Womanhood

Our new Supreme Court Justice is a woman who cannot define woman. She is not a biologist, she says. But I’m willing to paint a picture of womanhood.

First I lean on what the Bible tells us about woman. Because men and women are created in God’s image but are different, I believe women represent a different side of God’s character, and that when a manly man and a womanly woman join together they create a more vivid picture of what God intended for humanity.

Proverbs 31 in the Bible gives special attention to womanhood. It is a descriptive example of womanliness.

It paints woman as a leader within her home, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” in verses 27 and 28. She provides a secure and thriving environment for her family, proving to be industrious as she does so.

Woman is also generous and charitable, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy” in verse 20.

Woman is also strong, dignified and cheerful in her demeanor, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” in verse 25.

One of my favorites illustrates and physical strength and resiliency of women, saying, “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” in verse 17. This speaks to me, as a somewhat above average strong woman, making my strength and work ethic seem feminine and desirable, and not masculine or unwomanly.

Verse 26 tells us, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Women can grow to be wise, teachers in their homes and communities, to be looked upon with respect for guidance.

The Bible shows us examples of women as daughters and wives, as mothers and leaders. We see women showing incredible bravery (Esther and Ruth), women being wise warriors (Deborah), women showing amazing faith (Sarah and Mary), and Rahab shows us leadership, courage and commitment.

We see current media on the one hand trying to celebrate a false feminist agenda (pushing for only female Supreme Court candidates) while at the same time allowing men to overshadow women in their field through pushing gender identity issues. It’s a shame to see the strong, honorable and dignified ideal of woman the way God intended being insulted and torn down.

It takes strength, courage and discpline to be the kind of woman the Bible praises. It is not a weakness to be the counterpart to a good man or to be a devoted mother. Women are entrusted with the keys to bringing life into the world.

I pray to grow continuously into the kind of strong, cheerful, loving and faithful woman the God calls on us to be.

“For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139:13-14