Strong Elegant Women

I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a woman lately.  In Church, as wives we are often told to be submissive. Unfortunately, the word has been twisted and used to keep women oppressed for centuries. Please understand me--I believe we should submit to our husbands. However, I am proposing that maybe we have been going about it wrong.  In Christian circles, it seems women are discouraged from pursuing their dreams in the name of "submission." As a result, women are polarized: either be a *stay at home mother who home schools (see below) to the "feminatzi." Can't there be a more balanced approach? 

Let's take a look at the Proverbs 31 woman:

• Her husband trusts and respects her
• She works outside of the home 
• She takes care of her household 
• She is a business woman
• She is strong and smart
• She helps the needy
• Her children love her

When I read that verse, I see a woman who is intelligent, strong yet supportive to her husband. 

I think we need more strong elegant women as role models.  Here are some role models that have stood out for me. Not all of these women are married or confessing Christians but they exude grace, character and strength. 

Joni Eareckson Tada
from http://www.joniandfriends.org/

Condoleeza Rice
from http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2010-10-12-rice12_CV_N.htm

Laura Bush
from http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/firstlady/

Ann Curry
from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/4515786/ns/today/

*I am in total support of the woman who stays home with her children and home-schools. I am opposed to setting that as the standard for the ideal Christian woman.

Verse of the week

Our women's group at church is focusing on scripture memory for the year. Our pastor's wife, Sherree, has called it "Live it 52." I am finding that every verse, I mean EVERY verse, has been meaningful and perfect for the week. I don't know how she picked 'em, but she did a great job. I guess the lesson is that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16 & 17, NIV).

Well, this week's verse is Psalm 32:8:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (NIV).

Again, this verse is just the encouragement I've needed this week. This is my last week of work and although, I believe I'm doing the right thing (stepping away). It's a little scary. Did I tell you that the job is now full time with benefits? Yes, full medical, dental and vision. Oh, and it pays about what I made at my old job plus room for a few raises (not boasting, but I did pretty well at my last job). Yet, I did not quit my old job to work as a program coordinator. I left to follow God's calling to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. So, that is what I am doing.

God WILL watch over me. He WILL counsel me. He WILL teach me the way I should go. Thank you, God for this opportunity to step out in faith and serve you. You are my comfort and source of strength.