Sitting at the Feet of God

Have you ever been hanging out with a loved one or visiting a friend, and suddenly, they're on their phones engrossed in whatever is on the screen? If it happened only occasionally, it might not be a big deal, but it probably gets aggravating if it happens often, almost as if they'd rather be somewhere else or with someone else. There's a disconnect despite the fact you're sitting in the same room.

Okay, here's another scenario. You show up with chicken fried rice for dinner, and your spouse gets upset because they'd rather have Lo Mein tonight. You'll probably end up saying that they could've told you earlier, right? You can't exactly read minds.

However, it brings up an important point about relationships: Communication is super important, and since we're made in God's image, you should know it's important to Him too. Although God can totally read your mind, He wants you to reach out to Him, to ask Him if you want or need something. It's not a guarantee you'll get it (God actually does know better than you about what you need), but it IS a guarantee you'll get closer to Him.

Everyone knows about prayer, but what is prayer exactly? Also, is whispering words to the heavens the only form of communication with God?

The best way to answer "God questions" is to look to the Bible; it is one of God's many ways of communicating with us. I've found many holy people in that book who've prayed; in fact, it seems to be the most favored way of speaking with God. They've joyfully shouted, sobbed, wailed, ranted in anger, whispered in fear, and questioned God's motives with great trepidation. One thing I've noticed is that they poured their hearts out to God, even if what was on their hearts was morally unstable. They communicated to God, and you know what? Without fail, God communicated right back: not necessarily right away.

What do you do if you have a problem in any relationship? You should be bringing it up with the other party, right? Same deal with God. Look no further than the book of Job or several instances when Moses spoke with God in the desert.

There are times when we don't know what to pray, but we still long to connect to God.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." Romans 8:26

Yes, prayer with words isn't the only way to speak with God.

"And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpet." 2 Samuel 6:14-15

"Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. Miriam answered them, "Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea." Exodus 15:20-21

"And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and said to Moses, 'The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.'" Exodus 36:4-5

These are a few of the many examples of how people "spoke" with God. Dance, song (which oftentimes served as storytelling as well), using our skills to serve, or giving as much of ourselves and our resources as we can in order to praise our Creator. See, God doesn't always speak with us in words. He isn't limited in this way, and we must keep not only our ears but our eyes, minds, and hands open to "hear" Him because He is a multi-sensory experience. So are we.

Every time you meditate on His word, you are communicating with God. Every time you create something in order to praise Him, serve Him, or help others with your work, you are communicating with God. Every time you meet with His other followers to worship Him and help each other walk His path, you are communicating with God. Those moments when you're in the car singing a praise song, you are communicating with God. Even thoughtfully cleaning your house and cooking meals to serve your family, taking care of your children, and raising them in His ways are many other ways to "speak" with God.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When you mindfully do things which you know will please God, you are praying without words.

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7

You don't have to know all the right things to say. In fact, you don't have to "say" anything at all. Make sure you take the time to be truly alone with Him when you can.

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6

The times when God have spoken with me are innumerable. He comes to me mostly in my quiet moments, not because He can't communicate in a crowd, but rather because I'm less likely pay attention when He does. His words may come in the form of music, a gentle breeze, a bird landing nearby, a commercial, a photo, a simple word whispered in my mind, etc.. He knows the right way to communicate with me so I will understand.

"‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’" Jeremiah 33:3

One of my favorite ways to pray is to just sit in silence and pay attention to the here and now. Sometimes, my mind feels like it's running constantly with too many thoughts scrambling around. I like to think I'm just hanging out with God in comfortable silence. Sometimes, I think of something to say to Him during our moment; sometimes, He speaks to me. Most of the time, it's just peaceful quality time with someone I love.

Bottom line is there's no excuse to not communicate and spend time with God. There's no wrong or right way to do it. He longs to hear from you even if it's just a reiteration of your day. Worship and prayer go hand-in-hand, and if you do everything with Him in mind, you are spending time with one another and communicating your love for Him. Believe me, if you pay attention, you'll see He's always communicating His love to you.

