Concepts of a woman

I had a question posed to be recently, "How has your concept of womanhood changed since you were younger?" That really got me thinking. Of course, at a very young age, you don't think to much on this. I saw my mom. She is the hardest working woman anyone will ever meet. She is tough and self sufficient. She always knows what needs to be done... and does it.

And then there was Grandma. She always wanted people fed. Ha. I know that sounds funny, but what I am trying to say is that she wanted people to feel comfortable when they came into her home.

As I got older, the Lord blessed me with other great examples from different venues of my life. From work, to church, and even from random meetings. I took bits and pieces of each lady and wrapped this neat little package of what woman was in my mind. Where did I err? I didn't go to God's word. Who better to ask, What is a woman, then the God that created her?! (Thankfully, as I said, he did give me some great examples along the way...)

I added scripture in my last post and I will be making reference from that passage. So if you have not read it, I highly recommend it. The Scripture goes through a list of things that the older woman are to teach the younger. As I get older, I completely understand why God designed it this way. The more I learn the more I realize I fall short and don't know it all. SHOCKER! Who better to help guide me then woman who have done it before. Had the kids. Married the husband. Lived the life.

To keep this post on the shorter side, for now I just want to list the qualities that God is telling us to have. Seeking holiness (which I find it really interesting this is first...), good conversation, teaching others, sober, loving our husbands and children, discretion, chaste, keeper at home, good, and obedient to husband (calm down ladies... this isn't a bad thing).

I am beginning to study each of these separately, so later, maybe you will hear from me on them, but I realized that some of these things I do not possess or have never even admired in a woman.

To pick out a few, I can say that my sobriety has changed over the last year. I'm not saying that I finally gave up drinking! I am talking about this seriousness that has settled over me. Not that I am a downer. God wants us to have joy in our lives. Why else would he give us wonderful foods to eat, children to laugh with, and a husband to enjoy. By being sober, I am saying that I feel this sense of urgency. A seriousness in life.

There is not much time on this earth. Even if you live fr 70-80 years. I do not want to waste it with worrying. I do not want to waste it with entertainment that really does not better me, but leaves me in a worse place. I want to hold my children and teach them as much as I can. For one day, not too far off, they will be on their own. And their faith will be their own. What have I taught them of my faith?

I still have a long way to go in this area. There are times that my old anxious self creeps in. Or I just want to watch that movie that will just corrupt my mind and heart. But I am encouraged in knowing that God wants to grant us our desires and my desire is have this soberness that a woman should have.

One more thing that pops off of this list to me is being discreet. Peter and I talked briefly about this, and then I realized that he is a great example of discretion. If you have to confide in someone, he is the one. He would not yap to anyone my secrets. And he never EVER talks bad about people. I think that is why I am drawn to him. I don't always give people the benefit of the doubt and I have been known to let my tongue flap when I should be biting it. Sometimes, there is no filter between my brain and my mouth.

Gossip is not all that is involved with discretion. It's not just NOT saying or doing something... it's also knowing when someone needs an encouraging note, or smile. And doing it quietly. I am not sure if I am even making sense here. But I think it's coherent.

If you are reading this, I would encourage you to leave a comment about what woman in your life is an example to you. I will be posting that in my next blog, but I would love to hear what you all have to say.