Womanhood Meaning: Her True Spirit

What is Womanhood? Exploring the Meaning of it All

In the mid-1960s, James Brown shook the world with a song that unveiled the spirit of the age – “It’s a Man’s World.” This anthem resonated with millions and set our thoughts ablaze. With this song, James Brown ignited a conversation about a pervasive attitude that seeps through the veins of every nation and culture. The mindset is “this world was made for men. It’s a man’s world.” But does the world actually belong to men? And if it does, what position could women possibly hold in it?

Jump into the conversation, ignite the flames with your thoughts on a scintillating topic as we embark on an empowering blog series exploring a woman’s purpose and power.

A Controversial Issue

Gender disparity – an incessantly debated topic in modern times – sparks heated discussion and bitter contention surrounding women’s positions, roles, and rights. Throughout history, women have been regarded as inferior to men, relegated to a secondary place in society. Tragically, remnants of these antiquated perceptions persist even today.

Women have been/are considered:

• inferior to men, second-class citizens

• objects for sensual gratification alone

• weak; incapable of real strength

• lacking in intelligence and therefore having nothing to contribute to society

• the personal property of men, the equivalent of cattle

• personal servants whose only purpose is to meet the needs of their masters

• domestic slaves, to be used as desired

• objects to be passed around until finished with, and then discarded

• deserving of abuse

This list may hit close to home, stir your emotions, or leave you in disbelief. Your location, past experiences, and gender shape your response to these eye-opening items, some of which may highlight your current struggles.

Women worldwide suffer from severe emotional, physical, and spiritual distress due to persistent negative attitudes toward them. These ungrounded assumptions persist in all nations, impervious to legislative and societal developments, and stem from ingrained attitudes in the hearts and minds of both men and women. Whether or not you live in an industrialized nation where women’s status and opportunities have improved, know that women are misunderstood and degraded globally.

Womanhood Meaning: A Universal Problem

Throughout the ages, women have been devalued and mistreated repeatedly in every culture and creed imaginable. But why? And how? The sheer fact that this problem is so widespread points to a deeper, more insidious issue that reaches far beyond social mores or traditions.

The ongoing plight of women across the globe is an issue that seems impossible to tackle due in part to the ingrained belief that it’s a man’s world. Though laws may change and we can enforce policies, changing a man’s perspective on a woman’s place remains challenging.

The internalized devaluing of women perpetuates oppression and exploitation in almost every society, regardless of cultural or political development. Even in modern times, it’s tragic to acknowledge that the female struggle persists.

Growing up, I immersed myself in the Japanese karate tradition of Shudokan, developed by the great Kanken Toyama. I shared a world with both men and women, but it was largely male-dominated.

Yet, even after leaving the dojo, the same spirit of male dominance persisted. While studying piloting, I was one of only four women in the program. By sophomore year, I was the sole female left standing, everyone else having transferred out.

It wasn’t just a matter of confidence; there was a pervasive feeling in the air that the men were in charge and my voice wasn’t valued. But this isn’t just limited to my own experiences. This idea has dominated societies for thousands of years, a spirit that still clings to many nations.

The societal and political strides women have conquered, although initially considered a success, can paradoxically weigh on them because they present a lopsided accomplishment. Sure, women voice that they’re on par with men, and authorities attempt to uphold this equal treatment, but this transition in status may not seamlessly align with the perspectives of other men and women. Thus, bewilderment, anxiety, and discord emerge, leaving immense uncertainty about a woman’s place in society. Altering an individual’s mindset is no easy feat.

History Of Women’s Movements

Women’s devaluation had been accepted by many, but in the past century, people in industrial nations began to challenge this injustice. Various women’s movements arose, including the suffrage movement. It’s been just over a century since women in America and elsewhere gained the right to vote.

War, famine, and economic collapse were the catalysts that led to a shift in how we viewed womanhood (not just American womanhood, black womanhood or white womanhood). As men went off to battle and search for jobs, women were thrust into traditionally male-dominated positions. When the war ended, men returned to their jobs, but something had shifted. The taboo against a young woman contributing to business and government had been shattered. Even though traditional views of a young woman still prevailed, a new era had begun. A breathtaking transformation born out of the ashes of despair and destruction.

