Being Godly Women

BIBLICAL POINT OF REFERENCE:

"Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value. Her husband trusts her judgment; he does not lack income. She brings him profit, not loss, all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and flax and weaves with skillful hands. Like a merchant fleet, she secures her provisions from afar. She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household, a portion to her maidservants. She picks out a field and acquires it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor. She enjoys the profit from her dealings; her lamp is never extinguished at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. She is not concerned for her household when it snows—all her charges are doubly clothed. She makes her own coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing. Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land. She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her: “Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.” Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates."

~Proverbs 31:10-31

Happy Friday ladies! I realize that is a very long point of reference from the Bible, but I think it is necessary for this post. My dad asked me to lead prayers for my family last night, and I had no idea what to say or do. So I thought of my favorite Bible verse (Proverbs 31:25, coincidentally), and decided to read aloud the majority of the same chapter to help set a context for my family and I. As I read, I came to realize several points that I'd like to share with you: 1. In today's world, there is a lot of talk on feminism and how women can do anything men can do. On the one hand, yes, women are very capable of working and taking care of their family financially, just like men. Many women hold full-time jobs and still take care of their kids and husband at home. On the other hand, however, it is not God's will for women to be just like men. God created women to be unique and for certain purposes. I'm sure you've all noticed that men can't get pregnant, right? That's because God created women to be mothers and nurturers. It is a woman's job to be there for her husband and children, just as it is the husband's job to be the head of the family and protect everyone. This is not to say that women cannot work and have jobs, and it does not excuse in any way the fact that women are paid less than men for doing the same quality and quantity of work. I am all for equality, but we need to take a step back first and find the calling that God has called for each of His daughters individually. 2. In this passage, God has literally laid out the ideal woman, or a "woman of worth". Notice how the passage also uses the word "strength" not once, but twice. Just because a woman is at home and with her kids and doing other work that is not like a man's work does not mean she is not strong. She is strong in her own way! And the way she is described is that she is not strong like a man, but like a woman! I know there are a lot of people who say the Catholic Church is anti-feminist because women cannot be priests and such, but here we have the most beautiful phrasing of how God made women and how she serves her purpose on Earth. It says in the Bible how women are strong; at this point, I don't see an argument against the Church. Besides, a woman brings a man "profit, not loss, all the days of her life." 3. Be aware, this is a touchy subject: I'm about to cover the transgender topic, specifically highlighted recently by the Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner headlines. As many Christians and Catholics before me have written, we must love everyone despite their faults, because we have them too. I don't want to go into this too much, firstly because I am not the most knowledgeable on the specifics of the topic, and secondly because I don't want to start too many debates and disagreements. What I really want to draw from the transgender movement is that God made each of His children perfectly because we were made in His Image and Likeness. By changing what God has so lovingly given us is sad and harmful. If you are a woman, wear God's purpose for you proudly, because He's proud of you too. God doesn't want us to change who we are so drastically just because He gave us the free will to do so; He wants us to grow into ourselves with His help. He will provide the answers and His path for you when it is the right time. Whew! That was a lot to read and understand! If you ever have any questions about God's word or anything I have written, please contact me and let me know! I am here for you! Your Laughing Sister, Callahan Check out the BEING GODLY WOMEN quotes page for more inspiration!