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Last week was International Women's day...to be honest, I didn't know that was a thing until I hopped on social media, but now I know-so happy belated international women's day! Conveniently enough, I just finished a book on Biblical womanhood that I enjoyed so much I couldn't wait to tell you all about it!
During our Winter Conference this year, there was a seminar breakout session dedicated to the topic of women in leadership, and what the Word says about womanhood. I told the woman presenting to print off about 80 copies of her notes to give to students wanting to follow along. 80 copies for 80 students, right? To say I underestimated the interest in this topic would be, well, an understatement. Over 300 students (male and female) crammed into the seminar room eager to hear what she had to teach on the subject. She and I were both amazed. I quickly realized the subject of Biblical womanhood is one students are desperately hungry to learn about. They have a deep desire to know what God's Word says and how the beliefs of their pastors, friends, and churches align (or don't align) with the Bible on this topic. So on International Women's Day, as I scrolled through posts and news articles celebrating the occasion, I was intrigued by the way society and culture (both Christian and non-Christian) portray womanhood. I've started paying attention to these messages about womanhood, especially now that we are raising a little lady of our own. As she grows up in these times of feminism and "girl power", I have begun to realize how important it is to have a Biblical understanding of what it really means to be a woman. Because, if I'm honest, many of the messages I see in the media and world today about what it looks like to be a woman are more harmful than helpful. I have begun to see in my own life the lies I so easily believe at times- including the lies that women can "have it all," children are a hindrance to success, and a plethora of other subtle messages that have found their way into my mind. This year I have learned so much about Biblical womanhood and what it looks like to live a Godly life as a wife/mom/friend, and woman of the Lord. He has been showing me what it means to live out Proverbs 31 (and not in a cliche, cheesy way...but a real, sanctifying, beautiful way). I've learned what Psalm 127 means when it says that children are a reward, a blessing, and "like arrows in the hands of a warrior." I am seeing the ways I find identity in work...when I feel like pursuing leadership positions and job titles are more valuable and worthy than caring for the tiny soul He has entrusted to me and Jake. The Lord is showing me Scripture that I would often rather ignore because acknowledging it as truth is hard and uncomfortable. He is helping me see my sin as He sees it, which has made the truth of Romans 8:1 sweeter to me than ever before. I love having the privilege of raising a little lady, and it is our prayer that she grows into a beautiful, Godly woman who loves the Lord with all her heart. The Accidental Feminist by Courtney Reissig is a book that boldly and courageously points women to Scripture while uncovering the lies we so often believe about being a woman. She brings up truth that is true but hard to hear, and I loved it!
Courtney isn't ashamed of the Bible, and cares enough about the spiritual growth of the reader that she is willing to present challenging, Scripture-based truth even though it goes against many of the messages culture (including pop Christian culture) tells us. She gently, gracefully, and truthfully tackles topics such as marriage, motherhood, modesty, womanhood, feminism, and a variety of others. Using Scripture as a foundation, she helps the reader begin to see how warped our view of womanhood has become, how beautiful true Biblical womanhood can be, and the hope of restoration that is found through Christ and the Gospel. The Accidental Feminist is powerful, but easy to read. Courtney's writing style is personable, vulnerable, and caring. As I read her writing, I felt like I was in the room having a conversation with her! She gives a brief history of feminism before bringing to light some of the harmful messages feminism has placed in our hearts. Although she is firm in how the Bible contradicts many of the messages of modern feminism, she writes in a voice that is gentle and thought through. My rating? 5/5 This book has been sanctifying in my life and has pointed me to Christ and the Word. It has reminded me the importance of discernment and wisdom as we are bombarded with cultural messages every day. I was also impressed with how applicable this book is to women of any age and life stage. Courtney is intentional in each topic she addresses to include specifics for single women, married women, and women with or without children. And a final note...for a book about a topic as hot and current as feminism, it is critical to approach this book with a humble and teachable heart! Whenever we come across things we find challenging, we have to remember to hold them up to what God's Word says and not solely what our personal preferences may be :) *Links provided through Amazon Associates.* |
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