|
|
|
|
|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/8/2008 2:08:38 PM
|
|
|
sharonjef2007
Posts: 856
Joined: 4/10/2007
Status: offline
|
From first look at this forum, many might think that being a Christian woman is all about children, husbands, caring for the home, fellowship and beauty. At least, simply looking at the titles of the thread might give a "seeker" that opinion if they were to stumble onto this site.
So, let us dig a bit deeper into our womanhood and our connection with Christ. What does it (or should it) mean to be a Christian woman? What makes us any different then women who are not Christian? How can we be more proactive or improve, in this forum of Christian women, our spreading God's love and His message? How can we do the same in our day to day lives?
_____________________________
my blog......Finally, a new last name!.......
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/8/2008 6:40:57 PM
|
|
|
landabee
Posts: 2868
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Central Florida
Status: offline
|
I'll bite.
In my mind... I am firstly: a Christian. It is not my gender that defines my existence. I am defined by the Lord that loved me enough to die for me and welcome me into his family.
That said....... in a nutshell, I think a Christian (woman) is to be a good steward of blessings in their lives. You know, content in their today and striving for the mark of tomorrow.
I happen to have children, so part of that for me is to raise my sons in the fear, admonition and love of God.
Outside of general terms for appearances, I don't subscribe to many of the "set apart" dressing tendencies. My home isn't always spotless and I am divorced.
I work hard to support myself and kids. I am blessed to work in a field where I can make a positive difference in lives and have opportunities to witness. I serve in a local congregation and fellowship there. I hang out with Christians and non-Christians. I do have alcohol on the rare occassion. I particularly like a glass of wine with dinner.
I work in higher ed and am pursuing a higher degree.
Will I marry again? I do not know. Only God does. But whether I do or do not, my experience as a Christian woman is validated by Him that loves me.  My marital status has no bearing.
As for femininity.......... well, I'm a girly girl.  I was before Christ and now I'd like to think that the Holy Spirit makes me even more attractive.  It works for me.... but doesn't mean it is for everyone. LOL
I am moderately frugal. I cook many things from scratch to save money. But I admit... I love to cook and bake. So, it is also therapeutic. I don't know that cooking and baking are simply women's work, though. In our culture it is. I also enjoy fine dining.
I am not one that feels that my highest calling is to be a mother or wife.  My highest calling is to worship and serve the ONE TRUE GOD.
Everything else in my life is a beautiful side effect of that effort.
I think that I will have a bit of an easier time transitioning to different seasons in my life as a Christian woman because I do not place my worth on my reproductive abilities, marital status, mode of dress or frugality.
Stewardship is good, don't get me wrong. But I have no desire to win the award of most frugal while suffering to get there. LOL
I understand that my views are simply that: mine. I don't begrudge others differing convictions and feelings.
I'd like to think that other sisters in Christ would afford me the same courtesy... which you don't see alot of in this folder.
Grace friends, grace.
< Message edited by landabee -- 6/8/2008 6:47:01 PM >
_____________________________
"Sound theology discourages ignorance instead of promoting it." ~ CourdeLeon
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/8/2008 7:25:18 PM
|
|
|
OneOfHisJewels
Posts: 2549
Joined: 8/9/2007
From: California
Status: offline
|
1. What does it (or should it) mean to be a christian woman?
First and foremost, to believe in Christ as one's Saviour, and to believe that we are fallen sinners who will go to hell if we do not believe in Christ as our Saviour, and therefore to cast that upon him, and out of gratitude for His saving us, we should be faithful in attending church, reading scripture, serving others, while still keeping in mind that none of these deeds save us, only Christ can.
Secondly, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Finally, God does not require great things from us. Micah 6:8 addresses this. What does God require of thee, oh man? To do justice, to love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
2. What makes us any different than women who are not Christian?
Mainly the hope we have in Christ, and that we do not have to fear death. One would also hope that christian woman would conduct themselves in a better manner, but that is often not the case. Hopefully, a christian woman would have joy in Christ, and treat others with grace, but this is not always the case (especially including myself  ). However, hopefully, a christian will repent to God and to the one she offended.
