And God Created …Woman!

In case you didn’t know, today is officially International Women’s Day, “ a global day celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present and future”. I’m thankful that, although we have a long way to go in many countries and cultures, women are being respected and valued more and more for who they are, what they offer, and what they think. We have more rights, choices and opportunities than we have ever had (which can sometimes be overwhelming!).

I’m especially thankful that the God of the Bible values women. A lot.

Take the creation of man and woman, for example.

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and FEMALE He created them. Gen 1: 27

I like what Shaunti Feldhaun in The Life Ready Woman says:

“ ..if God created the universe as Genesis says He did and you believe it, then you find yourself called to embrace a breathtaking dignity and fixed meaning to your life and to your womanhood. You are purposeful, designed, intentional, and God has put you here because He is out to achieve something in the gender He wrapped you in.” (p. 53)

And God thinks women are extremely capable and valuable, too. When God says ‘It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him”, he is not talking about a tag-a-long, picking up after the man. He uses the Hebrew word for helper that is the same word He uses for Himself, as a ‘helper’ to mankind.  Isn’t that amazing? We women are a force to be reckoned with! ;) I believe that when both men and women live up to their God given purposes, great marriages and great changes around the world result. I want my life to look like that.

I am looking forward to reading the book Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James. I heard James on a podcast the other day and am definitely putting her book on my wish list.

Book Description: “Women comprise at least half the world, and usually more than half the church, but so often Christian teaching to women either fails to move beyond a discussion of roles or assumes a particular economic situation or stage of life. This all but shuts women out from contributing to God’s kingdom as they were designed to do. Furthermore, the plight of women in the Majority World demands a Christian response, a holistic embrace of all that God calls women and men to be in his world.”

So, Happy International Women’s Day to all my sisters out there!  Celebrate your value!