Over the last four decades, a mighty spirit has surged among women in the U.S. and Europe – countries like England, Sweden, and Norway – a spirit that defies the status quo dictum: “We’re no different from men. We’re equals.” The phrase “equal rights” embodies this fighting spirit in America. Initially mirroring the goals of the civil rights movement, the equal rights movement took center stage in the 60s.

The mighty spirit of James Brown’s song, declaring that we live in a man’s world, gave way to a movement that shook the foundation of society. Millions of black and white women joined the bandwagon, shouting to the world, “This is not just a man’s world – we are here too!” They marched in the streets of Washington, D.C., proudly holding banners and placards, and their voices filled the air. These brave women gathered in football stadiums, overflowing with passion and determination, united in their quest for equal rights. Their message was loud and clear: the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) must be passed!

With fierce determination, they fought to amend the Constitution of the United States and declare that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” They begged to be given the same rights as men – to have an equal stake in the world, to immerse themselves in all the activities that their male counterparts were enjoying. They weren’t asking for special treatment, only the chance to be equal.

Whose Rights?

I vividly recall watching my aunt passionately debate the issue of women’s rights, standing up and fiercely demanding what was rightfully ours. Despite admiring her unfailing courage, her tactics gave me pause. I couldn’t help but wonder, if we have to ask for something, are we admitting that someone else has power over us? If we demand our rights, are we not acknowledging that they belong to someone else? Such acquiescence only serves to diminish our worth.

“Ownership” is a powerful notion that affects everything from race relations to romantic relationships. When one person asks for something from another, it’s more than a simple request. It’s a recognition of the other person’s control over what is being asked for. The white person who asks a black person for something acknowledges that the black person possesses what they need. And conversely, the black person who asks a white person for something is saying that the item in question is rightfully theirs.

When a man asks a woman for something, it’s an acceptance of her dominance over it. While a woman asking a man for something admits that he has it. Remember, whenever you ask someone for something, you admit they have control over it.

Therefore, if I say to the government, “Give me my rights,” I am admitting to the government, “You have jurisdiction over my rights.” Laws delineating our rights can be good, and we must remember that law can’t grant us our rights; they can merely acknowledge the rights that we already have.

As a teenager, I resolved that my God-given and inherent rights were mine alone to control – no one else’s. I determine which opinions matter. There’s a crucial distinction between demanding one’s rights and demonstrating them powerfully.

We must remember this as we unpack why women are so often devalued. Recognizing that women’s rights are innate, fundamental, and universal will transform our efforts to improve their plight worldwide.

Through Scripture, we witness inspiring tales of incredible people who embody the idea of true freedom. Take Joseph, for example – falsely accused and imprisoned, yet he refused to see himself as a prisoner and eventually found himself in charge of the entire prison. (Check out Genesis 39 for more.)

Remember: there are individuals locked up in jail right this moment who possess a deep sense of spiritual freedom, while others who have never seen the inside of a prison remain trapped in their own minds. True freedom is a journey of the soul that requires courage, resilience, and perseverance.

When you demand your rights, beware, for hidden underneath, it might lie that you are unequal. Do you really want to plead for equality with men, indicating they possess the power to grant you standing? That’s dangerous ground to tread.

If you equivocate me with holding the power to make or break you as a human, then you risk being at my mercy. I could toy with you to my advantage, restrain you, or give you some freedom just to control you. In movements for equal rights, many inadvertently confess to having lost control over their lives and handed over their rights to powerful others.

Prejudice Persists

Countries like America and Sweden have taken steps forward by bringing about legislative reforms, impacting the societal norm. Gone are the days when a young girl is considered property, baby-bearers, and servile creatures of servitude. Today they’re active contributors to civic and political affairs. Their participation has increased, and so has their appreciation. Gone are the days when females were restricted to domestic activities, and now they’re part of leadership, management, and sports.

