Our world has gone wild with a strong feminist movement... It shows up everywhere in everything! And so many of us have blindly subscribed to it without even realizing the dangers of this belief system. It seems to be a pretty good thing, right? I mean every woman should be proud of being who they are... And that is absolutely correct, but our culture has twisted this into something Yahuah never intended it to be. And now we have a world of women who have completely lost their identity in trying to create it.

Lies About Women

I'm not going to spend too much time talking about the lies, because we're here for truth. But I do think it's important to uncover some myths we have been told so we know not to subscribe. So here's a brief overview...

We live in a culture that throws us so many lies about who we are created to be. We are told that in order to be accepted by society we need to abandon the Biblical identity the Father has given us and prove that we can be the same as anyone and everyone, women and men alike. We're told that the beautiful parts of us that shine our femineity are really a boring burdensome "expectation" of old, and not a gift that has been given to us. Why should we have to be sweet and gentle and lovely?... Why can't we be harsh and brash and crude? I mean, anyone should get the chance, no matter their gender.

We have people wildly confused about their identity because they have been trying to prove to the world around them that they will not stand to be put into a box of what womanhood should look like. The truth is, we have kept ourselves from knowing what we were created to be as women. What on earth are we doing here ladies?

The Truth About Women

Okay, enough of the voices of the world. Let's stop and look at what our Father who loves us and created us has to say about who He made us to be. My favorite passage in Scripture that speaks to this is the renowned Proverbs 31... It speaks specifically to wives, but many parts apply to us single ladies as well. Let's break this down little by little. It really starts getting into what a woman should be in verse 10, but verse 3 also offers some rich insight into the role we play. Here's my key takeaways from this chapter:

"Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings." - verse 3

This passage is quoting King Lemuel as he speaks to his son. We should not seek to usurp the strength of men around us, but rather to support their strength with our own. We are given different strengths, and masculine strength and feminine strength are of equal value. But this certainly does not mean they are the same, and we should not seek to destroy that of men.

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies." - verse 10

We are told that it will be difficult to find a virtuous woman in this world... And I would say that is absolutely true. Not virtue by the world's standards, virtue by the Father's standards. Ladies, if we are His, we must walk worthy of the calling He has placed upon our lives as women.

"The heart of her husband safely trusts her, so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." -verses 11-12

If you are married or in a serious relationship (which, if you're in a serious relationship, it should be with the goal of marriage in mind), you need to honestly judge what you bring to that relationship. Do you see your husband as a burden? Do you offer him good things, or are you only interested in the good you can receive? This passage says that the heart of a virtuous woman's husband safely trusts her... He knows she will bring him good, and he doesn't even have to wonder if she will be there for him. THIS IS LOVE LADIES. This is a hard thing to look at, but it is so incredibly important. And I know, I know, don't take advice from me who has little experience... I'm just reading what Yahuah has to say about it and seeking understanding from there:)

"She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar." -verses 13-14

Skill is something that seems so lost in our modern culture, especially for women. We are created to create. This shows in childbearing obviously, but I think there is so much more to it than that. Scripture says that Yahusha is our example, and that He and the Father are one. So, why would we not want to beautifully reflect the nature of our King by using the hands he's given us to create? You do not have to be a skilled artist, or a skilled anything for that matter, to create. This verse says she willingly works with her hands. We should be willing to try new things... To gather the materials we need, wherever they may be, and make it a point to do it. Even better, we would create things for the good of our family and household. When it speaks of bringing food from afar, I think of a woman who creates beautiful meals for her family, and does the best she can with the resources she's given by putting in the necessary work.

"She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants." -verse 15

I hate getting up early. That's just the honest truth... It's not because I don't enjoy watching the sunrise, seeing the fog over the hills and trees, and getting a quiet start to my morning. I like being up in the morning, just not getting up. But- I've come to terms with the fact that I need to get over it. I do not think this passage of Scripture is saying that all women need to wake up super early and start cooking breakfast. I think it is a representation of a woman who is willing to do whatever needs done for her family. This virtuous woman described by King Lemuel seems to be much busier than we normally are in our modern society. SO... my take on it is this: It may not be necessary for you to get up early in order to accomplish the things you need to. If that's the case, I say enjoy sleeping in. But, if you are in a season where it would benefit you and your family for you to be up early, do not let your fleshly desire to stay in bed get in the way of what would most benefit your family. Seems like a trivial thing, but if it was important enough to be mentioned in the Word it's definitely worth our attention.

