7 Things in 7 Years: Womanhood
Every year I like to express how I've been blessed by Harvest Bible Chapel, Glasgow. So, to mark 7 years I'm going to post 7 things I have learned over the next 7 days ahead of celebrating the Church's birthday on Sunday.
Womanhood
It has become increasingly apparent to me that womanhood is growing into something that is so far removed from God's original design. I have often felt the pressure to compromise a biblical standard for a feeble social construct that promotes misguided liberation. I find myself despairing at the way biblical womanhood is being assaulted these days.
But I have these women. These wonderful, beautiful, inspirational women.
Over the past 7 years, I have found women of true substance at Harvest. These women have taught me how to be a better wife, mother, work colleague, daughter, sister and friend; all with a foundation built on an identity in Christ. I appreciate these women because they pray for me, share with me and hold me accountable. They have never been afraid to ask difficult questions or challenge me. They promote honesty and integrity and shun petty gossip and vain pursuits. They are in no way perfect, but humbly seek God's grace as they strive to live a life that glorifies him. They hold fast to solid biblical doctrine and do not feel the need to add to God's design and role for them as women. They are honest about their struggles and yet they persevere.
During my time at Harvest, I have learned the true meaning of submission, the biblical role of women in the church, what it looks like to be a helper for your husband, how to raise your children in the ways of God, and how to nurture godly virtues. We all have a long way to go, but I know that thanks to Harvest and the women in it, I am on the right road to becoming a godly woman.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:25-30