3. How can we be more proactive or improve, in this forum of christian women, our spreading God's love and His message?
By having more grace in our answers, reaching out to one another, welcoming newcomers, and not making too big of a deal of non salvation issues (such as is it OK or not Ok to wear makeup?).
4. How can we do the same in our day to day lives?
Read God's word daily, do whatever it is we are called to do to his glory (whether it's working in a store, mothering, being a rocket scientist, or being a janitor, WHATEVER it is), being merciful towards people, while at the same time not excusing sin, sharing the gospel with them, and conducting ourselves in a gracious manner, even towards a store clerk, or our waiter/waitress.
_____________________________
"We basically use what I have seen referred to as "get off your butt" parenting. It employs more interaction, more redirection, more prevention, and usually less spanking."
-Mrs. Wifey
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/8/2008 8:16:00 PM
|
|
|
Consecrated2God
Posts: 4916
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: offline
|
What does it mean to be a Christian woman?
It means we're women who are Christians.
quote:
From first look at this forum, many might think that being a Christian woman is all about children, husbands, caring for the home, fellowship and beauty. At least, simply looking at the titles of the thread might give a "seeker" that opinion if they were to stumble onto this site.
Those are issues that are common among women, not just Christian women. Children is something that many women have in common, as are husbands and the other things you listed as well. The difference between a Christian woman and a non-Christian woman is in the way we approach these areas of our lives--we strive to put Christ first in all we do, and to live out the Word of God in our lives.
Obviously these aren't the only things women are interested in, which is why I post in many other areas of the forum besides women only. But if I'm going to be talking about childbirth or make-up or something that men can't relate to, I usually post here. If I want to talk about politics or theology, I post somewhere else.
_____________________________
<--Plantation house in Louisiana
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/8/2008 9:38:23 PM
|
|
|
sharonjef2007
Posts: 856
Joined: 4/10/2007
Status: offline
|
quote:
I agree, Lisa that some things are common to many women. I wonder what prompted the OP? Maybe it is the emphasis on certain choices represented by the majority that post in this shared folder?
I'd be eager to read the OP's thoughts on Christian womanhood.... or being a Christian that is a woman.
Well, I wrote this thread because I guess you can say I'm having an identity crisis of sorts. And, I'm sure I'm not the only one to go through this.
I'm 31, and am getting married for the first time in August. Children, either adoptive or natural will not be but a year or two down the line. I'm living 1200 miles away from what I still consider "home" and it feels like I'm starting life all over again.
These are not "bad problems" at all, please don't see this as a complaint. I am just having a lot of trouble finding contentment in the midst of so much change. I know Christ is where I should find my identity, and I have held onto Him as much as I can. And yet, I'm still feeling soooo lost in everything around me. It is like I have suddenly waken up and am living someone elses life.
So really, I'm just trying to gain some perspective....Godly perspective from other women. I'm looking for some in depth, REAL conversation and guidance and fellowship from women here I guess since I am still in limbo in real life now and am really not in the position to make those kinds of friends here yet.
_____________________________
my blog......Finally, a new last name!.......
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/8/2008 10:10:47 PM
|
|
|
landabee
Posts: 2868
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Central Florida
Status: offline
|
sharonjef,
Your season of change is understandably a bit "weird" and disconcerting.
I pray that the Lord gives you peace.
When do you think you may have the opportunity to begin to nurture IRL friendships with women locally?
And no, you definitely are right: You aren't the first one to go through this sort of adjustment/upheaval. I imagine it may be magnified as compared to when I first went through it at 18.
Maybe I should have provided examples that I used to cope during the change, as a Christian woman. (Trying hard to remember...)
As a newlywed... I was really, really busy trying to figure out what being a wife meant for "me". That in itself was huge.
I may be incorrect, but I think that you have moved in preparation for the marriage, right?
If so... maybe there are other women that have done so on the board whose advice may be more like what you have in mind.
At any rate, God bless you and keep you.
