WHAAAATTTSSS UP PEOPLE! This blog is super duper near and dear to my heart. I have been passionate about this topic for a MINUTE, and I can’t wait to share! It’s gonna be a long one so buckle up. I bet you can tell from the title, we are gonna be talking about FEMINISM! WHOO HOO! GET PUMPED! We loveeee controversial topics <3
I know that word has put a bad taste in people’s mouths. I know y’all are probably thinking some wild stuff right now. Where is she going with this? And sadly, I know some men are preparing to get hurt by the harsh words that usually follow the word “feminist.”
But guess WHAT! I am not here to just talk about how much of a feminist I am, or why you should believe what I believe. I am not here to shame men or make them appear inferior. I’m just here to share some opinions I have about women’s roles in the church/life!
So to get things started! The true definition of feminism is advocating for women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. It means that we each, as humans, have equal rights, statuses, and opportunities.
Here is a quote from a book I’m reading right now. I think it sums up the topic pretty well. The book is called “Jesus Feminist” by Sarah Bessey:: “Feminism only means we champion the dignity, rights, responsibilities, and glories of women as equal in importance— not greater than, but certainly not less than— to those of men…” I love that and think it honors both genders which is the goal of ~equality~ !!!!
I think that as men and women are equal in essence and in worth. We both bear the image of the Father and our very being holds so much weight. I do however also think that we are different in role and assignment.
This!! Doesn’t!! Mean!! One!! Is!! Superior!! We are good at different things because the Lord created us that way. It is humbling and realistic that sometimes a man can do something better than I can. Heck freaking YES women are amazing. Heck freaking YES we are powerful and can fulfill positions people never thought we could. But sometimes a man can fill it better. And vice versa!! We can do some things better as well— and that was all part of His plan. We need each other to get by in this world.
I really struggled with that for a while. I went through a season where it felt like every guy I knew had hurt me in someway, and I was OVER IT. SO I became that girl. You know— the one that is “independent” but in the worst way. I became the one that scoffed when men offered their help. I was offended by the smallest things. I wanted it to be known that I was a strong woman— and I did so in such an unhealthy way. And guess what? It was all because I was hurt. So, those feminists that have given the word a bad name are definitely hurting— even if it’s in a different way than I was. Everyone handles pain differently! There is a hurt yet to be uncovered. There is something more they are seeking. They so desperately want to be validated as a beautiful woman, but they search for the world to tell them that. Let’s give each other grace and demonstrate truth through LOVE. Tell them they ARE beautiful! Let your love be so big that they feel they don’t have to prove that. Remind them of the beauty that’s always been inside their souls, even before the things of this world swallowed them up. I’ve been resting in the beauty that is ME! My brain is coming to terms with the reality that I am who the Lord says I am. That’s not to say that the hurts of the past don’t matter anymore, but they don’t have a hold on my identity. It’s truly freeing. To let a man give up his seat for me and just say thank you to them. It’s freeing to encourage my brothers rather than envy them. So much freedom in breaking the habits I have had for so long. So women— just because you were hurt by a man does not give you the right to deny God given talents and roles. Your pain is valid, and the reason you are the way you are is important, but do not project that onto others. You are SO much better than that. Let’s create GENUINE equality by loving each other well.
In that, I want to apologize to men. Really swallowing my pride here. But anyways, to the men in my life::
I am sorry for any way that I have made you feel inferior or diminished your success. I am sorry that my striving does not cultivate peace, and makes you feel like you need to strive too. I am sorry for the fact that I do not always express my emotions, and that can leave you to feel hurt/unsafe to share. I am sorry that I project my past hurts onto you sometimes. I am sorry that when you hurt me, I sometimes hurt you back. I am sorry for the unnecessary expectations, the missed opportunities to love you, and any You are not the men that have hurt me. I am sorry for the times that I put double standards on you guys, that is a tough thing that the world has implemented in my spirit that I am trying to get rid of. I love you guys. We as women need you. We love the parts of you we can’t seem to find in ourselves. We love when you remind us of the beauty the Lord has instilled in our hearts, and allow us to showcase it. We need your gentleness and also your strength. I love seeing each of you flourish, and I am proud of your success— even if It sometimes comes at the expense of mine. You are worthy. You are valued. You are a great part in our story.