Anxiety & Depression: It's Ok to NOT Be Ok

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34

In the ebb and flow of life, there are times and situations where we all fall into despair or pull our hair in anxiety. It's a normal reaction to the darkness of the world. This is not our final destination, this is not our true home, and we are surviving in the acidic environment of humanity's many downfalls. The above verse helped me through many times and continues to do so, which is why I posted it in its entirety.

There are also those of us who have "imbalances" in our body chemistry that causes higher levels of worry, fear, and depression even during times of relative calm. I firmly believe that these are the attributes of those people with higher levels of empathy and soulful connection to others in ways we don't yet understand.

Either because of circumstances or the make of their bodies, there have been innumerable Biblical characters who've shared in their fair share of the darkest valleys. Every time, there's been a repeated message from God.

Elijah:

"He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors.'" 1 Kings 19:4

He ran away from Jezebel and her threats of death, tired and afraid for his life. Though he fled despite God's instructions, God showed up with a gentle heart. He first sent an angel who laid down sustenance for him. This is when God tells him to wait for him on the mountain.

"Then, a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'" 1Kings 19:11-13

God was in the soft whisper, always by Elijah's side no matter what his state of mind.

Jonah:

"Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live...I am angry enough to die." Jonah 4:3-9

Instead of rejoicing at the people's turn around at his prophecy, he despaired that he would no longer be considered a true prophet since his prophecy didn't come true. Despite his obstinate behavior, God showed up with a gentle heart.

"There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant." Jonah 4:5-6

God also used the plant to give Jonah a message on anger, but He'd stayed by Jonah's side through the good and bad times.

Moses:

He killed an Egyptian without due process and fled for his life for forty years. When God showed up in a burning bush, Moses seemed to find himself unworthy based on past failures, and God never stated he was worthy. This is important to remember.

"But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The Lord has not appeared to you.' then Moses said to the Lord, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Exodus 4:1-14

It was through Moses' weaknesses not his strengths, that God would show His grace and power. Again, after the Israelites were wailing over their hunger, Moses stated:

"I am not able to bear all these people alone. The burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now if I have found favor in Your sight and do not let me see my wretchedness!" Numbers 11:10-15

These are the words of a man in despair. Yet, God showed up with a gentle heart.

"I will take some of the power of the spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone." Numbers 11:17

Moses is still ranting and ruminating on his problems when God cuts in.

"Is the Lord's arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you." Numbers 11:23

So, He got a little snarky with Moses (which is hilarious to me), but He was always there for Moses and ready to lift his troubles. All Moses had to do was ask. What's equally memorable about this and the others who yell and rave at God is that He is always listening with patience and never do I find Him getting angry just because they are upset. He understands and wants them to pour their heart out, even if it's anger toward Him.

Job:

Ah, yes, good ol' Job. We can't speak on anxiety and depression without mentioning him.

"Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" Job 3:11

"I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil." Job 3:26

"I loathe my very life, therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in then bitterness of my soul." Job 10:1

"Terrors overwhelm me... my life ebbs away, days of suffering grip me. Night pierces my bones, my gnawing pains never rest." Job 30:15-17

His book is a plethora of depression and anxiety and no wonder as everything and everyone had been taken from him, except his wife. Yet, he blames God for all this. God shows up in full effect, and honestly, you need to read the full reply to understand how awesome it really is.

" Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
'Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?

...Surely you know, for you were already born!
You have lived so many years!

...Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me.'" Job 38-44

Yet, He, again, shows up with a gentle yet stern heart. He sets the record straight and good thing, since He's the only One who can set Job's life right again, which He certainly does.

David:

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11

David lost both of his sons, Saul was forever chasing him, and he had guilt of sin that tormented him. He asks a controversial question, "Why have you forgotten (or forsaken) me?" (Psalm 42:9).

Again, God steps in with a gentle heart. The fact is, God considered David a "man after my own heart." Do you really think He forsook him? God says, "My love will never be taken away from him." (2 Samuel 7:15)

God established David as king of Israel and promised him that his kingdom would endure forever. (Some claim Queen Elizabeth and her family are direct descendants of David, but that is a controversial subject.) Point is, God would not only be by David's side forever but also by all of his descendants.

