“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman.” Kudos to Elisabeth Elliot right there.
This year on November 6th I was given the opportunity to vote because I had just turned eighteen. It was definitely exciting to be apart of the democracy that we are so blessed to have in America and voice my opinion on a ballot, but I never stopped to consider that 100 years ago I wouldn't have been able to do that. Not only because I'm only 18 and the voting age wasn't lowered from 21 until the 26th Amendment in 1971... but more importantly, because I'm a woman.
Being a woman is fantastic sometimes. You get to cry whenever you want, be pretty, not get drafted in wars and stuff, have a miraculous life living inside you, *supposedly* have doors opened for you, shave your legs, and most importantly: a woman almost always has an accompaniment to the bathroom! On top of those perks, we now have the opportunity to get a top-notch education and job, to vote, run for any office, and stand up for our equality. Life is pretty good for us ladyfolk.
There's one problem though. What about Christians? The Bible makes women seem lowly and forces them to cover their heads, be slaves to their husbands and basically blames Eve for the fall of mankind. According to the Bible, the man has to be the leader of the house, the church, etc... and I have to respect him. What about in the book of Esther when the King decides he doesn't like his wife anymore? He just gets rid of her and creates a beauty contest/talent show to find a new one! So women are objectified, belittled, and definitely not considered equal to men. Doesn't sound like a friendly world para las chicas, eh?
But I love Christ. I want to follow Him and I believe the Bible is "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16-17). So how am I supposed to deal with this? How do I embrace who I am as a woman and stand up for my rights while honoring God and what He wants for my life?
I don't actually have the answers to these questions. I'm still trying to figure this all out, but I know this much. Jesus respected women. He was gentle and affectionate towards the prostitute who came into a pharisee's home and washed Christ's feet with her tears (Luke 7:37-50).
