Ella’s small family is much like the March family in “Little women.” They value self education, work hard, believe the best in people and always strive to share cheerful kindness. It seems like the idyllic childhood until her mother’s life is cut short. Despite this deep loss, Ella obeys her mother’s last dying wish…to be happy, have courage and be kind. What important words, what a valuable goal to strive for in the midst of trials. As we know Ella did come upon some trials in the form of a decadent step mother and two shallow step sisters. Admirably, Ella willingly shared her belongings and service to her new family. She chose to cherish the beauty and goodness surrounding her, rather than to dwell on the hardships. This made me take a step back and question myself. Am I lacking in my observance of the goodness and beauty surrounding me? I concluded that I could spend more time in intentional gratitude, even in the the midst of trials. Ella is a character much like Marmee March. She uses self control and positivity to deal with the hardships of her day.
Even as Ella’s father was about to journey to what would be his last trip, Ella simply requests the first branch that brushes her fathers shoulder. It seems like an odd request until you find her reasoning. The first branch that touches her father will be a constant reminder to him that his loving daughter awaits his return. Is it any surprise that such a thoughtful girl as Ella would willingly offer up her bedroom to her selfish sisters?
Questions: Would you be willing to give up your bedroom to step sisters who were cold and thoughtless towards you? I am not certain I would, however it got me thinking about being more selfless and kind. Ella’s motives and goals and life were to be thoughtful, positive and kind. It made me want to make some goals in which I can better myself each day. It needn’t be grandiose, a simple service of biting my tongue a bit more, lending a listening ear, being quick to forgive and less moments of judgments. The world is broken place in need of compassion and kindness in every avenue and walk of life. I believe this is the purpose of Ella’s story. Let’s make a goal together for this month and see where it takes us. I am excited to discuss the journey
I love vintage art and spent a good deal of time scouring Pinterest for some beautiful illustrations of Cinderella. This picture by Jenny Eugenia Nystrum is simple and yet perfect, just like the compassionate character that is Ella. You can find it here. https://pin.it/6OuZiQ8
The origins of Cinderella dates back to the time of the Greeks. It was a fairy tale of a slave girl becoming an Egyptian queen. The story as we know has evolved with each measure of time. But Charles Perrault of France spurred it on with his story ‘The Little Glass Slipper” in 1697. Here is where the evil step family, a fairy godmother and the glass slipper are introduced. It is not as morbid as the Grimm brothers version from Germany which was introduced in 1812, in which the step sisters cut off toes and heels and get their eyes pecked out by the birds. In China the story Yeh-Shen written between 618-907 AD is also morbid with wicked step mother killing Yeh-Shen’s only friend a fish. The stepmother and step daughter are later crushed to death by stones. Yes I would rather take Perrault’s version. The history of Cinderella is fascinating and I encourage you read more on it here:
Tea Time Book Club 