We tried. We really did. We embraced education, careers, prominence. We despised all relationships and responsibilities that would hold us back. We moved marriage, mothering, and homemaking from the top of our lists to the bottom–or crossed them off altogether. After all, we were so much more enlightened than our fore sisters were. The world had revolved around men, but it was our turn now.
As we sang we'd glare at the boys, while digging our heels into the ground, giving the impression of grinding them into powder. I doubt we understood the song's content, and although our little game may have been innocent, in actuality, we girls loved the feeling of power brought on by this early form of ‘male bashing.’
Even though Jody Gates of Lafayette, New York, wasn’t able to attend the True Woman ’08 conference, she has taken Nancy’s challenge to heart and is spreading the message.
Until we present our young women with a new and beautiful vision of womanhood–a biblical vision . . . a high and noble vision that speaks to their true identity and purpose–they will continue to pursue the modern sexualized ideal, and slither further down the slippery slope.
"If I could pray one thing for tweens, it would be that at their age, they can grasp how much Jesus loves them. If they really can grasp that and have that God-confidence . . . man, it will be life-changing!"
Every morning, Maryann wakes up and thanks God for the cross. It’s the centerpiece of her life. Maryann was raised in a Christian family. However, in high school she got absorbed into the drug and party culture, and found out she was pregnant at the age of 17. She had an abortion, which she kept a secret for 15 years, before specifically confessing her sin.
After attending the True Woman conference last fall, Becky was so fired up that she wanted to tell all the women she knew. So, she posted a note on Facebook sharing how True Woman had impacted her life—and urging all her friends to get on board with the movement . . .
There’s one Southern phrase that I’m quite drawn to: “Steel Magnolia.” I love the phrase, because to me it speaks to the essence of womanhood. The image melds beauty with perseverance, softness with backbone, delicacy with durability, sweetness with stamina.
I’m pushing a lawn mower, biceps flexed, wearing a t-shirt I’ve earned by waking up before dawn to detassle in the cornfields. Yes, I feel good about myself and my strength.
Jill wanted to be a part of women’s ministry in the United States. True Woman ’08 gave her some ideas, but it wasn’t until a “chance” encounter one morning at church that God really showed her how to get started.
Today, let's consider how we express our femininity in more substantive ways than time spent in malls, dressing up for dates, collecting hundreds of lipstick colors, or the love of “Southern Living” décor.
I tiptoed into the expansive, elegant great room at The Lodge this morning, to catch a bit of Revive Our Hearts’ first Women’s Ministry Directors' Retreat. Eleven women were standing in a circle, each holding a large sheet of paper . . .
Why not dress him in some of my old dresses, complete with a purse? We could let his hair grow long; no one would ever know the difference. We could call him . . . Erica!
It reminds me of sitting at the supper table as a little girl, shoveling the last bite of food into my mouth, and saying to Mom in one fast, slurred syllable, “ThankyouforthegoodmealmayIbeexcused?” I always said it. Every night . . .