Blessed Women's Day

Today is the International Women's Day (IWD). Interesting that women are accorded a special day to be celebrated because of their political, economical and social achievements. Personally, this is the first time that I have taken notice of the significance of the 8th of March.

As I am typing this, what comes across my mind is the question of what it means to be a woman in Malaysia at such a time as this. Throughout my life of 21 years, I have been bombarded with the media especially about women being abused, looked down upon, women seeking empowerment, women fighting for their rights, women seeking equality and many such similar issues. I cannot help but look back with regret that as years went by, women has not ceased fighting for their rights, and their view of what a woman is has been distorted substantially and widely.

Women of today advocate equal rights and equal treatment in every sense from men and yet complain when men are not gentlemanly towards us. Isn't that utter confusion? Why do we seek equal treatment in everything but cry foul when the exact treatment is given to us? Don't take me wrong here. I do believe in being treated as an equal because God has made us just as we are,different in our 'functions' yet equalin His sight but I don't believe in taking over what has been ordained to men from the beginning of time. I know I risk making women upset by writing this, but this is my blog, so for the first time, I will state my thoughts though it may start some sort of reactions from people.

I think to be a woman means to become what God has rooted in the hearts of women to do and to be. We are nurturing beings and I want to grow to be like that. I don't want to go fight a corporate war with men, that's their job. Deep down every corporate and capable woman, lady, girl is the deep desire to be appreciated and loved by her prince, whose beauty is waiting to be revealed. What has gone wrong in the society is that somehow,through our sinful nature, women have been exploited by men, the stronger gender, and I guess that birthed all the fight for equal rights and empowerment. What a bummer that is to God's original plan. Guys, you need to rise up and respect and protect your sisters, girlfriends (not only the special ones), mothers, grandmothers and any woman/lady/girl you know. Respect is the key word I guess. Far more than that, recognising that the fairer sex was also created in God's image is probably THE thing to do. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Gen 1:27

Again, my thoughts are scattered everywhere, bear with me. =) Amatuer. Proverbs 31 gives an excellent portrayal of a woman who fears God and is a blessing to her household. It is truly a high calling especially in this society of capable people, men and women alike. Not impossible though.

Proverbs 31: 10 - 31

10 ^[c] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

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

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

In saying all these, I do recognise the sacrifices of women for the sake of their families and their immeasurable contribution to countries worldwide. We are truly a driving force. How can we not be? ;) I have to admit that I don't know much about being a woman yet, but I am learning. Maybe we should all be re-educated with the real meaning of being a woman, contented beings in the presence of her Prince, Lord and Creator.

Blessed Women's Day!


p/s: To read more on the history of IWD, check this out!

same yet different,
gracey