Being a Woman

Today I re-listened to Carolyn Mahaney's message on the topic of - What does it mean to be a woman? And these are my notes:

In the very first book of the Bible we discover the biblical definition of femininity. Here is woman at her best; before the fall, sinless and godly in every respect (Genesis 1:27, 2:21-22). Woman was God's idea; His creation. Woman was the finishing design of all that He created. God created woman, this requires us to look to Him to discover our identity and purpose in life. I must not accept the cultures view on womanhood. I am to look to God and everything I do must be rooted in Him. My gender is not accidental, I was intentionally born a woman by God's sovereignty, wisdom, and grace. My birth is an absolute miracle of God. :)

In Genesis 1:27 Woman was intentionally created by God as distinct from man, different from man, and complimentary to man. He created male and female. Men and women together are created in the image of God. We are fellow image bearers. Though we reflect his image differently, we must never forget that we share that status equally. Human beings are more like God than anything else in the universe - we must remember this when we are talking to and about other people.

How do we reflect the image of God as a woman? In Genesis 2 we learn that man was created first, signifying his role as leader, provider, and protector. In verse 18, God declared that something was not God is his creation; it is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helper fit for him. We are designed to be man's helper. Each of us has been strategically designed to help those around us. The role of helper is not confined to marriage. We are all called to live out our helper design, during all seasons of our lives.

How can I help?

Application to the teenage girls: You were born feminine and expressly created to be a helper. You are in a season of growing into the roles and responsibility. You are a helper in training. Now is the time to prepare for future womanly excellence. Your parents are the primary individuals that God has appointed to train you in biblical womanhood. Be joyful! How can I help around the house? Around the church? At school? How can I help my friends? etc. Study God's Word and read sound books on the topic of womanhood. Study the example of your mom. View your mom as your personal femininity trainer. And where appropriate encourage and correct the guys in your circle.

Application to the single woman: Carolyn McCulley's book "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?" addresses this issue very well. Utilize the question - How can I help? Family, church, friends, school, work? Be careful with your conduct and interactions with men. Allow the guy to pursue and win your heart, and if he doesn't want to, then why would you want him too? Trust God! Encourage Godly men to lead. You will be cultivating the habit of making room for the leadership of men in your life. Refrain from men bashing with your girlfriends. The true helper doesn't criticize, but humbly and gently offer assistance.

Application to the married woman: We are our husbands helper! That is our primary duty. He is called to the task, and she called to help him. Every day of our lives is to be oriented to helping and assisting our husband. This is my delightful duty to our sovereign, wise, and gracious God. Elisa Pinkney (a founding mother of this country) said: "To make a good wife to my dear husband, I am resolved to make it my study to please him." We must study our husband and find out what most helps our own husband. Ask him often how can I help you today? What is one thing that I can be doing for you right now that will help you the most? Don't let your calendar fill up with things that do not help your husband. Joyfully assume the responsibility to manage our homes well.

We are uniquely designed to be man's helper. As we all know, Adam & Eve sinned. While our call to be helpers hasn't changed, because of sin we are incapable of fulfilling this call apart from our savior. Never lose sight of calvary. Because of calvary there is forgivness of sin; for every time we have been self-absorbed, self-centered, self-seeking, rather than seeking to help others. There is forgiveness for every time we have been a burden rather than a help to others. There is forgivness for the all the times we have grumbled, complained, and lazy. There is power to weaken sin. There is grace to fulfill our role as helpers.

I'm claiming the resolution. To make a good wife to my dear husband Tony, I am resolved to make it my study to please him. Lord, please help me and teach me to be a good helper to my beloved husband.