A Happy Feminist

I decided to write this because of a piece I read by Mom-101 about feminism. Her blog was very passionate, and well written. The term, “feminist” has become a dirty word that has us picturing a man hating, lesbian who has hairy legs and armpits. Mom-101 would like to take back the word feminist, and I would too.

Titus 2:4-5, says the women should be workers in the home. Titus is emphasizing how important the woman’s job in the home actually is.
I do not think this particular scripture isolates her to the home and to that one job only.
I believe that taking Titus 2:4-5 and isolating it apart from the rest of scripture is dangerous; just as dangerous as a woman who calls herself a “feminist” when she is actually a man-hater. One question I have; what do those who focus exclusively on Titus 2, do with the Proverbs 31 woman, Jael with her tent peg, and Deborah the prophet and judge? We should interpret scripture in the light of what the whole Bible says. Jesus even broke down cultural barriers that were anti-feminist. In John chapter 4 Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well. At that time it was taboo for a man to speak to that kind of woman, much less a Jewish Rabbi. By speaking to her, Jesus tells the world that people are equal in Gods eyes.

Bible believing Christ followers should take into consideration ALL scripture when understanding the important truths of the Bible. The Proverbs 31 Woman is strong, and I believe she is the perfect picture of a true feminist. Her husband trusts her. She works with wool and flax, and leaves her home to find the best food for her family. She has servants, and she provides food for them too. I love this part the best: she goes out and purchases land, and she plants a vineyard. She wears fine clothing, and she is strong. She sells products and makes a good profit. She works late into the night: she reminds me of the title of a new book called “Sleep is for the Weak”.
Not only does she provide food for her family, and her servants, she also gives to the needy. She dresses her whole household in fine clothing of the best fabric. She sells clothing. Her house is decorated with the finest furnishings. She is strong and dignified, and she is so well prepared that she does not worry about tomorrow. Her family loves her.
The Proverbs 31Woman did not stay at home all day and moan because she was depressed, or because her husband was not providing for her; she was too busy providing for her whole household.

It is dangerous to make a woman believe the only thing she can do is stay at home and cook and clean. Here in the real world, we need to be ready for what could lie ahead. I know that it is better for the children if a parent is able to be home with them,but what does one of these women do when her husband starts beating her? I knew a woman who stayed with a man for 30 years who was beating her in the head and giving her black eyes because her church believed it is worse for her to divorce and become independent than for her to be injured. Don’t misunderstand me, I think divorce is terrible, and I hated it, but don’t misunderstand God. God loves us and does not want us to be harmed, and He gave us the job as moms to protect our children too. We should not do what the “church” or religion tells us, we should do what God tells us.

I am no Proverbs 31 Woman, but I find her chapter to be encouraging, not discouraging. I can work outside the home, inside the home, and don’t have to feel guilty. I can be a true feminist, and also be a Bible believing follower of Yeshua the Messiah. Are you a woman who likes to vote, own land, and have the choice to own a business or get a job? Would you like to be respected equally in the workplace, then you are a feminist. All men and women are created equal in Gods eyes.

I was raised, in a very subtle way, in a feminist (in the good sense of the word) home. I believe this is a large part of what saved me when I was in an abusive marriage. My family helped me escape the abuse, protect my kids, and get a job. My dad is the kindest, most hard working, wonderful dad, and always encourages me. My mom is Martha Stewart, what can I say?

I am now re-married to Andreas, a man from South Africa, and Cyprus.
I will tell the story of how we met here. When? I think soon. His mom is a feminist too. (In the good way) She irons underwear, creates lovely pottery, crochets afghans, cooks mean Greek food, Dutch apple pies, and can manage a Supermarket with both hands tied behind her back!