I Am Blessed

My name is Angela and I am a recovering feminist. Isn't that how the 12 step programs begin?

I was once a feminist in every sense of the word. I didn't need a man to take care of me, I could do everything on my own, I was never going to get married and have children, etc...

I am so thankful that my Lord and Saviour opened my eyes to the folly of this behavior.

Feminism tells women to rely on themselves when our trust should be put in our Heavenly Father. Feminism focuses on self-esteem instead of finding your value in who you are because of Christ.

Thanksgiving is almost here and as I sit here and reflect on all of the blessings I would have missed out on had I continued on this path, I am overwhelmed.

My husband, who is only the most wonderful man alive(I'm maybe a little biased), treats me like a queen. I get to stay home with my child(another wonderful blessing) and homeschool her(#3).

Unless you teach your own children, you cannot imagine what it is like to see your own child's eyes light up with excitement when they learn to read, add or complete a piece of artwork. And when you read the Bible or a story in history to them and they beg for you to keep reading, it is the most wonderful feeling. I have the privelage of instilling this love of learning in my child.

I would have have missed out on the wonderful church family that we have found, the friends in my neighborhood and the blessing of working with other peoples children within my church and through our Keepers at Home group.

I would have missed out on having such loving in-laws and the wonderful people I have met through homeschooling.

All in all, I would say I am very blessed and most thankful to my Lord for his provision in my life.


In His Service,

Angela

More on Self-Esteem

I have heard many women say that a successful career helps their self-esteem. They put their careers and/or education before that of their husband's and many times, their children. The focus is on self. This is a result of the me first attitude that characterizes our generation and a direct contradiction to how God commands us to live.


The Bible is very clear on this. Genesis 2:18 says, "The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."(NIV)

God made wives to be helpers to their husbands, not to compete with them. We are to encourage them, to build them up, not tear them down. We are certainly to place the needs of our families above our own.

Proverbs says the following about a wife of noble character.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life
Prov 31:11-12 (NIV)

What is your priority? Is it your own accomplishments, or those in your family. Are you selfish or a servant?

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:14-17 (NIV)

God promises His blessings for those who serve Him by serving others. We are to put the needs of others before our own.

Self-worth is found by reading the Word of God and applying it to your life. If your family is not happy and your home is not running smoothly, look at your priorities. Have you put the things of the world above God's commands? You will find no better satisfaction than having a happy home and family.

In His Service,

Angela

The Problem with Self-Esteem

The problem with self-esteem is in the reliance on one's own accomplishments for self-worth instead of God for our source of joy and self-worth.

The world tells us that we have to be beautiful and successful by society's standards and if we aren't, then we have no right to feel good about ourselves. The world tells us that we must have a successful career, 2.5 children and all the things we want (even if we can't afford to buy them) in order to be happy.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

The Bible clearly tells us in 1 Peter that true beauty comes from a gentle and quiet spirit and that this is of more worth to God than our outer beauty. We can find true joy when we do what is pleasing to the Lord.

Self-esteem is conditional on your immediate accomplishments. Do I look good today? Did I get that promotion at work? What kind of car do I drive? How big is my house?

These things are fleeting. Material things are not eternal. Outer beauty will fade with the passage of time. A woman who loves and fears our Heavenly Father is beautiful in the Lord's sight. A woman who follows the Lord's commands is worthy of praise.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Prov 31:30 (NIV)

Those of us who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he died for our sins, know that we are children of God. We have an eternal purpose and a home waiting in heaven. We find our self-worth through the one who made us and saved us. We are here for a greater things than just living in the world.

We also have a great responsibility to live differently than the world. Material things are not to be our focus. If we are to get the world's attention, we must show them something better. The joy of living in Christ.

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matt 16:26 (NIV)

In His Service,

Angela