Female by Design

Priscilla Shirer's challenging Resolution for Women is inspiring, to say the least.  This week's resolution, "Purposefully Feminine", proved especially insightful.  Every other time I've studied God's view of women, it has been in the context of the much beloved woman found in Proverbs 31:  "A wife of noble character, who can find?"  After reading verses 10-31 to myself, I always sarcastically answered "Exactly.  Who CAN find?" 

Priscilla Shirer conspicuously leaves out this citation altogether, and I don't think it's because she doesn't agree with it's implications.  She's a resourceful author and references feminine virtues that point to Jesus rather than another woman.  Maybe she's protecting us from the jealousy we inevitably feel whenever we're compared to that great woman. 

Whenever we're compared to any other woman. 

Erroneously, we believe that we can't measure up.  God's word affirms that our unique gifts make us special, useful, and worthy.  Whether feminine or masculine, our purpose is the same:  to point others to Christ.  How do we do that?  I apologize in advance, but I'll have to use that culturally taboo word:  SUBMISSION.  All it really means is that I'm willing to put you before me.  Your deal before my deal.

The Proverbs 31 Woman shows herself in eleven primary characteristics.  She's

• Virtuous
• Trustworthy
• Energetic
• Physically Fit
• Economical
• Unselfish
• Prepared
• Honorable
• Prudent
• Loving
• God-Fearing

It's egocentric to think that all of those eleven characteristics are exclusively female.  Yet, I find it extremely gratifying that God created us to exemplify them through the outpouring of our character as we interact with our family, co-workers, and friends.  Understanding that he created me for the role I am in now inspires me to embrace  and uphold Biblical femininity purely for the virtue, if not because it's the will of God for my life.

Thank God!

I've been avoiding this thankfulness bandwagon for awhile now.  It's not because I'm not thankful. I just feel like something this important should be intricately woven into every breath I take.  When did gratitude become trendy?

2 Thessalonians 5:18--Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 
In everything?  
Yes. 
Always?  Absolutely. 

Yet, I have to admit that finishing a Bible Study today caused me to take pause and reflect over the sum of my life.  Surely, I am grateful for it.  For all of it.  All those "I should have done that differently" times God has used to bring me to this place.  The forks in the road of indecision, the intersections of my life's relationships, the stop signs, where God gently whispered, "Not yet.  Not now."  I am thankful for all of it. 

Sometimes, I feel like I am careening down the interstate of parenthood, begging God to let me off at the next exit.  And just when I think I'm never going to get where I want to go, I crest a hill and see a beautiful sunrise brimming over the horizon.  That's where I am now.  The scenery is breathtaking.  The company is energizing, and the sun is warm.  I welcome the bends in the road, the potholes, and even the blind driveways.  In those, God surprises me with things I never thought possible.  Thank you, Lord, for your many gifts.