Hm so yeah— that’s the basis of some of my beliefs, and some things I wanted to touch on— but I also want to share about marriage and submission!!
Ephesians 5:22-23:: “Wives, submit to your husbands as you submit to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church.”
The Lord asks us to submit to our husbands not because we are inferior, but became that’s how He has designed things. And just to clarify, submission is willingly choosing to obey. It is placing yourself under authority as the Lord has asked of us since the start. It is voluntary commitment of service to others. It is NOT promoting inequality. It does not mean you have to subject yourself to abusive tyranny. It is not toxic, it is beautiful. And it models our relationship with Christ. We don’t submit to Him because he is the boss of us, we submit and obey because we love Him and want to please/glorify Him! That’s why faith without works is dead because if you live a life with Jesus in your heart you can’t help but serve Him. It’s a loving submission, not a forced one. Also! Side note! the Bible does not say submit to any old man on the street. It says to submit to your husbands! The one who you chose and who chooses you. The one you have been praying for. The one that is your new best friend for life. AND THE ONE THAT IS SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE OOO IM HYPE! But back to the Bible and the important stuff hahaha!!! The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:1 “In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your OWN husbands so that even if some disobey the Word, they may be won over without a word by the way their wives live.” What an opportunity we have in marriage! To encourage one another, as a unit, to look more like Jesus. If submission is required to have that, even when it’s hard, that’s something I want to fight for.
I just realized I kinda made it sound like marriage was a dreamy lil thing that I just can’t wait for for. And yeah, sure, I do want to get married someday. Yeah, sure, it sounds fun to travel with your bestie for life, or stay up late making cookies or whatever else married couples do. But like…. Being single is A BET. I love every second of it. Getting to rely solely on the Lord for love and happiness. Having the freedom to drop any and everything with ease because I want to go somewhere or do something. The anticipation of when I’m gonna meet that guy that’s gonna turn my world upside down. All of it is so sweet, and I love being in this season.And in it, I have gotten to see how capable I am. I am capable of my own, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I am capable of supporting myself. I am capable of accomplishing amazing things for the Lord and for myself. I am a woman of excellence! I mean this in the sweetest way— I genuinely do not need a man. Would I love to have one? Yes! Do I dream of having a family? Yes! Do I think that a man would add so much to my life? Of course! But I personally believe that me and my future husband (if there is one) are two whole people who are fine without each other, but better together. I am not a half waiting for my other half. I am confident that who ever he is— he is doing just fine without me too. And I am OKAY with that!!!! We love a man whose eyes are set on the Lord first <3
I also want to encourage the women reading this. To your core you reflect the plan that God had for women all along. There are parts of your soul that are handcrafted and unchanging— even if they are hidden. You are cherished! You are more than a man says you are— even if he says you are everything. The Lord sees you as so much more. He always has and He always will. You are a wonderful reflection of a vibrant creation. Special. Needed. Valuable. Everything in between. AND I want to encourage men! You are such important assets to this world, and as much as we can sometimes diminish that— it’s undeniably true. I pray that in this fight for equality you feel seen, encouraged, and loved by us women. Please remember the wound that has been inflicted on us, and love us well by being aware of it so you don’t deepen it. I will strive to do the same for you! I know the world says you are supposed to be prideful, tough, and a leader. But I hope you know, that the Lord wants you to have space to be vulnerable, weak, and humble as well.
I can only hope that this blog hyped up everyone rather than offend!! I mean, I can understand if my opinions may have hurt you… but if the Word of the Lord offends you— I would HIGHLY encourage you to ask the Lord why there is offense in your heart, and also be praying that you can see His heart! I understand that this topic is a hard one. One that the world has tainted, but there is so much beauty in it. I am proud to be a woman. I am proud of the things I have accomplished that no one ever saw coming. I am proud of the way that I handle my feelings. I am proud of the way I love others. I am proud that the beauty that the Lord has given me shines through my smile. I am proud of the feminist views I have, and proud to say I promote equality. I am proud to say I strive to empower other women. I am proud to be Emma Robertson!!!!!!!!!
