I have felt the pain of not feeling good enough, yet God will never stop loving me regardless of these things. Romans 2:2 is a bible verse I repeat often to myself. I find comfort in understanding that I am stronger than my insecurities. In reminding myself that I “do not conform to the pattern of this world” I keep myself from sinning. The idea of being a Victorian woman in this era comes with standing-down and being expected to not take action. When my father passed away, I knew me and my sisters could not let ourselves fall into poverty. I suggested the idea of a photography business because I wanted to break the stereotype that women don’t have the authority to own a business. Our business became successful, because of my fight to relinquish sexist ideals. In the “renewing of my mind”, I have found peace in being without a man. At first, I did feel really upset when Aunt Caroline told me that I could not afford to be seen looking shabby in order to marry, yet my mind turned to God in remembering that I must find guidance in his word, and not let her harsh words get to me. My faith has always been something that is growing, and when my father passed away I found that by studying scripture I could be the leader that my sisters needed. Sometimes I tend to let myself get carried away in what others think of me, yet by bringing my mind back to God’s word, I don’t let my insecurities get the best of me.
Editorial Commentary: According to Romans 2:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world...his good, pleasing and perfect will”.Women too often conform to the pattern of this world and follow the behaviors that are expected of them from society. Unlike in the Victorian Era, today in the 21st-century women have the opportunity to be whatever they choose to be, however, women in the Victorian Era were expected to be the caretaker of the house, the primary parent, and were kept from the same opportunities as men. Women in the Victorian Era were forced to be creative with their interests and skillsets, while still remaining true to their societal duties. The renewing of your mind comes with staying true to yourself. By feeding your mind with knowledge, and by facing experiences that cause you to grow, that is what allows you to transform. Gertrude Lorimer, a key figure of Victorian society, was faced with poverty unless she used her wit to create a business strategy for her and her sisters. Although a woman running a business in the 21st century is not a rare thing, women in the Victorian Era did not have access to these same opportunities. The idea of the Lorimer sisters establishing this successful photography business was very out-of-the-ordinary, yet it reinforces how women can find ways around societal inhibitions to accomplish whatever women set their mind to. Regarding gender, women were once kept from knowledge, yet now women are able to expand their education and accomplish the same goals that a male can accomplish.
Citation:
The Holy Bible: King James Version. 1886 Parallel Edition Holy Bible. 1886
Levy, Amy. The Romance of a Shop. 1889. COVE, 2020.