women

What does it mean to be a woman? More specifically, what does it mean to be a woman who is a Christ follower? These are the questions that were posed at today's women's forum put on by Imago Dei women.
The following is the stereotypical list of characteristics for males and females:
Male Characteristics (stereotypes):

• acts as a leader
• aggressive
• ambitious
• analytical
• assertive
• athletic
• competitive
• defends own beliefs
• dominant
• forceful
• leadership abilities
• independent
• individualistic
• self-reliant
• self-sufficient
• makes decisions easily
• strong personality
• willing to take a stand
• willing to take risks

Female Characteristics (stereotypes):

• Affectionate
• Cheerful
• childlike
• compassionate
• does not use harsh language
• eager to soothe hurt feelings
• feminine
• flatterable
• gentle
• gullible
• loves children
• loyal
• sensitive to the needs of others
• shy
• soft-spoken
• sympathetic
• tender
• understanding
• warm
• yielding

We discussed how we fit or didn't fit into these characteristics. My conclusion was that God is the great Artist and he handcrafted each individual with the stereotypical male and female characteristics. We can't be put into a box. Those of you who know me well, know that I don't like it when others try to label me or put me in a box.

Heather, our pastor to women, spoke on a few women from Scripture. One that stood out was Esther. She was born a Jew and changed her Hebrew name Hadassah to Esther. God uses unlikely people for his works. Esther did what was against the Persian law in order to save her people from exile. Esther 4:14 says

Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as
this?

As women and as broken people, we have our insecurities. We need to trust God like Esther to use us even through our brokenness for such a time as this. Our world is a place of hurt and the church can come together to help bring true hope and true joy into people's lives.