“Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.”
Proverbs 31:25
Who are we?
Women are not created to rule the home, but to build it. We are not created to be stepped on, abused, or mistreated. (Neither are we called to step on, abuse, or mistreat anyone else. I will talk more about that part next week.)
Women of God are clothed with Strength and Dignity- this is how the Bible describes a virtuous woman.
In the Lord, we are created to be STRONG and DIGNIFIED. Not a weakling, not someone’s punching bag or property. A warrior like Deborah, a woman of courage like Esther, someone who is faithful like Ruth. If you are a woman reading this, regardless of what your culture teaches you, it is time to believe and internalize the voice of Truth (Jesus) and who He says you are. If you are reading this as a man, please affirm the women in your life and tell them (or remind them) who they were created to be.
We are strong - not in our power, but in His strength.
We are dignified - not conforming to the powers of this world but standing up for what’s right, loving God and our families, exuding a confidence and beauty that comes from within.
Since the fall of humanity, the roles of men and women have been confused. The truth about who we are has been grossly misrepresented on both sides of the spectrum and all throughout the world.
No program can really fix that.
True women’s liberation began with Jesus. He interacted with women when other men wouldn’t. He talked with a Gentile outcast by a well. He welcomed a sinful woman to worship Him and wash His feet with her tears and hair. He healed the bent over woman and the woman with the issue of blood. He raised the widow’s son and kept company with women as some of His closest friends (Mary and Martha, etc.). Our true liberation still lies in Jesus. I try to share that with the women here in hopes that they can grasp the reality of who they are in the eyes of Christ. They are so much more than their culture says they are. They are beautiful, bought with a price, valued for their inner qualities and not just for a pretty face or how hard they can work in their homes. So are you. I know far too many women in the US as well who have been in abusive and destructive relationships. Too many stayed with abusers while the Church looked on and didn’t step in. We serve the God who turned over tables and called religious people out for their hypocrisy. I believe the Church today could use some of that as well.
For my sisters today, please hear this:
You are valuable to God.
You are not a second-class citizen.
You should never stay in an abusive situation.
God has created you with a beautiful purpose in life, in the Church, and in the Home. The world would be incomplete without you.
Not in your own strength, but in His, step out and be all that you are called to be. Recognize that you are a beautiful creation of God, and He loves you dearly.