By Helen Andelin, Author of Fascinating Womanhood
Few marriages are truly happy ones, an estimated one in thirty. The rest range from comparatively happy to miserable and over fifty percent end in divorce. Husbands and wives do not understand one another, the children suffer with their parents and there is widespread concern among educators, sociologists, ministers and other concerned sources who see the home, the foundation of society endangered. And this problem is not confined to this country, it is worldwide.
Our experience over the last thirty years has been that the principles we teach can turn this desperate situation around. An army of volunteer Fascinating Womanhood teachers, moved by the pain they witness in the hearts of women, have assumed the responsibility of carrying this message to their communities, with phenomenal success.
Knowing we hold the keys to solving these critical problems, of bringing true love and happiness into the homes of those who are willing to listen and apply the teachings, is a grave feeling of responsibility. To fill this responsibility, my son Brian and I are moving ahead towards organizing the non-profit foundation we announced several months ago. With this type of foundation we hope to recruit the funds, staff and board of directors needed to build a strong, well-functioning organization to reach worldwide objectives.
If you know of anyone in a position to make a financial contribution to this important cause, someone who might even be anxious to do so, please contact us. Or, if you, yourself would like to contribute to this project, please let us know and we will send you a form to fill out.
Along with our urgent feeling of concern, there appears to be a quiet but strong resurgence of interest in Fascinating Womanhood, much like a river that flows quietly down stream but beneath the surface is a strong, steadily moving undercurrent. Our historian says it seems to have a life of its own.
For those who are new to this website I will tell you in a nutshell what it is all about. We enlighten women as to what men look for in a wife, what they value beyond measure. To do this we paint a picture of The Ideal Woman, From a Man's Point of View, with four Angelic qualities and four Human qualities. The Angelic qualities bring a man peace and happiness, whereas the human qualities fascinate and enchant him, awakening the deepest, tenderest feelings a man can imagine and sadly, some men never experience.
Although this is a nutshell view of the subject, it takes 380 pages of a book or a thirteen week course of study to thoroughly educate a woman in this subject. However, it will prove to be far more useful to her than a study of chemistry or math, as evidenced by the many success stories throughout the book and on this web site. Moreover, it will fill the most important longing in a woman's heart and soul, that of being loved and cherished.
For those of you who already know the teaching of Fascinating Womanhood, we can make this a quick review of the subject. How long has it been since you looked at the Angela Human chart? Have you been conscious of all the eight qualities, or just some of them? Let me remind you that The Ideal Woman is a balanced woman, so work on all of eight qualities. As you continue to work on them you will grow as a person and the love between you and your husband will grow to full measure.
I continue to search for living examples of the Angelic and the Human in women and how men feel about them, but such examples are hard to come by. Men are very private when it comes to revealing their deep feelings of love for a woman. President Woodrow Wilson had to die before his feelings for his wife, Ellen were made public. I do stumble onto examples in literature and movies, especially old movies. Last week I watched the early version of A Tale of Two Cities with Ronald Coleman taking the part of Sydney and Elizabeth Allan as Lucy.
Lucy is an excellent example of the Angelic and the Human. Her angelic character is evident in her tender love and devotion to her father and her loving concern for Sydney, her confidence in him and his future, which she expressed with faith and conviction. Even more impressive is her human side. The expressions in her face, the motions of her body, the tone of her voice and everything about her are a fascinating example of femininity. It is easy to understand how Sydney could so willingly give his life for her. And as he said in the end as he faced the guillotine, "It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known."
Amanda King, too is a wonderful example of the
Angelic and the Human. The advantage here is you have 88 episodes to review, enough to make a real study of her. She makes a few mistakes, but you learn from these also. The series is now showing on Pax TV Monday through Friday at 4:00 Eastern time. For those who have been watching SMK and for those who wish they could but have not been home the right time of day, I have good news:
I received a notice this week from Columbia House that they have at last released SMK on Video. They are $19.95 each, with two episodes on each tape. You sign up for the series and receive one video each month. They are releasing ten tapes (20 episodes) to begin with. If these sell well they will release all 88. The product code is #HHV. Order from Columbia House, 1400 North Fruitridge avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana 47811. I understand they are now advertised in the TV Guide.
