It’s getting harder to be a woman. Who should the next gen of women follow? Young women look for heroes in the crowd of well knowns like Angelina Jolie, Hillary Clinton, Paula Dean, and Claire Dunphy. It’s not easy when famous women like Lady Gaga claim that “Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.” Having a crisis of gender identity has become an accepted, even expected, part of growing up, and a growing minority longs to be a wife or mother.
Who will the next gen follow into womanhood? Who will they strive to be?
It’s tempting to talk about our opinions of who provides a good model for womanhood today and what womanhood is, but that doesn’t help us or the next gen. Thankfully, God’s unchanging word has a lot to say about women, and I have confidence He will use it to steer the young women coming behind me. I asked today’s guest, Hannah B (NOT the same as the 1st Hannah or 2nd Hannah!) to tell me what she wants to share about what the next gen thinks about WOMANHOOD. In God’s perfect timing, this post is going on for Hannah’s BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday Hannah B!
Womanhood according to the world
Currently, the term “Womanhood” is not a term of endearment, but rather said with disdain and cursed. People blame “womanhood” for all manner of negative things that come with being a woman. In society, it is as if the term “womanhood” would better be erased and everyone should strive for manhood. Women constantly strive not only for equal rights, but independence, pride, and most terribly, dominance. The desire to be a strong woman is a noble one, and ought to be something all girls hope to become. However, that strength should not be achieved by cutting down our male counter-parts, seeking power, and ruling. A strong woman is one that is sure of what she believes, respects herself, and yes, respects men.
Respecting men is not easy in our society. Turn on any Sit-Com and I can almost guarantee that there is at least one, if not many male role models that are complete imbeciles. If we blame Hollywood for this attitude, we lie to ourselves. Disrespect begins with me. It begins with you.
Biblical womanhood as a goal
Biblical womanhood is something I strive for. I want to be trustworthy, gentle, kind, helpful, prayerful, and submissive – yes, I did say that dirty word (which, I might add, is far different from being oppressed). A submissive wife, for example, shows rare strength because she has insurmountable self-control and trust in her God, if not in her husband. God has given us as women the invaluable role as care-givers, encouragers, and supporters of anyone who crosses our path. I am honored to have this role.
It is terrifying, moving, and fulfilling.
Society places such value on the superficial that women are considered selfish or lazy if they want to stay home with their kids and won’t contribute to the lavish lifestyle of the family. One of my best friend’s mother told me she feels guilty being at work because she misses out on what her kids are doing, but she also feels guilty when she is home because she feels responsible to help provide for her family. This should not be. Also, to be perfectly honest, men do not always command nor deserve our respect.
Womanhood according to God’s plan
God didn’t call us to live an easy life. He called us to live a holy life. Holiness takes prayer, self-control, love, accountability, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Start praying today. Ask Him how He wants you to use your time and energy and do that – whole heartedly loving Him and serving those He has placed in front of you. He has promised you, you won’t be disappointed.
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26
Hannah B was born ON THIS DAY in 1994! She grew up on a farm in Michigan and is currently studying Industrial Design at a Christian university, where God has been teaching her so much. Her relationship with Christ began when she was little, but as time has gone
by, she has come to love Him more and more as she learns to trust Him. He has given her so much joy and filled her life with blessings. Hannah loves nature, running, people, tea, health food, laughter, sunshine, and so much more.
