Liberator of Women

"Why are you helping me?” The woman said to Captain Nathan Algren, from Hollywood’s block buster film The Last Samurai.  She was carrying some items and the Captain came to help.  In her surprise she commented that “Japanese men don’t help with things like this.” 

The treatment and liberation of women around the world has taken a tremendous leap forward in the last 100 years.  And yes, there is still much work to do.  The first steps toward raising the value of women in society began nearly 2,000 years ago.  It started with Jesus Christ, who is history’s greatest liberator of women.  There are five ways in which He changed the course of history.

Defense.  Jesus had celebrity status, as He gathered crowds in the thousands around Him.  They hung on His every word.  In the midst of this platform He defended women when society tried to demean and dismiss them. 

Challenging the status quo.  Jesus put His life and reputation on the line challenging the unjust but acceptable ways in which women were treated during His day.  Through knowingly opposing cultural rules He became a voice for the voiceless.       

Equality.  Jesus demonstrated that women were as equally valuable as men.  He saw no difference in a man’s worth over a woman’s.  Both were created and loved by God.   

Compassion.   Jesus showed kindness toward women of all ranks in society.  Upper, middle and lower classes.  He showed words and deeds of peace, hope and freedom to all women who would choose to believe in Him.  

Accountability.  Even though Jesus offered promise to women, He also called them to repentance.  He realized true freedom is not just found in changing man’s laws or cultural ideals.  He offered liberation of the soul through forgiveness of sin.  When women are delivered from sin they discover real freedom.   

Jesus and those who follow His example offer a message to women around the world.  Those in abusive relationships, oppressive cultures and feeling on the fringe of society, can find worth in Christ.  While publicly standing against one woman’s accusers Jesus said to her “‘Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?’  She said, ‘No one, Lord.’  And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more’” (John 8:10-11).  Across the world, Jesus calls husbands, businesses and governments to honor the God-given value women have.  May Jesus be the hope of women today and forever.  

 

HOPE FOR TODAY: America Salutes its Mothers

On May 8, 1914, Congress passed a joint resolution to establish the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day. Then on May 9th, the President signed the first proclamation saying, “I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States . . . invite the people of the United States to display the [United States] flag . . . as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

The proclamation sounded incredibly patriotic as I read it. Nothing was said about cards, candy and roses, but flying the American flag. It seemed odd. Then I got it. Embedded in the foundation of the United States are its mothers.

During the years 1776 to 1914 America fought in numerous wars beginning with the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War among others. Following 1914, America entered into World War I, then World War II. How could young husbands with children have gone off to defend this nation without courageous wives and mothers staying behind to defend their homes and care for their children? Thousands of these women never saw their husbands return becoming widows at an early age.

The role of women in our nation has changed much since 1776 and even 1914. Today, America’s landscape is filled with mom’s serving in the workforce, military and in elected office. However, the value of service they provide their families and America hasn’t changed. I sincerely believe there would be no America if it wasn’t for the sacrifice of our moms.

God also is embedded in the foundation of our nation. The acknowledgement and worship of God is evident throughout the historical accounts of America’s founding. However, where would the role of God be in our country without godly mothers? Mothers who carried out their faith by example and purposely invested godly qualities in their children. The difference between a good mom and a great mom is God. The Scriptures say, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

The future of America is not bound up in our military might, academic achievements or financial strength. America’s hope rests in the priority of God and that begins in our homes with godly mom’s helping to raise godly boys and girls. Mom, America salutes you! May Jesus be your hope for today.