For years I have been searching for TV and movie clips that support the things I teach, eventually hoping to produce my own. I have used the example near the end of My Fair Lady in which Eliza finally won the respect of Professor Higgins when she raised her head in feminine dignity and sang, "The World Will Still Turn Without You."
I had never heard of Scarecrow and Mrs. King before February of 2000 when I stumbled onto it on Pax TV. It was in the middle of the series and the middle of an episode, titled Brunetts Are In. I tuned in just as Lee and Amanda were having a rather cute fight. I was intrigued. They were so cute together. From then on, for the first time in my life I found myself making time to watch a regular TV program. And I continue to find interesting clips that support FW.
Now here is my evaluation: There are a few things I don't approve of in Scarecrow, such as when he learns Amanda is in danger he often says, "Oh, my God." Profanity is wrong and really bothers me. Another thing that bothers me is that Scarecrow is portrayed as a man with a rather worldly background, even an implied immoral one. However, his parents died when he was five and he was raised by an uncle who lived on military bases around the world. which explains his lack of moral training.
In spite of this worldly side, Scarecrow has a better side. He is a man of courage and honor, a credit to his country, and definitely a man of steel and velvet. He is very protective of Amanda - fights like a tiger when he sees her in danger as in a later episode, "The Eyes Have It." Even more impressive, he will risk his life for the humblest of his fellowmen, even a janitor or a waiter. And in between beating up on the bad guys, he has a fascinating sweet side, as in a later episode, "No Thanks for the Memory."
And as I have already explained in previous issues of this website, Amanda is a wonderful example of The Ideal Woman, in the many ways she is portrayed throughout the series. You have to watch quite a few episodes before you get the drift of what is happening and become really interested. The characters seem to grow on you. The series starts out more like a sitcom but turn into something more meaningful and later on even dramatic. I have had a long interest in theater arts, which may explain my keen interest in this program. I think it has a lot to offer in high-class entertainment, especially compared to what Hollywood is now producing.
Comments from Grateful Students
"I believe that Fascinating Womanhood is the answer to all the pain in the hearts of women and the perplexity with which they face the problems that arise between husband and wife."
" The sound basic principles of FW should be a part of every young wife's education and what a difference it would make in the homes of our land."
"I am sure this book has been written to answer a deep and desperate need of most women today. Surely it will mean the saving of many homes and perhaps even a nation."
The Historian: I have had inquiries about the book Julie Neuffer is writing about The Fascinating Womanhood Movement, wanting to know if it will be available to all of us: I asked Julie this question and here is her answer: "I would love to have everyone and anyone read my work about FW. Please let your correspondents know that I will make the study available to all interested. Right now, of course, I am in the research stage but I will keep you posted."
FW Books available in South Africa: I received a notice from my publisher that Fascinating Womanhood is available in English through their two Christian publishers in South Africa: If your bookstore does not stock them you can ask them to order them from one of these distributors.
STRUIK CHRISTIAN BOOKS
Allys: It has been suggested that I give you a brief idea of what is involved in the Ally program. To begin with, nothing is expected of you other than filling out an application form, attaching your picture and sending it to me. Instead of just a name on a chart I will know something about you, with your picture to help me remember. So, to begin with it is mainly to help me. As the list grows we will have the strength of numbers. It is more like an army reserve, to be called into action when needed. It is not clear yet just what the need will be.
Teachers: As always, we desperately need qualified teachers. We never have enough to fill the need. If you are interested in registering to be a teacher, press "classes" on the main menu and it will lead you to information. When ready to teach write to us and request a Teacher Application Form. If you teach for a church and have your minister's approval, you need not request the Teacher Application Form, unless you want to keep in touch with our teacher program.
Assignment: Get to know yourself by reviewing the Ideal Woman Chart on page 28 . What are your strong points, qualities you are proud of? Dwell on these for a full day. Next day, take an honest look at your faults. This is the first step in overcoming them. And remember who you are. You are a spiritual being, the offspring of a God. You have divine characteristics, capable of overcoming any and every fault and becoming a much better person. No man ever really loved a woman who was not a good person.
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April 2002
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