_____________________________
"Sound theology discourages ignorance instead of promoting it." ~ CourdeLeon
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/8/2008 10:37:43 PM
|
|
|
landabee
Posts: 2868
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Central Florida
Status: offline
|
I know it sounds trite but: God will give you the grace to do it, when you ask Him.
My first time "out of the block" was when I married at 18. I left a major American metropolis..........for a village in Germany.
Since my new husband was only a PFC (Private First Class) in the Army, he did not qualify for dependent (me) travel or housing. But as newly weds we wanted to be together. So...... we scratched up the money for a one way ticket and a deposit on the upper flat of a house.
We were the only Americans in the tiny village of Neckargartach at the time. I spoke no German at that point. And we had one vehicle. His work assignment was at a kaserne (small, tiny installation) about fifteen kilometers away. So.......... yeah. Culture shock. Add to that: no television and a phone system that charged for every call.
With one car and limited income, it was cheaper (German Marks were still the currency) to shop "on the economy." So, each day........ I walked down into the village to shop for the daily groceries.
It was hard. I had many days when I wasn't a paragon of a Godly Woman. I'm sure there were days when he just didn't want to come home to me. LOL!
But in time, I realized and felt that my home/place was with him. I became friendly with the German family that lived downstairs and I shared in the labor and bounty of the community garden. As I found ways of making lemonade out of lemons...... I became happier and I adjusted.
By the time I left Germany, I'd built friendships and come to love the quiet and polite sleepy village. I still miss it.
Homesickness is a hard one to cure. (((((Sharonjef)))))
_____________________________
"Sound theology discourages ignorance instead of promoting it." ~ CourdeLeon
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 12:18:28 AM
|
|
|
reach
Posts: 1339
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
I feel you Sharon. Last year I got married, and I lost my job, my church, my home and a few months later, I found I lost many friends because I don't live as close, or when I finally get married and catch up with them, they went and had babies, so we are just in different times of life.
It is very, very hard when I had live worked out. I am still trying to figure out where do I fit into all of this. Which is why we agreed to wait until 18 months after we got married so we could have some time to work things out together, with out a baby in the mix.
But went/am going through the same thing right now. Everything that I thought was secure, is not. And God is really doing a work on me. (I am not sure how long I will be in this desert as I don't seem to be figuring out what God wants me to learn so we can move to the next level.)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 11:14:34 AM
|
|
|
Consecrated2God
Posts: 4916
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: offline
|
I understand what you mean about transition, sharonjef. We recently went through a major transition ourselves, and I struggled with feeling lost during the whole thing. For the past eight years we've been working towards my husband being in full-time ministry, and he finally got his first pastorate a little over three months ago. When we had moved here and unpacked, I went around wondering, "What now?" All of our goals and hopes and dreams had been towards this for the last eight years. This was the finish line. Now we got here and found not only was it not the finish line after all, but we didn't know where to go from here. I'm adjusting well and we are starting to see a vision and plan for the future, but it was a difficult transition.
During that time in my life, I would come here and everyone else would be talking about the mundane topics of day to day living, and it just wasn't where I was at that point. I had a hard time relating. I could have started a thread on my struggle, and I might have had some sympathizers but would have had difficulties finding someone going through the exact same thing as I was. The women who could have related to me in that particular struggle would have been few.
Now, if I wanted to start a topic that more women could relate to, we could talk about our kids, because many women have them. I could talk about my son who wets the bed still at the age of four, and I bet I'd have quite a few responses. The women who could relate to me in that issue would probably be quite a few, because it's a common thing. Even those who don't have toddlers now may have had some in the past. There would still be women that couldn't participate, though.
Or, if I wanted to talk about something that all women could relate to, I could join in one of the meal threads. Since everyone eats, that's something that all women have in common.
Our lives aren't all about the mundane things, but it's the mundane things that we often have in common.
_____________________________
<--Plantation house in Louisiana
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 7:17:35 PM
|
|
|
sharonjef2007
Posts: 856
Joined: 4/10/2007
Status: offline
|
So, since I don't have kids I'm kinda out of luck, eh? I figured so.