Jesus:

Yep, Jesus.

David's Psalm 42 is nearly identical to Psalm 22 that was spoken by Jesus on the cross.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Psalm 22:1

This is said by Jesus while in agony on the cross; dying for our sins, He stood for all of us sinners feeling lost and abandoned. There is an answer to that question.

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Just because you can't see God in the darkness doesn't mean He isn't there. In fact, Jesus says this:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

In Isaiah's prophecy of Jesus, he is described as "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Is. 53:3

The night before He was captured, when no one else but Him knew what the next day would entail, Jesus was understandably upset.

"'My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death, remain here and keep watch.' and He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying 'Abba, Father! All things are possible for You, remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.' then, an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground." Luke 22:41-44

What's sad is that although He'd been there for us all through our tribulations again and again, as documented in the Bible, His disciples could not even keep their eyes open to comfort Him in His distress. Yet, He wasn't alone. The Father and the angels He sent were there for Him.

Here are some other times God reminds us that He will always be there, even through our darkest days:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

God reminds us that through doing our purpose in life, loving and caring for others, our spirits will lift as well:

“'Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday... then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.' The mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 58:1-14

Please remember, dear soul, whatever you're going through that God is with you even if you can't see Him. Forget that old saying, "God will never give you more than you can handle." It's a lie. God never tests you nor gives you evil, but the dark world will definitely give you more than you can handle alone. That is when you need to lean on the One who can handle anything. Give it to HIM. In the same way God wanted to show His grace and power through Moses' weaknesses, He wants to show the same through yours. Don't hold the world on your shoulders. You weren't made that way. God made the world, however, so He can lift your worries while sustaining you in ways you never knew you needed. Be still and listen to that gentle whisper because there is God, forever by your side.

Marriage Part II: Let's Talk About...

In my first blog about marriage and how it reflects the Trinity, it didn't really capture the multi-layered relationship that exists between couples. Ideally, marriage isn't just a symbol, and it isn't a two-dimensional, stale institution devoid of emotion. If it is for you, your relationship doesn't exactly live up to its potential as created by God. Let's return to the idea that God created an equal companion to man. He'd been busy creating and then declaring his creations good repeatedly until this moment. Suddenly, after creating man he broke this pattern and stated it "wasn't good that man should be alone." It wasn't until He created a female counterpart that He said his creation of humanity was good.

Of course, us women are amazing.

However, it wasn't just because of our general awesomeness that He declared humanity good and complete. It was because, now, man had a friend, a helper, a lover, and a person whose strengths matched his weaknesses. If you focus on the "help-meet" part, you miss the point. Animals can be excellent helpers in many ways for riding long distances, carrying heavy things, and even delivering messages (carrier pigeons are pretty cool). Yet, despite their ability to snuggle, they would never carry the same mental and emotional support another person would. Enter: women. We're all about that mental and emotional support... generally speaking.

Passion: It isn't always sexual. It's part of the drive for connection between a couple. It can come out in many ways through various emotions. Marriage can be like a rollercoaster; love, passion, and trust are what forms the safety bars and belts to keep us inside the ride.

We can't speak on passion without mentioning the Song of Solomon, the book of the Bible most likely to make you blush. We won't go into all the breasts like towers or gazelle necks (I'm sure it sounds more poetic in the original language). Song of Solomon has been interpreted to signify everything from romance to politics to the relationship between God and Israel. If you read it as a layperson, however, you'll agree it seems like a simple love song, meant to be sung as a duet. When you were a teen, did you ever write about a crush in your diary or journal? Bet it sounded like this.

"Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love." Song of Solomon 2:5

Gotta love the spirit of young love in this book, but it illustrates perfectly the passion and joy a married couple is meant to experience.

"Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste." Song of Solomon 2:3

After all, God created both pious love and romance, friendship and lovers. There's nothing scandalous in it.

"Let him kiss me with kisses of his mouth - for your love is more delightful than wine." Song of Solomon 1:2

That's probably because, in my opinion, wine tastes disgusting, but the point is that the two are drunk off their love for each other. The point is: marriage is about all of this. Of course, there's a point in life when we are all just a little older and a little less likely to scamper for each other's embrace.

