?

Stunning Performance of How Great Thou Art by Wynonna Judd from theremix on GodTube.