Dear Christians, ain't I a Woman?

Dear Christians,

Ain’t I a woman? God created women. God loves women. In his own image, he created women. And he blessed women. He told them to have dominion over the earth. (I know he did the same for men, but this post is focused on women). Throughout the Bible, we see God honor women in ways that societies outside of God’s people simply could neva.

A woman bore Jesus into this world. 

God entrusted women as the first messengers of Jesus’s resurrection.

One of the most subversive anthems of scripture when it comes to social justice were the words of a woman (The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55).

The gospel was furthered and significantly promulgated by women.

When scripture references women as “helpers,” the same word is used in reference to the Holy Spirit (“ezer” in Gen 2:20).

Despite what the world deceitfully may tell us, the very rules of engagement for the treatment of women of God is counter-cultural and dignifying.

In light of this, we must constantly be aware of the patterns in which we may put our own human spin on God’s original intent of his creation, and how he designed us to relate to one another.

So that being said, when women speak out against abusive behaviors that are more commonly inflicted upon women, why are their spirits labeled instead as “critical,” or their righteous indignation relegated as mere “opinions?”

It doesn’t take much searching of scripture to find where God sits with and then uplifts women found in disparate situations. Rather than excusing misogyny with silence or saying “it could have been me,” weep with those who weep. Listen. Learn to do better. Then do better. Honor women. Not just in proportion to how they may relate to you, but as they are borne out of the very image of God. Teach your brothers and the next generation to do the same.

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In the wake of the #metoo movement, I sadly saw more men of God defend their past behaviors (“it could have been me”) than repent of them or hold their brothers accountable to honoring women. I saw some who did the right thing, and I thank you. I didn’t see the private conversations that may have taken place to disciple men to honor women. Thank you for having those too.

Calling out abusive behaviors is an offense to the sin that is in you, not the Christ that is in you. If, in reading any part of my appeal, a defensive spirit welled up in you, if disrespecting women or silently allowing it to happen rests well with you, you’ve got work to do. And don’t feel singled out. You’re certainly not alone. We’ve all got work to do when it comes to loving our neighbor better than we love ourselves. But church, when it comes to honoring women and their contributions, we’ve got work to do ok? But let’s do it together.

In the words of Sojourner Truth, from her speech “Ain’t I a Woman”: If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

In love and veritas,

Chioma

 

Chioma Obih