What is a woman? That seems to vary depending upon who you ask. Is she, as some would insist, really no different than a man? Are there differences? If so, do they cause her to think or react differently than a man would in a given situation? How could these differences be best used to complement the work and roles of the men around her? Are her responsibilities the same or does she have her own position to fill and job to accomplish? These are some of the common questions that will be addressed in future articles in the Women’s Page in Focus.

The woman of today is on the horns of a dilemma. There is the push of the world toward the rat-race and "self-fulfillment." Then there is the gentle pull of God toward a nobler and longer lasting role in life. These appear to be in direct conflict with each other. Is one ever truly happy trying to grasp both? We live in a world of extreme stereotyping. Either you are an aggressive and upwardly mobile woman of power, or you are one who is weak and timid with little ability or gray matter. There has to be a better labeling system.

The characteristics God chooses to call precious in a woman are neither forward or weak. The challenge is in finding the middle ground. Let’s try on a few verses for size. Titus 2:4,5 lists loving, discreet, chaste, home-makers, good and obedient as desirable traits. I Peter 3:4 adds gentle and quiet. Priscilla was able to teach with her husband (Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3). Lois and Eunice had a firm grasp of faith strong enough to be taught to their children (1 Timothy 1:5). Most of us will admit to having trouble filling out these clothes. The answer is not to alter the garment – which is the ideal – but to work ourselves into shape. And believe me, it is work. I am told by older sisters who have been exercising for longer than I that it gets easier with practice, but will always require effort.

The easy way out is to follow along on the heels of our men when an intellectually challenging issue arises. But is it an option to be passive or "co-dependent" in matters of faith? I believe it can be fairly stated that any passage of scripture which is unspecified in scope by context can and must apply equally to men and women alike, unless that application would violate another clear principle of scripture. In that light, the admonition of Romans 14:5 that "each be fully convinced in his own mind" and of Acts 17:11 for diligent scripture searching would appear to urge us toward study and conviction. Thankfully, this is an area of strength among most of the sisters I know.

Am I arguing for more independence and self-assertion? Yes, and no, respectively. We absolutely must be working to perfect our knowledge and understanding of God’s word, but that does not necessitate we demand a voice or forum for it’s use beyond that which God has given us. The articles of the Women’s Page provide an excellent opportunity for the older women among us to teach the younger as Titus 2:3-5 commands. They will not be intended for or aimed at the male subscriber. This need not be a questionable arrangement of women teaching over men. The intent of the Page is to teach other women. Any other application would be forced by the readers and out of the control of the paper’s contributors or editors.