Despite some improvements, women still suffer from male prejudice in most societies. This bias persists and degrades women. Legislation cannot change men’s hearts. Even with legislative and civic changes, men do not see women as equals. As a result, women are confused, misused, and abused. They are frustrated and manipulated. The persistent devaluation of women holds back progress, and they are treated in every way except as God originally intended.

Despite the handful who broke free, inspiring us with their extraordinary work and accomplishments, the vast majority remain stunted, unable to explore their unique gifts and share their light with the world. Such a waste of human potential surely jars our collective conscience.

The serious problem we are facing, therefore, is that not even the government can do what needs to be done to remedy the devaluation of women, despite legislation and some positive social changes.

Can Negative Ideas about Women Be Changed?

Can we change the world’s negative view of women? What causes women to be devalued universally across centuries and societies? Why is it often challenging for men and women to comprehend each other and cooperate in this world?

While apparently, part of the problem, culture, and tradition cannot take the full blame because the problem spans ages and cultures and seems to point to a deep-seated discord or adversarial relationship between men and women.

What, then, is the cause of this age-old dilemma?

The age-old dilemma we face stems from a fundamental loss: our humanity. What does it mean to be young girl or boy, let alone human? We’ve forsaken an essential understanding of ourselves and replaced it with distorted views. Culture and tradition compound the issue. It’s time to rediscover what it truly means to be human.

Women, like men, should fathom the true essence of womanhood (not American womanhood, or black womanhood or white womanhood). Unfortunately, most women have derived their identity from men and, consequently, cannot see themselves as God intended. Society and tradition have molded women into something not entirely of their choosing, and that’s disheartening.

As a woman, you might not like who you are, yet your entire self-concept probably came from the environment in which you were raised.

We’re Equal and Different

Had the world’s nations grasped God’s intentions for men and women, they would have understood that the spirit of equal rights, constantly demanding equality from men, was never His plan. He already declared men and women equal at creation. This fact must not be left to senators, congresses, cabinets, or parliaments, as God has already made this powerful decision.

When you give others the authority to define you, you surrender your rights and face the repercussions. Don’t let anyone decide how much you’re worth as a person. Your value transcends what any vocal critic may say, so don’t believe their hollow words. Remember, you alone determine your worth.

When you understand that equality is inherent and discover how it is to be manifested in your life, then you can begin to live in the full realm of that equality, regardless of what others tell you about yourself.

We need to carefully consider another point because it is at the forefront of the current misunderstandings between females and males. Many of those who advocate equal rights say there is no difference between women and men. Yet, while women and men were created equal, they were also created differently. This is part of our unique design.

This statement may confuse some and anger others because, somehow, we have come to believe that different means inferior.

Throughout history, societies have perpetuated the false idea that women are inferior to men due to their different physical and emotional makeup. Sadly, this led some women to adopt the opposite view, considering men as inferior. These misguided perspectives fail to acknowledge, embrace, and celebrate the unique and complementary differences between men and women.

In many spheres of life, we don’t consider differences as weaknesses but as mutual strengths.

• In music, what do you need to play a full symphony orchestra, a violin player, or an oboe player? We know we need both to work together in harmony.

• In sports, what do you need for a medley relay, the swimmer who swims the breaststroke or the swimmer who does the backstroke? We know we need both to swim their best to win.

To ensure everyone wins and succeeds, being the best in their respective specialties is crucial in both examples.

To address the historic devaluation of women, we can’t just declare that there are no differences between males and females. Rather, we need to recognize and affirm their complementary differences. The issue arises because we fail to understand and accept these differences and miss out on harmonious utilization.

The Cause of Conflict

When we don’t understand and appreciate our God-given differences, we will inevitably have conflict. If a young girl doesn’t understand why she is the way she is, and the young guy doesn’t understand why he is the way he is, then three kinds of conflicts will occur:

• Women won’t be able to get along with other women successfully

• Men won’t be able to get along with other men successfully

• Women and men won’t be able to get along with each other successfully.

