The Country Girl's Creed
By Jessie Field Shambaugh

I am glad that I live in the country. I love its beauty and its spirit. I rejoice in the things I can do as a country girl for my home and my neighborhood.

I believe I can share in the beauty around me; in the fragrance of the orchards in spring, in the weight of the ripe wheat at harvest, in the morning song of birds and in the glow of the sunset on the far horizon. I want to express this beauty in my own life as naturally and happily as the wild rose blooms by the roadside.

I believe I can have a part in the courageous spirit of the country… With this courageous spirit, I, too, can face the hard things of life with gladness.

I believe there is much I can do in my country home. Through studying the best way to do my every day work I can find joy in common tasks done well. Through loving comradeship I can help bring into my home the happiness an peace that are always near us in God’s out of door world. Through such a home I can help make real to all who pass that way, their highest ideal of country life.

I believe my love and loyalty for my country home should reach out in service to that larger home that we call our neighborhood. I would whole heartedly give my best to further all that is being done for a better community. I would have all that I think and say and do help united country people near and far in that great kingdom of love for neighbors which the Master came to establish, the master who new and cared for country ways and country folks.