“I am woman, hear me roar.” Remember that phrase from several years back? Recently that roar was heard, leaving many of us to wonder: is this who the majority of women feel they really are? Does this represent who I am, as a woman or as a human being created by God? Through the ages women have been catagorized, defined and treated in many different ways and many of these ways were not flattering or, by any means, acceptable.
In Old Testament times, a man’s worth was measured not only by the number of cattle and sheep he owned, but by the number of wives he had. Some had one wife and many concubines or handmaids at his beck and call. Women felt their worth was only in their ability to produce children, especially a male child.
Traditionally, women have played a secondary role as homemaker, chief cook and bottle washer, and most importantly….mother. None of these roles are menial or unimportant but when taken for granted they can make one feel that way. In the church women were expected to remain silent, keep their heads covered and if they had any questions concerning the teachings to ask their husbands at home. It’s no wonder that women began to feel put upon and treated unfairly to the point that something had to give.
“A woman’s place is in the kitchen.” That became the argument as women begin to push for rights and other privileges thus far enjoyed only by men…such as the right to vote and run for public offices. It was in the 1800’s that this fight began and not till 1920 that their right to vote was granted. This was just the beginning. Years later, what became known as the Women’s Liberation Movement became popular as they fought for equal job opportunities and equal pay. Today women fight for the right to have abortions and call it “pro choice.” How far away from God’s purpose for women we have become!
In Genesis 2:18 the Lord said, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” So woman was created as a help mate or partner for the man. In no way did this make her a secondary citizen or less important in God’s eyes. He instructed man to love their wives as they love themselves. It was His intent that man take care of the woman and treat her the same as he would treat himself.
Though we have become known as “the weaker sex” this is not always accurate either…. even when strength is measured by muscle alone. A man’s or woman’s true strength comes from within and is shown through determination, character and wisdom. None of us can find our true identity, purpose in life or know our strength until we turn our lives over to God. Philippians 4:13.
We need to pray for women today that they might find their true strength in God and through Him find the wisdom to make the right choices, especially when it comes to abortion. To choose life is easy once we understand the rewards….and the consequences of any other decision.
For a woman to want to determine her place and rights in society is fine, but let us remember that our first responsibility is to our creator. A woman’s place is always at the feet of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
