Here's to the Power of Women!!!

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.  It’s a day dedicated to recognizing women’s achievements, coming together and supporting women-owned businesses, fundraising for women-owned non-profits, and lifting women up collaboratively.
 
The Role of Women in the Bible
Historically, the portrayal of women in the Bible has varied and has often been influenced by the social and cultural contexts in which biblical translations were made.  One depiction would be through a patriarchal lens where translations were influenced by societies in which men held positions of power and authority, and a woman’s authority (or lack therof) was entirely dependent upon a male.  This resulted in the marginalization of women in the bible.
Women were often portrayed in either a sterotypical role as wives, mothers or objects of desire, or in negative depictions such as the culprit of all sin, a seductress, or as a prostitute:
Women’s stories were downplayed.  I didn’t grow up hearing stories of female empowerment in church.  I had never heard of Lydia, a business woman that funded Jesus’s ministry or Priscilla, a church planter.
 
I knew about Esther, Ruth, and Mary.  But I didn’t realize how the cultural contructs influenced the way their stories were told.
Recent translations and theologians have made great strides to reclaim women’s stories and experiences in the Bible, amplifying the voices of biblical characters such as Hagar, Mary, the woman at the well, and Dinah.
 
I am no theologian, biblical scholar, or expert in gender roles, but I have spent the last few years voraciously devouring scripturally supported written works that do a deep dive into this issue.
Some of my favorites are:
Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey
No More Holding Back and The In Between Place by Kat Armstrong
Tell Her Story by Ninjay K. Gupta
The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr
 
Lessons of female empowerment from the Bible
There are lessons on women’s empowerment that can be found within the pages of the bible, recognizing and celebrating the diverse roles and abilities of women. 
Esther, for example, was a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire who displayed bravery and resourcefulness to use her position of influence to save her people from destruction.  Esther’s story emphasizes the power of women to create change and stand up against in justice
Mary Magdalene: One of Jesus’ followers and played a significant role in the New Testament.  She witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, was the first to see him after his resurrection, and was entrusted with spreading the news.  Her story highlights the importance of women as witnesses and leaders in the early Christian community.
Deborah, a prophetess and judge in the Old Testament, demonstrated strong leadership and courage.  She led Israel to victory in battle and provided wise counsel.  Her story highlights the importance of women’s leadership and their ability to make significant contributions. 
These stories, among many others, showcase women’s empowerment, leadership, resilience, and wisdom.  They serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement for women today, reminding us of our inherent worth and potential for making a positive impact in our communities.


The Bible addresses issues of women's rights and social justice in various ways. While some passages reflect the patriarchal norms of the time, there are also teachings and principles that promote equality, justice, and the dignity of all individuals. Here are a few ways in which the Bible addresses these issues:
 
-Human Dignity: The Bible affirms the inherent worth and value of all individuals, regardless of gender. In Genesis 1:27, it states that both men and women are created in the image of God, emphasizing their equal worth and dignity.
 
-Jesus' Ministry: Jesus' teachings and actions often challenged the social norms of his time and demonstrated care and respect for women. He interacted with women as equals, challenged oppressive practices, and affirmed their worth. For example, he defended the woman caught in adultery and engaged in meaningful conversations with women, such as the Samaritan woman at the well, which would have never been socially acceptable.
 
-Galatians 3:28: This verse highlights the equality and unity of all believers in Christ, stating, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse has been interpreted as a call for gender equality and the abolition of social distinctions.
 
While the Bible contains teachings and principles that promote women's rights and social justice, interpretation and understanding of these passages can vary. Within the Christian community, you can find as many arguments for as against amongst theologians.  I personally am not here to argue with anyone or change anyone’s mind.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to me as I study scripture.  Start there, and then remember to consider the cultural and historical context alongside the overall message of love, justice, and equality.
While we’ve come leaps and bounds from societal and cultural constraints of biblical times, International Women’s Day is significant in present times as it serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for rights of women around the world. It is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in various fields, as well as to raise awareness about the challenges and obstacles they continue to endure. On this day, people come together around the world to advocate for women’s empowerment and the elimination of discrimination and violence against women.  We take the opportunity to highlight the progress that has been made as well as the work that still needs to be done.  We welcome this day as a time to come together as women, share our stories, and support one another in our struggles for justice.  This is a time to celebrate our strenth, resilience, and determination of women all over the world, and also to reaffirm that Jesus made a seat at the table for women. 
I encourage you to celebrate today by living out your faith values of love, compassion, and justice, and by continuing to work towards creating a more inclusive world for all women.

Next Steps:

1. Prayer: pray for women around the world who are facing challenges and injustice to be empowered.
2. Study: start a bible study focused on women in the Bible who have shown strength, courage, and faith. 
3. Serve: find a way to actively support under-resourced women in your community.
4. Start conversations: If women aren’t supported in leadership roles at your local church, ask why not.
5. Support: be FOR women by encouraging, empowering, mentoring, and supporting other women.  Create a network where Christian women are leading well.

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