Being a Godly Woman: From Sunup to Sun Down

In Genesis 1:28 we see how women and men were told to multiply and subdue the land, having dominion over God’s creation. Women were meant for child-bearing, to procreate children in the sacrament of marriage. Women were told to take care of the land and God’s creations, which aren’t just pertaining to trees and dogs. It means that women are to have respect for created life itself. In the simple sense, don’t litter the land, and don’t be cruel to animals. In the larger sense, don’t align with anything that negates life created by God.

Single women are meant to be virgins as told to us in 1 Corinthians 7:34 which tells us, “An unmarried woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit.” Chastity is a wonderful gift, either as a gift to God, throughout a woman’s single life, or to be given only to her husband in the sacrament of marriage. It seems virginity is not held in much esteem these days, but it never goes out of style in Jesus’ eyes. What better example of chastity, than the Blessed Mother herself who remained chaste her entire life?

There are several scriptures on a woman’s role as a wife.

1 Peter 3:3-7
 “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands, 
so husband’s even if sinning can be won over by their wife’s reverent 
and chaste conduct. A wife’s adornment should not be of interior concern,
 but of exterior hidden character of the heart, expressed with a gentle and 
calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. Husbands should
 show honor and understanding to their wives who are the weaker sex.
” So wives, be happy and gentle in disposition, an example of holiness 
to your husbands and submissive to your husband as head of the household.

Another scripture describing the perfect wife is Proverbs 19:14, “A prudent wife is from the Lord.” 

What is a prudent wife? It is a wife who knows the difference between right and wrong and chooses the way of righteousness, seeking to be a holy example in her home.

Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the ideal wife. Rather than writing the entire scripture out, I will break down the main points for you, in modern perception. The ideal wife is a prize, a treasure. She knows how to sew, or where to get the best bargains for her household. The ideal wife has a green thumb or at least knows how to feed her family foods of nutritional value, filled with vitamins and minerals. She cares for the needy of the world, being an instrument of charity. The ideal woman sees that her children are properly clothed against the winter chill and doesn’t send them out in snow or wind, without a jacket. She has a great sense of humor and is full of dignity. The ideal wife is wise and kind in speech. She is held in respect by her husband and children, so be sure to give them something to respect. The ideal wife holds her husband in high esteem and respect. She is more concerned about her inner beauty than her outward appearance. So, learn how to sew, no more McDonald’s for supper, and grow a garden. Ha! Just kidding!

For several years, I had reached a point of not enjoying housework. Oh, I did the minimum but didn’t enjoy it. I had an attitude of ‘the world owes me a living,’ because of all I suffered through my daughter’s illness. I reached a point of just hurrying through my work so I could stay on my computer for hours or spend hours working in my logic puzzle magazines. Then, I started on this road and wanted to change. I asked Jesus to help me become a better homemaker, wife, and mother. A few months later, my attitude had changed. I found myself enjoying housework and preparing nice suppers every evening. I became very organized, just as when my daughters were little. I now choose one area of the house each weekday and do extra cleaning there. By the end of the week, the house is picture-perfect. Jesus can help us change in any area we need to change.

If offered a chance of promotion based on sexual favors, or asked to do something dishonest, she can refuse. If a woman is a nurse and is asked to assist in an abortion, she can refuse based on religious convictions, without fear of reprisal, based on the freedom of religion granted by the Constitution of U.S.A. Besides, if you lose your job for standing up for Jesus, do you really want that job anyway?

If your business life doesn’t offer much time for spiritual opportunities, you can always get involved in ministries in your Church parish. Whether married or single, you can get together during a lunch break once a week and pray with two or three women. How about the three of you reading the same spiritual book and discussing it once a week? Perhaps you can all take a mini-retreat together. Just pack a picnic lunch and head out to the country, after attending church together one weekend. These are examples of ways of living holy lives, whether nun, wife or businesswoman.

Most of the focus on my journey has been centered on my oldest daughter’s illness because it affected me personally on a daily basis. I also want to say in her defense, I would never have learned to forgive if not for her. She is the most forgiving person I know. I also learned to appreciate the things of nature, because of her. Watching her showed me how to enjoy simple things in life, like sunsets and birds. When Jesus finishes setting her free; she will be a great vessel for Him to use.

I also have a younger daughter who deserves mentioning. A chapter on women is the perfect place to let her enter into my book. You see, she has taught me so much about being a woman. I never had any self-esteem, until she taught me how to ‘expand my horizons’ and look inside myself at my potential. Although she is highly intellectual, having been on the dean’s list all through college and graduating with honors; she doesn’t ‘Lord it over’ anyone. My youngest daughter is just as content to have a cup of coffee with a ‘bag lady,’ as to dine with the queen of England. I have two beautiful daughters who will one day leave an impact on the world and be used very much by Jesus. They don’t know it yet, but watch out world, Ladybug’s daughters are coming!

We women, the feminine gender are a sensitive, creative, loving, supportive, and nurturing species. We have wonderful roles in life and have ample opportunities to grow in holiness and can be marvelous examples to the male, masculine, strong gender. We can help them become more loving and sensitive and help them grow in holiness through our example. Be happy you are a woman of God and make Jesus glad you were put on the earth.