Thanks for your feedback and support, I apperciate it!
_____________________________
my blog......Finally, a new last name!.......
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 7:45:18 PM
|
|
|
landabee
Posts: 2868
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Central Florida
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: sharonjef2007
So, since I don't have kids I'm kinda out of luck, eh? I figured so.
Thanks for your feedback and support, I apperciate it!
No, sharonjef. You are not measured by reproduction, marital status or anything else, save the covering of Christ's blood.
His blood will pass the judgement.
If I understand you correctly, you want to know how to navigate this season. You want to know how to deal with your "now" as a Christian woman.
I think reach has a good view:
quote:
ORIGINAL: reach
Everything that I thought was secure, is not. And God is really doing a work on me. (I am not sure how long I will be in this desert as I don't seem to be figuring out what God wants me to learn so we can move to the next level.)
Develop your prayer life even more. Look for God's hand in opportunities to do different things and learn different things.
In Germany, I was 18 with no kids........no real work training........just a high school degree. But I had Jesus. And I know that I made a difference in the life of the teen son that lived downstairs. I planted seeds. And I saw a way of living that was not American. My "normal" and "acceptable" and "expected" was changed. But what remained unchanged was God.
(((((((((((sharonjef))))))))))))))
_____________________________
"Sound theology discourages ignorance instead of promoting it." ~ CourdeLeon
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 9:14:03 PM
|
|
|
jlp1
Posts: 125
Joined: 4/4/2008
From: Chicago
Status: offline
|
So I guess you are coming into a whole different world and a little scared about it cause there are no books on what you are about to venture into. There are many stories and guidelines for successful, talented, single city girls but not to many for married, single and living in a small town. What a culture shock. Do you think you will be able to relate to anyone, especially without any kids? Will you be entertained or bored out of your mind? Will you be in the same career path? Too much to think about and not enough time.
And what does it mean to me a christian woman? I really don't know, I'm still trying to work all that out one day at a time. Proverbs 31 tells you what a good wife is but a good christian woman, I guess one who tries to her very best one day at a time, knowing at anytime she could fall but knows she will get back up and try again the next day. As long as you really love your fiance and your intentions are good follwed by your actions, just take it one day at a time. Trust in the Lord.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 10:40:34 PM
|
|
|
landabee
Posts: 2868
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Central Florida
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: peculiar_lady2
quote:
ORIGINAL: sharonjef2007
So, since I don't have kids I'm kinda out of luck, eh? I figured so.
Thanks for your feedback and support, I apperciate it!
I obviously don't see what you see in this folder....from the threads over the last month, out of 73 threads in this folder, only 14 have anything at all to do with marriage or being a mom. Everything else is random threads about general life of every person or woman. So I really don't see how you can't participate in those threads or start more that you will participate in. The ones who stick around this folder talk about what we talk about because it's our lives...yet it's not all married women or women with kids...there are lots of singles or women married without kids that hang around too...and they participate in threads that interest them just as we participate in threads that interest us. We shouldn't be limited in what we choose to talk about in here just because not all women are married or have kids...just as you shouldn't be limited in participation just because you are not married or don't have kids. What are we supposed to do though....not talk about our own lives and kids and marriages because there might be one person out there who doesn't even post in here very often who might get offended because out of 73 threads there are 14 that are mom/wife related? I just don't get it. There are plenty of opportunities and threads not mom/wife related to get in on if you really want to get in on them.
I agree, the FOLDER can have more than one line of thought... or variations on a single thought.
I have seen this particular poster, and have experienced it myself be told by other posters to "start a topic that they wish to talk about".
She has attempted to define this thread: She wants to know how to deal with HER TODAY. She wants encouragement in THIS SEASON that she is in.
Is that too much to ask?
And I count many more threads that are about quote:
children, husbands, caring for the home, fellowship and beauty.
And there is NOTHING wrong with it.
But she is asking for information from ladies IN a similar season or with similar past experiences.
