Jan 7
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Meeting a new neighbor, being introduced to a group of people, sitting at a church function, making small talk checking out at the store, drinking coffee in the local cafe and nearly anywhere else we meet someone new the question comes around, “What do you do?” Ironically enough, that question triggers the “worthiness” power switch among men and women equally. Soon a bullet list resume’ of titles and degrees commences: Masters, Phd, President, Author, Director, Teacher…with no shortage of acclimates as if we need to outdo what possibly could be looming inside the listener’s or overhearer’s back pocket of successes.
It never dawned on my great grandmother, or grandmother, or even my own mom (though she was a special kind of strong, well founded woman), to think their equality as a human to any other person was based on what she did instead of who she was. Then, being a woman was never looked down on by any other (wait for it) woman! The feminist movement over the past few decades is, sadly, one of equality in doing instead of in being. By the same hand, women were shamed to be content with who they were. It wasn’t enough for women to decry equality with man for the simple fact both are created in the image of God. Instead, they championed a cause fighting for the right to do and receive all things equally. The yearning for societal approval and acceptance has pioneered both women’s rights and the inquietude of being the invaluable women for which we are divinely created. Once upon a time life was about our being not our doing. I thing it’s time to get back to being. No need for a padded resume’. Living life faithfully, instead of what the worlds deems as successfully, should be our focussed goal. Is there success outside of faithfulness? No. The sorority of feminism cannot offer us more than God’s best for us. And God’s best for us isn’t dependent on the wisdom of the world. No power, no strength, no efficiency, wealth, nor right-fighting army will ever satisfy us to our core. Only God and His word can do that. If you’re tired of trying so hard, try changing your focus; what, who, are you striving for?
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6
Lord my God, forgive me for looking to the things who world promises will build me up: wealth, power, education, work successes, and teach me to know you more. Thank You for Your Word, use it in my life to lead me in Your ways. Lord, I want only to be the woman who loves You and the one You have purposed for my life.
