Women's Equality Day

This is the beginning of a new and exciting series from women that I highly respect.  Our first guest is Anne Schrock, a christian sister whom I have come to love as my own.  Here is an article that she has generously shared with many others and has now graced us with here at Laurel Tree Creations.  I pray this speaks to your heart as it has done to mine. 

Within my favorite local market, a huge blackboard displays the store’s monthly events and special days. August 26th marks Women’s Equality Day. Upon seeing the notice, I wondered, have I been missing something? I decided to do a little research.

August 26th, I found out, was designated as Women’s Equality Day in 1971 by the U.S.Congress to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

Such a victory might seem like eons ago to younger women, but I remember growing up in a time of  "little girls are to be seen and not heard" and "because I said so."  Women chose from three "careers"—secretary, teacher, or nurse. Talk about a glass ceiling; you could barely get on hands and knees to crawl! With much fortitude, however, the secretaries,teachers and nurses of yesteryear paved the way for female bosses, principals and doctors of today.  

Wow! Have we come a long way!

Women have been struggling with equality for centuries, although our Maker granted her equal status from the beginning. Woman was created in the image of God as a suitable helper for man [ezer in Hebrew] and as an equal custodian over all His creation.

(Note: ezer not ebed which is servant) NIV Genesis 2:18; NIV Genesis 1:27- 28

Recently, I was seated at a table of women,ages ranging from 30s to 70. All mothers, many had pursued corporate careers and now elected to stay at home with their newborns, while the remainder had opted out of their careers at a later time in their children’s upbringing. In listening to the three generations of stories that circled that table, I realized that certain aspects how we as women are viewed had not changed.  Advancements in rank and pay require women to think like "the guys". 

Additionally, the executive, MBA moms who had left their corporate worlds behind felt their status in their different roles as the suitable helper had dropped. It  saddened me that they weren’t seeing themselves as the helper—the woman created in the image of God.

I love the woman of Proverbs 31, one who is looked upon as capable and strong in her convictions. She brings honor to her husband with her wisdom in being responsible to business affairs, managing the household activities, and nurturing the love and respect of her family.

And how does Proverbs 31 woman gain her status? She is a savvy business woman, praised by her husband and honored by her children. She runs a busy household, leading by example. She is a seamstress, accountable to her customers to deliver on time, thereby, providing additional income for the family.

She goes the extra mile for quality in provisions for her family. She is the model woman as portrayed in this poem.

How does Proverbs 31 woman multi-task and maintain her health? She is certain to give herself the same measure of care she bestows upon her family. She eats fresh foods, she is rested, she is well-read, she gives of herself to the needy, and she is organized.

What ultimately sets the Proverbs 31 woman apart? She understands the need for God. He determines her priorities. Therefore, who must the virtuous woman as portrayed in Proverbs 31 be— married, children, businesswoman, and homemaker?  The answer is that one can be single or married, with or without children. She can be a designer, author, or stay-at-home mom.  Imperfections and all, the virtuous woman puts God first.

Several years ago I attended a women’s retreat at which we each were asked the question: "Who are you as a woman?" When it came my turn, after hearing the numerous adjectives others had chosen, I could say only, "I’m not the woman I use to be." I’d been growing into the Proverbs 31 woman, and I realized just then that I’d been set apart.  

"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he shall not turn from it"

NIV Proverbs 22.6

by Anne Schrock

Contact us at: 888-211-0509

or view our web site www.healthierskinnaturally.com

 With an inquisitive nature, Anne Schrock sees her self as a lifetime student of healthier living. She is eager to help today’s generations achieve vitality as well as longevity.  A woman passionate to be in God’s grace, through her company La’ NE, Anne hopes to encourage others to adopt small changes along the way that eventually lead to major improvements in their health and happiness. 

You can read new posts on this blog via the RSS feed