"Listen! My beloved! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills." Song of Solomon 2:8

We shouldn't lose that joy for each other even in mature love. Our marriage may be less showy leaves and overhanging branches and more deep-reaching roots, like two trees that tangle one to the another until they are in essence one.

Yes, romance and lust are holy. I know this concept may push against all things you've been taught, at least by the world. In fact, in the past, religion, especially Christianity, became crossed with worldly confusion to the point passion and sex were considered a taboo topic, even within matrimony. It still is an uncomfortable subject for many. This is why I'm writing this today. They are but a reflection of the passion and joy that lies within the unity of the Trinity.

Here's a good place to discuss actual sexual immorality. I'm not going to describe what that encompasses for the sake of propriety (You can look that up easily in the Bible). However, I will state that immorality and sin are actions that cause harm, even if you can't see it immediately. Sexual immorality is mainly harmful to the soul.

There is confusion concerning a separation between body and soul. That, actually, is a Greek philosophy, not a God idea, despite the fact that some churches have adopted the concept. Either the body was typically seen as the evil that the soul was fighting against or the body's actions was seen as separate and, therefore, not affecting the soul. Both of those ideas are wrong.

As described by the Bible, there exists no duality in our being. We are a being of clay infused with God's breath and spirit. When Jesus was resurrected, they didn't find His body and then come across His soul in the street. His body was gone from the grave. Then, Jesus showed back up WITH His body when the disciples ran into Him later. This makes the idea of coming back to life even wilder. You see what you get, guys.

When you commit sexual immorality, you are committing it with your soul, your entire being. Likewise, when it says to treat your body as a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), that's because treating your body well is also treating your soul well. Consider this: If you and your spouse "become one" (Mark 10:8) and you sin, aren't you also sinning against your spouse? Interesting.

Aside from immorality, passion and romance is holy and an act of unity between two souls in love. It is what God intended for us to experience in marriage.

I wrote a poem while back that I'll share with you today because it wraps this subject up well. Whether you take it to mean romantic passion or holy fervor is up to you. (Disclaimer: I write poetry for fun not perfection.)

**

I, your flame

I burn
I burn, a kindled fire
Out of control
Flames lick my arms
Travel up my legs
Escape from the top of my head
Like a torch, lighting up the dark night
This dark night
Our grim life
Yet I burn
and You, a wind, fuel my inner flame
You, a hurricane, sweep my inferno into the skies
The stars dim in the passion
I am utterly without shame now
You are my storm
I am your blaze
Caught up in the fury of your joy

**

Feminist Christian: An Oxymoron?

You've possibly read the book "The Handmaiden's Tale" or even watched the new show. It's a sci-fi dystopian story about a futuristic U.S. which has become an overwhelmingly patriarchal society, deeming women as basically objects for procreation. It's pretty disturbing, to say the least. The worst part of it isn't really the men who carry out this crushing oppression, but the women who subject their own gender to those demeaning roles.

Watching the show (it's been a while since I've read the book), I noticed how the camera would pan to things like churches or religious objects. It made me think, what does God have to do with misogynists? Do people think being a feminist Christian is an oxymoron?

Of course people think this of religion. Many people have not represented God very well in this aspect as they succumb to corruption and power-hungry domination.

It's sad that people think of God as a misogynist because who said God was male? The Bible uses male pronouns as a way to indicate power and authority. The world is patriarchal. Language has adapted to that.

I personally don't believe he's either gender. He's a being above procreation and so has no need for Earthly gender. Why would He hate or denigrate females? Ok, let's look at the moment of creation, when humans were created.

"The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18

Let's look at the Hebrew meanings of the words translated as helper and suitable, shall we?

Helper: Azar = help, further, ally, support, protect, restrain

Suitable: Nagad = in front of, in sight of, opposite to, comparable to as in mate

He needed a being "comparable" or equal to man. So, he created a woman. That's right. The above verse is basically stating that women are equal to men. Notice also that he says it's not good for men to be alone. That's because we are made to be supported, love, and in community with others, just as God is in the Trinity. We are made in His image, after all. Together, men and women share life together.

