Modern women in our society

Since the turn of the last century, women’s social roles have greatly expanded. Back then women were really women. They had loving, affectionate personalities and no matter what their circumstances were, they always made sure that the needs of their families were met. However, by the mid-1900s, living conditions began to change and more and more women had to leave home and go out into the working world.

A new era had dawned for women too where their voices were increasingly heard. They wanted their rights to be treated equally. If men could vote, so could they. If men could head companies, so could they. In the process of clamouring for her rights, who she was and what she represented gradually began to fade into the background. She began to lose her identity, sense of what she was made for or even what she was capable of. She no longer remembered what her role or place in society was. In today’s society we can clearly see the results of women’s decision. Despite being known to be better leaders than men, they have sacrificed their marriages, their integrity, their self-respect, their children, all for the purpose of having to be the one at the top, the one holding more power, the one dominating.

The entertainment industry has said loud and clear that you cannot have it all if you’re a woman.

If you want to be the centre of attraction, the one in the leading role, then forget the husband, forget the kids, forget being a homemaker – indirectly they are saying – forget yourself. There is a truth that still stands today but has been forgotten by all, and that truth is: as a woman, yes, you can have your career and at the same time have your family – you can indeed have it all. The Bible shows us that Deborah was unique among the women and men of the Bible. She was a prophetess, a wife, a judge and a military leader – all in one, a combination of authority and responsibility (exactly what every woman wants). This position was held by only two other individuals in the Bible; Moses and Samuel.

This example that God has given us shows that we as women can be entrusted with much. We can be entrusted with the responsibility of making a difference without losing sight of who we are or losing the characteristics proper to us which are being discreet, respectful, dedicated, admirable, caring, compassionate and above all feminine. The order of her titles shows where her priorities lie: Prophetess, wife, judge and military leader (God, family, career). With God being in first place it enabled her to hold on to the other responsibilities and accomplish all that was placed before her at no cost to herself as a woman or her family or the nation of Israel. When God is in first place in our lives, He gives us the ability to be all that we can be and then some, for after all in this He is glorified.

The word of God teaches us that; “Through wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3&4) – There’s always room for change.

By: Mrs Donna 

V-Trainer V-Women Gauteng