...yes that might be a "NO DUH!" statement. But i've been thinking about what makes a woman A WOMAN lately. LittleItaly, sorry if this seems like our Authentic Womanhood class all over again-womanhood 101. But I don't know...I've been really haunted by the question again. I'll spare the details but I've recently been a part of something that has been stretching my definition of my own womanhood. I never really thought I had issues about women in ministry. I don't think I've really been in churches that stifle women, but I don't think that I've completely been in places that fully embraced women for ALL THEY ARE in Christ. It's so weird....never have I felt the freedom to be a woman in ministry and yet never have I felt so intimidated at the same time.
It's sad that we, or at least I, have a tendance to base my womanhood on external circumstances and situations. For example, sadly I have friends in cultures where being a woman is defined by being married and raising a family. That's part of it...but I wouldn't say that DEFINES what being a woman is all about. I mean, can you imagine how my friend feels who is still single in her 30s and can say she's only known 2 single woman past age 25 in her whole life?!??! AND sadly, sometimes I think that American culture can be the wame way....that "true life" doesn't really start until you're hitched, or that something must be wrong with you or guys if you aren't dating.
I do believe that our own view of our "womanness" is shaped by our families, upbringing, culture, etc. for better or for worse. I was sharing with Amy the other day that I never really embraced the idea of being sons and daughters of God THE KING until a few weekends ago. That means we're ROYALTY...we can't define our understanding of being a son or daughter through the lens of growing up in our human families. I know that when I look at how my parents, friends, church, and life experience shaped my "womanness", it falls short of everything God designed and desires for me as a woman. They can have a part, in many ways they have had good parts....but it isn't complete.
I think everyday I have the choice: Will I stick to the "status quo" of what is means to be a woman? Or will i cherish and seek that of which MY CREATOR has called me and created me to be-even if it doesn't seem to "fit"?
And so I don't know why I posted this....It's more than "I A WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR!" type of cry....
...maybe I'm just sick of feeling intimidated to let my uniqueness AS A WOMAN, AS A DAUGHTER OF GOD shine.
Have you ever felt that way?