So, equal means the same, right? Why not just make another man or something? Okay, no. Notice one way to translate the Hebrew word for "suitable" is "opposite to." Another good word might be complementary. The strengths and weaknesses of each offset the strengths and weaknesses of the other. Women are physically weaker (generally) but mental gymnasts (multi-tasking and high pain tolerance for the win!). Men are mental marathoners (singular focus) with low pain tolerance (generally) but more physical prowess. There's a lot more to our complementary features, and they differ from individual to individual.

So, they were equal companions, though different, in the Garden of Eden until everything fell apart. There are hints that their relationship was never the same either. Notice what God says as he throws them out of Eden:

"The LORD God said to the serpent,
'Because you have done this,
Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you will go,
And dust you will eat
All the days of your life;
And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel.'"

This is BIG. The serpent is representative of evil and the fruits of evil. Although he harms Eve's children (that is all of us), her seed will harm him. Yes, that would be Jesus. Please note that, although much of the Bible focuses on the male lineage and how father begat son, God focuses on Eve here. She is the beginning of the end for Satan, and Mary, another female, will physically bring that Hope into the world.

"To the woman He said,
'I will greatly multiply
Your pain in childbirth,
In pain you will bring forth children;
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you.'"

So, it seems that Adam's authority over Eve wasn't truly fleshed out in the garden. Now, women will be more focused on serving their husbands, and husbands will naturally stand in the dominant role. (Side note: Check out my last post on Marriage to read how marriage reflects the Trinity.)

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’;
Cursed is the ground because of you;
In toil you will eat of it
All the days of your life.
“Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you;
And you will eat the plants of the field;
By the sweat of your face
You will eat bread,
Till you return to the ground,
Because from it you were taken;
For you are dust,
And to dust you shall return.'
Now the man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living." Genesis 3:14-20

Now, men are the breadwinners for the household, which has held historically true. Adam was to give name to every being on Earth. So, he names her Eve, which is "khav-vaw" in Hebrew: life-giver. This has a double meaning that honors her and the hope she holds within her. She gives birth to the nations, sure. However, I believe he was also focused on the fact that she is the first of a line that leads directly to the true Life-Giver, Jesus. They were thrown out and are in the depths of despair, so it is at this moment Adam holds onto the hope God has given them: "...her seed; He shall bruise you (Satan) on the head." God will turn their evil back to good again one day.

As time passed, there were many more notable females born to bear God's legacy. Most of them, just like the men of the Bible, serve as examples of what God and His people stand for, but let's look at the strongest women.

Ruth displayed a love and loyalty to her mother-in-law after their husbands' deaths. She stated, "For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Ruth 1:16-17 This is a great example of how one can follow the unity of the Trinity even outside of marriage. Through her actions, she shows the loyalty and permanence that God also has for us, and she is brave though she doesn't know where life may lead them next.

As mentioned in the post about submission, Esther, wife of King Ahasuerus and queen of Persia, secretly lived as a Jewish woman in a pagan court. When her blood-hungry husband was going to kill her people, she risked death by approaching him to fight for their lives. (Esther 4-5)

Hagar, an Egyptian servant, was neglected and abused for jealousy's sake. Although she was abandoned to the wilderness just as she needed support the most, soon after having her son, Hagar held onto her faith and love of God, and He pulled her and her child through those difficult circumstances. (Genesis 16-21)

Mary Magdalene is a popular name; and although people state she was a prostitute, it never states that anywhere in the Bible. She was, however, financially secure and somewhat independent for her time period, and after Jesus had delivered her from possession of demons, Mary made sure to financially support Him and His ministry. She is also a main witnesses to Jesus as she was present during the crucifixion, burial, empty tomb, and Jesus, risen again from the grave. Her importance is undeniable. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

I believe Martha and Mary perfectly show two types of female disciples. Jesus visited them and their brother Lazarus in Bethany. They were both very faithful, but they were very different women. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus to converse, just like the other male disciples, while Martha scurried around serving them dinner and making Him comfortable. They were both serving Him in different ways, and Jesus expressed his joy in them both. Some of us just aren't domestic, and that's ok. (Luke, John)

There are some verses people like to pull out in order to "prove" that the Bible is misogynist, but here's a couple big ones:

"But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." 1 Timothy 2:12

"As in all the congregations of the saints, women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church." 1 Corinthians 14: 33-35

Yikes. But, wait. What about these verses?

