“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” Melinda Gates
March 8th has come to be known as International Women’s Day. Over the past month, I have read many articles that asked varying questions concerning the merits of celebrating such a day. Some wrote about the fact that instead of championing women, this day seems to continue to victimize and demean the true worth of women. Some asked the question why motherhood was seemingly not part of the celebration when it came to the contribution of women upon society. Some brought awareness to the plight of ladies in countries where the inherent value of women is still not recognized. It was all very thought provoking for someone like me who has a heart for women to know their true value in the eyes of God and to see their gifts used to better the world around them.
I was reminded of a young lady I met about six months ago. Hatu walked into the church office to sell me on using her company to order our office supplies. I couldn’t help but notice how vibrant and alive she seemed. She laughed loudly and was wide open with her questions. She noticed the ring that I was wearing and asked about it. Given the name the “Deborah Ring,” it was specially made to remind ladies of who they are in Christ. I explained to her that we had some for sale and the proceeds went toward our missions efforts. Hatu was mesmerized and asked if non-Christians could be a part of our mission’s teams?
I have to tell you, I absolutely loved that she asked that question, so I began asking her more questions. Come to find out, Hatu is originally from India and has highly valued her opportunities in the States. She talked about how she didn’t believe in God because of experiencing what Indian women go through all in the name of religion. Her great-grandmother had been expected to throw herself on her husband’s funeral pyre when he died so that she wouldn’t be a burden to the family as a widow. Because she refused to be burned to death, she was ostracized. (See the article below pertaining to the practice of Sati).
We ended up using her services which allowed me to have several different conversations with Hatu. All of them were honest, raw, and extremely insightful into the value of women in the Indian culture. Hatu didn’t want to simply marry a man and settle down in village life. She moved to the States so that she could grow as a person and marry a man who wanted her as a true companion – a man that wasn’t afraid of allowing her to become something more than the limited view of her worth in India. This lady was stunningly brave in my eyes.
I have had my struggles in learning my own worth over the years. I have also had to struggle through all of the different ideas of what God has designed a woman to be from others who were simply struggling through the idea themselves. It is taught in some Christian circles that Adam is created in God’s image, but Eve is created in Adam’s image since she was taken from his side. When I have heard this taught, it had to do with Eve’s inherit worth. Although there is truth to the statement that Eve was taken from Adam’s DNA, ladies – let me say to you – you truly are created in the image of God just as Adam. “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27.
It is important to keep in mind that the purpose of the Old Testament is to point to Jesus. Certainly, the story of Adam and Eve is the accurate account of the creation of mankind. But in a Messianic sense, Adam is a picture of Jesus who is incomplete without his bride (the Church). Creation is accomplished and God rests. But after the finality of the creation week, Father says to Adam, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18.
Adam is put into a deep sleep and out of his pierced side his bride is brought forth. For those who can see it, it is a beautiful picture of the formation of the church that will be birthed out of the crucifixion of the spotless lamb who takes away the sin of the world. With this in mind, all of mankind find their inherent value in the truth that we are created in the image of God and that image is only restored through being reborn into the Kingdom through faith in Christ.
Why is this important in the discussion of International Women’s Day? Because if we understood that the struggle that we see played out across the world is a spiritual one, we could ask the right questions and give the right answers. The battle between the sexes is a result of the curse. The answer to the struggles is found within the boundaries of salvation. It is the gospel message that levels the playing field for all that are marginalized and under-valued.
Are there differences in men and women – yes. Are we to learn in marriage to walk together according to God’s design – yes. Is the motherhood question a valuable one to ask – certainly!
But, we have other questions to ask as well. As the church, we should never forget those that are being devalued and discarded. We are the only ones with the true message that sets both men and women free.
Not free to do what we want – free to be who we were created to be.
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