True Woman 101: Sugar & Spice

                            

This week in our we took a look at God's design for women.

There are a lot of depictions of women that we are fed that are so far from reality. If we look to TV, magazines, or other media, women are often portrayed as attractive, intelligent, strong and independent. They have successful careers, but not necessarily successful marriages. They balance motherhood with the most successful positions, always sporting the lastest styles and never have a hair out of place. They are flawlessly beautiful (or at least as much so as photoshop can make them).

It may seem great to think of women as beautiful, strong, and independent, but its not the design God had in mind. It may seem attractive, but when it comes down to it, it's not what's going to fulfill us.  Our physical appearance and our outward success is not what matters. It's about our hearts, and our love for others-shining the light of Christ as we love as he has loved. What's important is not how beautiful, successful, or generally "good" we feel about ourselves, but whether we are bringing glory to God, which cannot be done when we are trying to follow the world's standards for womanhood.

When it comes to gender differences, there are even obvious differences between male and female bodies that point to our God given design. Males were created to be physically stronger. Women were created to be soft. Not weaker, just softer. It's like pillows. Men are the extra firm, and women are the big soft fluffy kind. Men were created stronger b/c they are given the task of providing and protecting. Women were created to aid the man in creating and nurturing life.

While this thought may make some go on the defense, I don't think the idea of "softness" needs to be something we get defensive about. Being soft does not mean being weak, it just means being welcoming and nurturing. No one wants to deal with a harsh and rigid woman (or man for that matter). As promoters of the gospel, softness is essential because we want to shine the love and grace of Christ.

Along with the bent toward softness, women were also created to have a responsive, welcoming spirit. While some may view responsiveness as a negative or submissive trait, in actuality, it is quite a positive trait. Allow me to illustrate:

If my husband and I are having a discussion and he presents and idea and I immediately shoot him down, then that's a fairly negative response. If I take the time to listen and hear him out though, think about it, and then ask a few questions, that seems like a much better way of responding. It's all about our attitude and heart in responding. We can disagree but still do it in a "soft" and respectful way, whether it be with our husbands or any other person we might be dealing with. When it gets down to it, being loud and assertive and generally self promoting is not a good way of shining the light of Christ, and ultimately, that's what it's all about.

Along with a bent towards having a soft and responsive spirit, God also created woman with a distinctively feminine “bent” for the home. Rather than meaning women are meant to "stay" in the home, this simply means that women have a way of creating a "homey" atmosphere because they are specially made to create an environment that nurtures and invites life. Every woman can do this, married or single-we can all create an atmosphere that welcomes others and speaks to and invites them to share their hearts, whether it be in a house, apartment, or even in a public setting. It's all about having a soft, nurturing, responsive spirit. If that is our heart, than everything around us will be a natural overflow of that bent.

I may be a "home-maker" and a mom, but many of these things don't come easily to me. I was raised more towards the independent and "strong" woman bent, so it's something that I have to fight against, especially since getting married. But I'm working to embrace God's design, and I can honestly say I've never felt more fulfilled. Many of these ideas are in direct opposition to the world's views, but I would challenge you to honestly consider them knowing that these things are just a glimpse into the beauty of God's divine design! 

“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 

*As always, see the "True Woman" tab for more!