"He (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately." Acts 18:26

If it isn't clear enough, Priscilla is a female, and she taught Apollos along with her husband Aquila. Unconventionally, in a culture where men are in a place of authority, Priscilla's name is mentioned before her husband's. This may mean nothing or everything, but some sources state this means she was the more prominent teacher. Paul was very confident of the couple's teaching capabilities as stated in 1 Cor. 16:19. He names them both as church leaders in Ephesus.

"I commend to your our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worth of his people and to give her any help she may need from you for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me ." Roman 16:1-2

Pheobe was in an important position of her church, and some believe she served in the same capacity as Paul, Apollos, Tychicus, and many others also mentioned in the Bible. The word "benefactor" is also translated as "presiding officer" in some Bibles.

How about Deborah, a prophetess, military warrior, and judge who held the greatest authority in Israel during her time. Plus, as one source states, "She is also one of the few judges of whom the Bible reports no failures."* (Judges 4,5) She was not the only prophetess in the old or new testament. Consider Miriam who was sent alongside Moses and Aaron before the Pharaoh (Micah 6:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22 & 2 Chronicles 34) who fearlessly gives a grim prophesy to a king of whom she unceremoniously refers as "the man" instead of his title ("Tell the man who sent you to me"), Isaiah's wife who gives birth to a son with an extra long name (Isaiah 8:3; Seriously, look it up.), Anna who bears witness to the baby Jesus, joyfully telling everyone of His birth (Luke 2:36-38), and the daughters of Phillip (Acts 21:8-9). A prophet or prophetess was not simply a "foreteller" as many think of them. They are people who speaks God's truth to others, typically serving as both teacher and revelator with their especially close relationship to the Creator.

There are many mentions of females in leadership or teaching positions of churches and synagogues in the New Testament. It's likely they allowed women to serve in those positions because of Jesus' attitude toward female disciples. See the many instances female disciples are spoken as following Jesus throughout Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Some travelled with Jesus and some stayed behind in their homes but still served Him. There were many names unmentioned, but here are those who were: Mary Magdelene, Mary Salome, Mary and Martha (What's up with all the Marys?), The Three Marys (ha!), Joanna, Susanna, Priscilla, Tabitha, Lydia, Phoebe, Junia, Trypehna, Julia, Nympha, and Apphia. Many unnamed women also received the Holy Spirit during the Pentecost. Discipleship, if you're unaware, is a student position that eventually leads to teaching. These females spread the gospel through TEACHING.

So, whatever that first verse meant (and there are many who disagree), it did NOT mean that ALL women couldn't teach. Consider it may have had something to do with the place or circumstances of which we are unaware. If the author had something against all women teaching the gospel, it sure doesn't mesh with the rest of their teachings. It's important to understand that the Bible was written in a time of extreme patriarchy where people, even women, were less likely to listen to a female (who generally had no formal education like her male peers). They were called to not even give the appearance of wrong-doing so that others would be more likely to listen to God's message through them. The females within the Bible and those who weren't, whether teacher, deacon, prophetess, or simple disciple, sometimes had to fight twice as hard against the unholy culture of their time in order to be God's light in the world.

If you ever hear that the Bible, God, or Christianity is misogynist or against females in any way, understand that the WORLD is against God and will lie in many ways to turn you against Him. Do not let them make you underestimate your place in God's will or undermine the power He has placed within you. You are the hope of the world. Women, be the light and love, and shine bright.






Sources besides the Bible:
http://newlife.id.au/equality-and-gender-issues/did-priscilla-teach-apollos/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_disciples_of_Jesus

http://newlife.id.au/equality-and-gender-issues/did-priscilla-teach-apollos/