22 Feb Woman is not Woe-Man

And man said “This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen 2:23) and woman came into existence. Yes. Women folks have always been the backbone of a successful home as the saying goes, “Behind every successful man there is a successful woman.”

The Bible states that Jesus fed a multitude. Here it must have been a mother who packed for the boy – 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish which became a blessing for more than 5,000 people. Jesus’ first appearance after His Resurrection was to a woman, Mary Magdalene. This shows the significance of women in the Bible.

Whether it’s our mother or wife, daughter or friend, the women in our lives constantly teach us new things. They nurture us, show us what love is, and are there for us and protect us when we need them the most.

Proverbs 31:15 “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come”. I would like to share three blessings which we receive from women folks as they form an indispensable part of our lives.

God-fearing women are a Blessing: Over and above being a blessing to the world, Mother Mary was a blessing to the wedding in Cana where she requested Jesus to do a miracle and Jesus turned water into wine. The example of a virtuous woman is detailed in Proverbs 31:26 stating that she opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness. The example of Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus was humble and she immediately submitted to the mandate of Angel Gabriel to bear Child Jesus and said, “Let it be according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Esther was a blessing to the Jews (Est. 4:16); because she went to King Xerxes and pleaded that the Jews be saved from Haman’s decree which was to annihilate all the Jews (Est. 7:3-4).

God-fearing women give others: Very often we think that it was only the 12 disciples accompanied Jesus. Jesus was also accompanied by women (Luke 8:1-2). The Bible also says that it was these women folk who provided for Jesus’ ministry on earth from their own means (Luke 8:3). Yes, women were an integral part of Jesus’s ministry. Paul writes in Philippians 4:3, “Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel”. Mary Magdalene was the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection (Mark 16:9).

God-fearing women are virtuous: There are great examples of women who are virtuous and one example is Ruth which the Bible tcalls a virtuous woman (Ruth 3:1). Ruth’s example is noteworthy because of the fact that she was willing to follow her mother in law wherever she went. And we see her lineage of generation down to David & from David to Lord Jesus. The Bible talks in Proverbs 31: 10 “Who can find a virtuous wife?” For her worth is far above rubies”. Yes, it goes on to say in verse 11- The heart of the husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.

In conclusion, let me state that women have been an integral part of Jesus’ ministry because of their purposeful thoughts (Martha went to cook for Jesus when Mary listened to him), persistent attitude (Esther persisted to reverse the order against the Jews) & perfectionist (Pro. 31 states the perfect women) way of life. The fact that they are so important in society. Yes, We need to celebrate the presence of women and specially me when I look at my mother or anyone looks at their mother, all hearts seems to say the same thing which is sung in the song, “Mother of Mine- You gave to me – all your life, love and care, Mother Sweet mother of mine”. God bless all women and their contribution to society.

Dr. Samip Baruah
The author looks after international sales of stationery products in ITC Education and Stationery Product Category Business.