Defining the Art of Femininity (an Addendum)

After sending out my latest writing, “The Art of Femininity”, a friend of mine asked me what I thought about women in leadership roles like Deborah and Jael (Judges 4-5). As I wrote my reply, I became excited about all the things God was writing through me. I decided this reply to my friend would be a great addendum to “The Art of Femininity”.

So, here it is, “Defining the Art of Femininity”, by Sarah Earlene Shere:

Yes, I have read Judges 4-5, and was happy to read it, again. I think the story of Deborah and Jael is a good example of what I was saying. Deborah was not seeking her own enrichment and her own position of power; she wasn’t trying to prove something. She was a willing vessel; she was sensitive to the Spirit and willing to be filled and used by God Almighty. She was a wife, with the gift of prophecy. She did not set herself up in a high office or stand by an altar or behind a pulpit. She sat under a palm tree, out in God’s nature. I imagine coming to Deborah was like coming into an oasis; the moment you approached her, away from the chaos of the world, how could you not instinctively become still, and know that God is God?

“…the Lord raised up judges…When the Lord raised up judges for them, He was with the judge…”  Judges 2:18

It would seem that the judges were more than political, judicial or militant. They were the mouthpieces God chose to use. Some of the judges were militant, but it would appear that Deborah was strictly a prophetess, not a holder of a political or religious leadership role. Not that prophecy is a gift to be taken lightly. On the contrary, Acts 2:17 tells us that it is a gift for both men and women.

“But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces)…earnestly desire and set your hearts on prophesying (on being inspired to…teach and to interpret God’s will and purpose)…” 1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:39 AMPC

I notice that Deborah was not the leader in the battle. Again, she was God’s mouthpiece:

“Deborah said to Barak, ‘Arise! For this is the day when the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Has the Lord not gone out before you?’ So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him.” Judges 4:14

As for Judges 4:9: “She said, ‘I will certainly go with you; nevertheless, the journey that you are about to take will not be for your honor and glory, because the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.’”. I’m not a Bible scholar, so I won’t pretend I know the significance of the statement. It would seem to me that God was displeased with Barak, his cowardice, lack of faith, treating Deborah as a shield or a good luck charm, his arrogance, etc.. No one can know positively. It seems to me that God wanted to shame the wise and strong by showing His strength through those who the world sees as foolish and weak. This always has been, and still is, His good pleasure…for which, as a horribly flawed, broken being, I am eternally in awe and grateful! (1 Corinthians 1:27 & 2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Jael! The Bible tells us so little about the people who lived very real lives, what they were thinking and feeling. It would seem she was a faithful wife. Her husband separated himself from a people who had frequently been kind and helpful to God’s chosen people. Apparently, Jael did not support her husband’s new choice of friends, even though she dutifully followed her husband in his move. But, like Abigail, she was wise, and, perhaps, feared God. She at least knew who was on the side of right and who was on the side of wrong. Jael was not a political, religious or militant leader. She was a wise woman, with a God-given courage to carry out the will of God. She succeeded where most feminists fail: she saw a need and met it, not because she was a woman with an agenda, but because she was a wise person who knew something had to be done and knew she could do it! It would seem to be Jael of whom Deborah prophesied; it was from her hands (literally) that victory was won.

As I said in “The Art of Femininity”, I believe Satan has twisted and distorted the truth, even among the church. God does not see as we see. Humans see a smartly dressed woman sitting in a seat of social power and laud and praise her. But God still reaches down into the lowest places of society and lifts up the faces of His weakest child and says, “I will show My might and power through you!” “Power”? “Leadership”? The Bible is filled with stories that confirm our thoughts are not God’s thoughts; our ways our not His ways. I fear our nation will never know the great things that women are capable of, because the greatest women in history were not trying to prove something; they were trying to make a difference for the right, and that, sadly, is a virtue scoffed by mainstream society. The greatest women humble themselves and submit to being filled and used by the Holy Spirit!

Regarding what I think about women in leadership roles like Deborah and Jael, I think they weren’t in leadership roles, according to the world’s definition; they were woman raised up, chosen by God, led and filled by the Holy Spirit to touch and change their world from where they were. I believe this is true of every exemplary woman of the Bible.

“The Art of Femininity” was not an essay against feminism. On the contrary, it was meant to empower, strengthen and encourage my sisters in Christ, while speaking truth to both men and women. This is its bottom line message: Be God’s daughter first, Christ’s bride always and the Precious Holy Spirit’s willing vessel and representative. This formula has bred the greatest, most powerful women the world has ever known; may many follow their lead!