"She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard."- verse 16

A woman of Yahuah possesses financial wisdom. Again, this is something that is so lost in our world but is crucial to being a good steward of the resources He has given us. Having the discernment to consider something, act on it, and make it a wise investment is a treasure, and a skill we should definitely be exercising to His glory today.

"She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms."- verse 17

If we are going to be as effective as we possibly can for the kingdom of Yahuah, we cannot lose sight of our physical health. Our body is a temple for Him to dwell in and use for the purpose of carrying out His will. Now, when I say not to lose sight of your physical health, I do not mean you need to be going to the gym four times a week and getting absolutely ripped while you only eat protein shakes. This is not what the Father has intended for His people. Eat food made out of food, free from chemicals and artificial additives that He did not create our bodies to ingest. Don't just sit around all day. Be active and keep your muscles strong, and your body able to do what He needs you to do. Ultimately, just take good care of yourself. Forget the way of the world and honor your body the way Yahuah wants you to.

"She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hand to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle ... She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants."- verses 18-19, 24

This is another thing that could apply to finances but also applies to putting in the work to provide for your family. Ladies, men are not the only ones responsible for providing for the household. Our roles are different, but making a good life for your family should be a common goal in a marriage. So while men may be doing more physically laborious work, or working more full time while women are keeping the home, we still have things to offer for the welfare of our household. This takes us back to creating. Verse 18 says she sees that her merchandise is good... Learn to do things and use them for the good of your family.

"She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy."- verse 20

Your household are not all those you should be concerned with... we are told to care for everyone and love them with the same love we have been shown by our heavenly Father. Especially those in need and those who may not experience this love from anyone else. This is a heart posture more than anything. You may not have enough extra money to give someone a card full of cash, but you may have enough to ask them over for dinner with you and your family. You may not have enough time to drive them all the places they need to go, but maybe you have enough time to pray over them. It's not about what you can do for them as much as it is about who you can be for them.

"She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple."-verses 21-22

As women, we must work with our spouses to ensure that our family is prepared for hardship. When we are prepared, we don't have to be afraid. We should do the best we can with what we have for the safety and comfort of our family. And don't hear me saying comfort is a priority... It most certainly is not. But when we are good stewards of our resources, we can often achieve comfort more quickly than if we were wasteful and careless.

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land."- verse 23

This passage is one that I believe could be easily misunderstood. It is not saying that we should marry someone who is super popular and known by everyone. The Word is clear that those who are least here on earth will be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. To me, this is a portrayal of a supportive wife. We should be proud of our spouse's hard work and allow them the time and focus to progress in their profession. We should be thankful that our men work hard for us and show them we're thankful by offering our wholehearted support.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come."- verse 25

Other versions say "she laughs at the time to come"- She is content and secure because she is confident of the provisions that Yahuah has provided. We should not be women of worry... the truth is, what is there to worry about? If we know that Yahuah has provided all we need and are confident that we are diligent is being good stewards of the resources He has provided, we should be at peace in Him.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness."- verse 26

We are not meant to just talk and chatter lots and lots about nothing. We must think before we speak... A mark of wisdom is knowing when to speak and also what to say. The law of kindness should always accompany our speech, and show through everything we do, with wisdom covering it all.

"She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness."- verse 27

Mothers, this one's specifically for you. Passive parenting is something that does not honor Yahuah in any way. We need to look out for the best interest of our children and pray diligently for what the Father wants for them. And if that means holding a line that's not fun to hold or saying no sometimes, we should be willing to do whatever it takes for our children. This shows them that true love is wanting what's best for someone.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all'."- verses 28-29

If you have a husband who fears Yahuah, he will be so grateful for your efforts to please the Father. This does not mean we should get upset if our husbands and children don't shower us with praise... Again, are we looking to be greatest among men or greatest among our Creator? Just remember: you doing your part and working to play your role effectively is a valuable gift to your spouse and your family. Do not grow weary.

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears Yahuah, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."- verses 30-31

The things that make us look good to this world will vanish quickly. Walk in the fear of Yahuah, not in the fear of the world. This our purpose ladies: to be who we were created to be for HIM and no one else.

That was a lot to read through, sorry it was so long! So many good things to think on and pray for... Join me in defying the societal expectations of womanhood and pursuing what the Father has for us.

Love,

Nola:)