The following is a snapshot of a mental dialogue with God re. being a woman and wondering how on earth some aspects of that are a reflection of *Him.
(Note: some points may seem stereotypical and I fully recognize we’re all unique and different far beyond gender). Let’s go.
1. Women, the Weak Ones?
God, I’m the “weak” one, so what’s that of All-Mighty You since I’m made in Your Image?
Maybe that’s Jesus, the “weakness” of God? He felt pain physically, was hungry, tired, thirsty, broken, couldn’t be everywhere at the same time, God confined to a body, God limited..
2. Women, the Bleeding Ones.. wth God?
Is that Jesus too? Arguably Born to bleed. “..the lamb slain from before the foundation of the world..”(Revelation 13:8, the bible). Good thoughts and deeds could never get us to heaven, only blood opened the gate. (see, e.g the Passover story, or Last Supper story).
3. The children came through my body…
There’s a pic of my husband holding our daughter. I carried her nine months in my womb, but only because she came through my body can he hold her now too. Maybe, similarly, we all “get” to God “the *Father” through the body of Jesus.
Didn’t he say,“no one comes to the father but through me”? And,
“I am the door”?
Delivering the kids was a crazy painful, bloody mess. (So was the cross.) While in labor I thought I was going to die. (Jesus did.)
In death, soldiers pierced his side and blood and water came out. These are the fluids that come when a child is born.
And if that wasn’t enough for you, Jesus was talking about a woman in labor right before he went to the cross:
“…[She] has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” (John 16:21-22, the bible)
4. Children nourished from my body…
I was lucky enough to breastfeed my kids. It doesn’talways workand it wasn’t always easy, but there’s amazing medical, moral and social support in this country. And herecomes the bible geek: El Shaddai is a name for God meaning “All Sufficient One.” Did you know “Shad” means “breast” in Hebrew?? Word. And when a baby is hungry or distressed there’s nothing like a mother’s breast and closeness to nourish and comfort.
I seriously think breast milk is then original comfort food.
God often talks about food and *His words were often equated with milk:
“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
(1 Peter 2:2-3, the bible)
5. Totally Equal, but sometimes deferring, or surrendering..
The notion: “men and women are equal, but with different roles” 100% DOES NOT fit in my marriage.
We’re completely equal partners and work our individual strengths for the benefit of our family. Whoever can rock a particular task without both or being wiped out after, does it.
Regardless of what “gender” or tradition says.
We model this to our kids, that there are no “man” or “woman” tasks. Period. Freedom.
But sometimes a particular decision will knock me over. I won’t know what to do and need help. In these rare and heavy times, I let my husband cut the rope. Why?I know he has my best interest at heart, as well as the whole family. And in those cases he is more removed–can see bigger–than I.
Sometimes it happens the other way around, there’s mutual submission, which is downright biblical though you may never hear a sermon encouraging husbands to submit to their wives (see e.g. Eph.5:21, 1 Pet 5:5-6).
So Jesus, totally one with God, pleaded for an out in Gethsemane. But ultimately he deferred–even surrendered to the *Father’s will.
What do you think?
These are just some reflections. The important thing is that we’re all equal to God and everyone (everyone) reflects *His Image -men and women, even the little ones!
“There’s neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, there is neither Male nor Female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
(Galatians 3:28 the bible)
Weird Side Note: Ever notice how men in traditional Hebrew prayer attire cover their heads, as do women in some cultures or religions continuously? Reminds me of a verse for women or anyone with a running dialogue (which may just be like prayer) in their minds. (and my mom once said our prayers are like God talking to Himself…)
“The heavens declare the glory of God…
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard….” (Psalm 19:1-3)
Keep your dialogue on, and don’t forget to turn your face every so often to the One Always Listening. You’re loved and may find Peace or Rest for a worried heart…
Hey, I’m Jasmine, about to get a coffee and hoping this quirky blog resonated? Post a comment below. ❤
(You can also follow the blog via email or on BlogLovin’ here.)
HE/HIS?! *I use He and His as simple pronouns for God, but fully recognize God with make and female identity–for lack of a better word–as evidenced throughout the bible and blatantly in humanity. Check the 2-part post: Transgender God- What’s in a Name? and Transgender God: The Motherhood of God if you’re curious.
For more God/Womb/so-called Gender Role posts, check:
–God Does the Dishes & the Laundry, or
-Check this on our Freedom, or
-Pearl and Mother of Pearl, You are God’s Magnum Opus.
artwork credit: painting- Liz Lemon Swindle, photo- Liz Katz
I love this Jasmine!
Our minds work in similar, circular, open ended ways.
Realizing the upside down kingdom that Christ ushered in, that we have to chose to walk out, has shown me the good in being the weaker vessel, the refined gold that comes from submitting. My Pastor taught that Satan did not go to Eve first because women are naturally more wicked, as the church in years past have taught, but more spiritual. Our gifting of more naturally spiritual, has to be hampered with submission, just like Christ. “least I boast” as Paul wrote.
Cheers,
Leah
Thanks for sharing this Leah! Yes, aside from God, Jesus and Angels, I don’t know anyone else who had a discussion with the adversary. You?
But I don’t think I agree with: “Our gifting of more naturally spiritual, has to be hampered with submission,” because that to me is like giving my son a red crayon but telling him he can only use it when he draws with his left hand. Or, because I gave it to him he will be blindfolded so he can’t see it. I see some punishment in the remark of your Pastor so I don’t know that I agree.
I’ve modified this post particularly on point 5 because my main heart is to talk about submission itself amongst Equal Beings and not particularly women submit. My husband so kindly pointed out that in some marriages/unions the woman might be the tough/strong one, or also consider same-sex unions. The important thing is to note is that sometimes we must submit to one another, though we are ALL Completely Equal.
*This discussion reminds me of my post about Children being Heaven-reminders..
“The Truth about Children”
https://heartinformation.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/truth-about-children-little-warriors/
Love to you, thanks so much for sharing!