Today, the misunderstanding and strife between women and men are too often reflected in how we view marriage.

For too long, we’ve been stumbling in the dark regarding relationships between men and women. Ignoring each other’s needs and mindlessly focusing on our desires has led us to a standstill. It’s no wonder why misunderstandings and conflicts have plagued us throughout history. Our assumptions that males and females want the same things couldn’t be further from the truth.

Discovering the special nuances of males and females is vital. They share similarities, yet each has a unique design and needs that must be understood. Without this understanding, we’ll constantly be exasperated in relationships.

To escape the perpetual conflict, we must appreciate the uniqueness of female design and understand the intricate dynamics between the sexes. Appreciating the nature of women, created in God’s own image and meant to relate to men, is crucial.

Understanding how women are designed is crucial, not just for those in a marriage relationship. No matter your gender or status, you will encounter women in family, work, church, government, and nearly every facet of life; without grasping this essential knowledge, engaging with women honestly and effectively becomes impossible.

Of course, understanding and embracing each other’s unique design is the cornerstone of a successful marriage. By discovering the intricacies of being female or male, we pave the way for genuine, heartfelt connections with others. Whether you’re single or coupled, investing in this knowledge means fewer senseless tiffs and more loving support between partners.

Womanhood (not just American womanhood, black womanhood or white womanhood) have been misunderstood and undervalued for far too long, so this blog zooms in on their design and needs, referencing how they compare with men. Buckle up for a dynamic, emotionally gripping ride.

God’s Purpose

The key to transforming the way men and women interact lies within our very existence. As the creators of humanity, only our Maker knows our design’s true purpose and optimal function. It’s time to return to the roots and rediscover the secrets of our inherent makeup. Unlocking this knowledge is the only way to cultivate lasting, positive transformation in our relationships. Understanding and living out God’s original purpose is crucial in restoring the proper relations between men and women. It’s time to ignite our passion and purpose and take the world by storm.

Proverbs 19:21 summarizes this idea well: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” God is a God of purpose, and everything that He made in this life, including men and women, has a purpose. We can fight against His purpose, but if we do, we will be unfulfilled and frustrated. He made us the way we are for His purposes and for our benefit.

Throughout this blog, we will continually come back to these three essential principles:

• Nobody knows how something is meant to function better than its Maker.

• The purpose of something determines its nature (or design).

• The nature (or design) of something determines its needs.

The nature of the woman must be understood in light of her purpose, and her needs must be understood in light of her nature. Otherwise, she will be unable to fulfill the purpose for which she was created.

The most important thing we can find out about ourselves and others is the purpose of our existence. The sad consequence of young girl(s) and guy(s) misunderstanding each other is that abuse is inevitable when our purpose is not known.

What Is a Woman’s Place?

The controversy over the role, position, and rights of womanhood (not just American womanhood, black womanhood or white womanhood) over the years has often centered around these competing views of what a woman’s place is:

• A woman’s place is in the home.

• A woman’s place is in the world of business, education, and government.

Women’s essence, purpose, and design elude both of these views.

Where, ultimately, is a woman’s place?

A woman’s place is only in God. (The same is true for a man.)

He created her, imbibing tremendous value and shaping her for a special purpose. Only when we grasp the implications of this truth will we resolve the controversy and conflict surrounding the role of women in the world.

Summary

1. If you must ask somebody for your rights, you admit they own them.
2. A woman’s rights and position are inherent.
3. Today, the world undervalues men and women, and it’s our task to remember who we are and our uniqueness.
4. Culture and tradition have misled us into believing lies about humanity, and we must rise above it.
5. Women have been forced to derive their identities from men rather than from God.
6. Let’s stop the devaluation of women, empower them, and let them attain God’s purpose for their lives.
7. Returning to our Creator’s original intent is the only way to move forward and achieve progress.
8. Our purpose defines our nature and design. Let’s focus on it!
9. The nature of something defines its function and needs, and that’s undeniable.
10. In God, women always find their place!

Check Out Part 2: Embrace Womanhood: Uncover Your Purpose