The thread is about an OP asking for information that is not the same ole thang with subtle variances.
I wish I'd had someone to bounce off the feelings of "leaving and cleaving" and all that may entail as a Christian woman. It was difficult and I was young and away from home.
She is older than I was....... but away from all that she knows to be familiar and comforting.
How can we best direct her to God and to contentment in THIS season?
_____________________________
"Sound theology discourages ignorance instead of promoting it." ~ CourdeLeon
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 10:58:49 PM
|
|
|
sharonjef2007
Posts: 856
Joined: 4/10/2007
Status: offline
|
quote:
She has attempted to define this thread: She wants to know how to deal with HER TODAY. She wants encouragement in THIS SEASON that she is in.
Thank you...
I thought I had made a post about how this was not at all meant to be a bashing thread on motherhood....but I must have thought about doing it...LOL!
You are right, there is nothing wrong with women talking about being wives and mothers. That conversation though, which dominates many of the threads, is not universal to a lot of women. And, at this point in time, is not where I am.
For the most part, my "problems" are good ones to have I guess. I have an amazing man that I'll be married to in a few short months. I'm very lucky. And yet, I'm very uneasy about my surroundings and this very foreign place. So much change in a short period of time can be very exciting, but it is also very VERY frightening.
And, this is not my first time away from home. I lived 6 hours away for 3 years after college and only really delt with homesickness for a couple of months. This time it is very different. Maybe because it could be permanant. Maybe because of all the other changes that are happening at the same time. Maybe because when I was back home, it was one of the first times that I loved everything about my life. And I had to leave it behind. Granted, I left it behind for something fantastic, but there is still a sense of loss.
Ok...I'm done blubbering for now. But I just thought I needed to clear the air a bit.
< Message edited by sharonjef2007 -- 6/9/2008 11:06:27 PM >
_____________________________
my blog......Finally, a new last name!.......
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 11:07:18 PM
|
|
|
nicole6598
Posts: 4100
Joined: 11/3/2006
From: Australia
Status: offline
|
I like this thread Sharon, I have been thinking along the same lines lately like
What am I really doing for God?
Am I making a difference in my friends, families' lives?
Am I all that God wants me to be?
So whilst I am a mother, that isn't the be all and end all, I still have a responsibility in the Kingdom, and am I doing what I should be doing for God, or is being a mother at this time enough. Sorry, don't want to harp on about the kids bit. Anyway, its a good thing for us to be all thinking Sharon.
I hope you can get the answers you are searching for.
btw I am a mother and am not offended or annoyed at this thread
_____________________________
Proud Aussie, Wife, Mother, Woman!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/9/2008 11:11:57 PM
|
|
|
landabee
Posts: 2868
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Central Florida
Status: offline
|
quote:
This time it is very different. Maybe because it could be permanant. Maybe because of all the other changes that are happening at the same time. Maybe because when I was back home, it was one of the first times that I loved everything about my life. And I had to leave it behind. Granted, I left it behind for something fantastic, but there is still a sense of loss.
Psalms 25:16-17
16Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.
and Psalms 68 says that God makes a home for the lonely and gives family and friends. (paraphrased) I can testify to that! He did just that for me in Germany.
I'm headed to bed, sharonjef. Again, you will be in my prayers. I pray that you feel the Lord's assurance.
_____________________________
"Sound theology discourages ignorance instead of promoting it." ~ CourdeLeon
|
|
|
|
|
RE: What does it mean to be a Christian woman? - 6/10/2008 1:41:25 AM
|
|
|
nicole6598
Posts: 4100
Joined: 11/3/2006
From: Australia
Status: offline
|
Sharon I guess you are kind of in limbo land at the moment which would be hard and would also explain why you are looking at your life and seeing what it really boils down to.
I think its ok to feel that you aren't doing anything for God as you aren't connected to a church. I think its easier to serve God whilst you are in a church, but you can still be serving God now too. By the way you speak to work mates, your family, the grocery store a | | | |
Forum Tools
Printable Version
