A Woman’s Place Is... (surprising the skeptics)

Might as well, jump right into this conversation. Is there a more cringey way to start a conversation than “a woman’s place is…?” Rarely does anything productive or good come from that line because we’re tired of being “put in our place” by anyone other than God. What if we agree to start a conversation?

There will be skeptics and naysayers

I know this is a touchy subject, but we need to say the things we’ve been thinking. Avoiding hard conversations only prolongs your distress.

None of us were handed a job description to become a good woman at birth.

With every bit of love and grace, hear me say this. Allowing someone other than God to determine how you fit into his kingdom is disobedience to God’s will. No one else is responsible for your faith.

People will say women should be a lot of things. Others will gladly tell you what you should not be. And their intentions may be honorable and their words may bear weight, but every single one of us is subject to our human limitations. We simply might be wrong.

Do not let the skeptics and naysayers divert your path away from God’s perfect will in your life.

Buttons Center — Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Wait a minute, who else was with Jesus?

Quickly, he rises to influence. At the absolute right time, Jesus begins his ministry on earth and assembles his team (I mean formal ministry of course because he is Jesus and has been working since the beginning.). Looming ahead 3 years, their deadline is daunting given the work to be done.

Peter, Andrew, James, and John—off the boats, let’s go. (Matt. 4:18-22) Matthew, taxes can wait. Follow me. (Matt. 9:9) In all, twelve are named as the apostles chosen to assist Jesus and his work—Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas.

Into the world they go—teaching, preaching, and healing.

But, they weren’t alone. Yes, there were probably a lot of “disciples” who shared in Jesus’ ministry and we normally only reference the 12 disciples.

“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons…” (Matt. 20:20)

We know that James and John, the sons of Zebedee, immediately left their family on his fishing boat to follow Jesus and become his disciples. Apparently, their mother joined them as well, even earning the right to openly make requests to Jesus.

“There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” (Matt. 27:55-56)

In Jesus’ world, a woman’s place was near him and his ministry. These women were close to him, his teachings, and his works. Even in death, they remained loyal to him.

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A woman’s place is wherever God calls her

Here’s the good news. A woman’s place is wherever God calls her! No one role, one place, or one way defines his will for us.

Your place is exactly where God’s gifts in your life meet the needs of this world.

I cannot tell you how God designed you, that’s between the two of you. But, I assure you we need you. In all the ways I feel weak, another woman is strong. For the scenarios where I am ill-equipped, you shine. In the moments when my words falter, your presence fills the void.

God’s will is unique for each of us.

We need women who devote themselves to raising good kids and being the ones who hold our communities together. Without those who embrace God’s words and speak his truth, we’d lose valuable insight into God’s teachings. Compassion, intuition, grace, strength—in every instance they are needed and many times, with a woman’s touch.

It’s easy to doubt yourself when God’s calling is bold or uncomfortable. When you don’t see other women doing work similar to what God is asking and people in your life doubt you, it’s easy to step back and confirm.

Clarity comes from God.

Get into scripture. Pray until you have no words. Wait for his answer. Be obedient.