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To Tear Down… or Build Up?

November 5, 2010 by ezerwoman

“It is not good,” said the Lord God, “that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18).

Let’s assume a Biblical understanding of the word “helper.”  A “helper” (Hebrew: ezer) is defined as being an “assistant” or an “ally.”   Perhaps most significantly, it is a description of God Himself.  Before Jesus returned to heaven, He promised His disciples that He would send “another Helper” (John 14:16).  That “Helper” is the Holy Spirit who is described as a “comforter” (Greek: parakletos) or someone who appears on anothers behalf.  Some commentaries speak of the Holy Spirit as an “encourager.”   The Holy Spirit imparts truth.  Builds up.  Strengthens.

I am not demeaned or offended to be a “helper fit for” man.  There is order and purpose to everything that God does.  God is order, the opposite of chaos.  The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet the three are equal.  The Holy Spirit is not inferior to the Father or the Son, but plays a different role.  Lives are affected through the power of the Spirit’s presence as He helps, comforts, and encourages.

In the created order, woman is not inferior to man but plays a powerfully different role.  Her presence and the way she chooses to use her natural power affects the lives of others.

Will she choose to use this power to discourage or encourage?  To bring pain or comfort?  To tear down or build up?

Man was created to be a good steward over all the earth, a defender of life, a tender covering over his wife, and the mentor of children and grandchildren.  But, he can’t do this by himself.  He needs the Word of God.  After that, he needs a helper.  That helper, said God, is woman.

How a woman helps, especially in her vocation as a wife, is explained by the way in which the first woman was made.  “The rib that the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman . . .” (Genesis 2:22).   The Hebrew word for “rib” is commonly used for a structural component related to the side of something.  When speaking of a building, it may mean a pillar or beam.  But, when used in reference to a person, it generally means a “rib bone.”   In the structure of our anatomy, the rib guards the human heart and breath of life.  Martin Luther called his wife, Katie, his “rib.”  I am my husband’s rib.   The rib is a strong bone, but it is also easily fractured or broken, especially when under attack.  Women — and the men that women love — are vulnerable in a sinful world.

In this fallen and difficult world, a woman helps her husband by being a pillar supportive of his personhood and his vocations.  Those vocations, or callings, include his stewardship, fatherhood, employment on behalf of family, and respected place in community.  How does she do this, yet remain fearless in the face of her own vulnerability?

She clings to her identity as God’s creation and the treasure for whom Jesus Christ gave all He had.  This identity never changes, no matter the circumstances.  Some women think their identity is found in being a wife, mother, teacher, musician, care-giver, or friend.  Some find their identity in their appearance, popularity, or health.  All of these vocations and circumstances are in a constant state of change.  Our identity as God’s creation and the treasure of Christ never changes… no matter if our children grow up or we lose our job, best friend, or health.

When a woman trusts her identity in Christ, she is free to use her natural power in positive ways.  She doesn’t have to control the people or circumstances in her life, but can practice self-control for the good of her neighbor.  In a marriage, that neighbor is her husband.  She has the power to make or break or husband; to build up or tear down.

Some women know they have this power.  They make a conscious decision to assume control.  Some women are clueless about this power.  They may slowly and painfully destroy their husbands with cruel and insensitive words and behaviors.  Perhaps, feeling small, they try to build themselves up by tearing their husbands down.  Both kinds of women have the same core problem: Their foundation is unsure.  They have forgotten (or never been taught) their identity in Christ.   There is another woman.  She is keenly aware of the power entrusted to her by God; therefore, she strives to use that power for good.  She knows her identity is sure and certain, no matter the circumstances.  She turns outward from self to others and, in so doing, brings glory to God.

God’s Word in the book of Proverbs speaks of a woman’s power — and choice.   “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones” (12:4).  “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down” (14:1).  “A wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.  House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord” (19:13-14).

The power of a woman — the helper, pillar and rib — is life-affecting and life-changing.  Disciplined, it is awesome.  Undisciplined, it is dangerous.

Will a woman choose to tear down… or build up?  The answer to this question doesn’t only affect men.  It affects children — for generations to come.

This ezerwoman will continue to ponder and think aloud on the journey.  In the meantime, you’re invited to visit Titus 2 for Life.

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Faith & Practice, Identity, Relationships, Vocation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Revisiting Breast Cancer

November 1, 2010 by ezerwoman

On October 7, 2010, I posted a blog entitled “Breast Cancer & Abortion.”  Here are a few more quotes to ponder:

“I would have loved to have found no association between breast cancer and abortion, but our research is rock solid, and our data is accurate.”  (Dr. Janet Daling, a cancer epidemiologist who supports legal abortion, quoted in Breakpoint, 10-28-10)

“In 2007, the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that women who have an abortion increase by 40 percent their risk of breast cancer.”  (Breakpoint, 10-28-10)

“Many Americans who buy those pink bracelets may not be aware of the strong links between Planned Parenthood and the Komen Foundation.  Komen founder Nancy Brinker once served on the advisory board of Planned Parenthood of Dallas.  One Komen Advisory Board member, Eve Sanchez Silver, resigned when she found out just how strong the link was between Komen and the nation’s number one abortion provider.  Shockingly, Silver says the Komen Foundation’s “Concern for the health of women is now parallel to Planned Parenthood’s concern for the health of the children they abort.”  Those are strong words.  The Komen Foundation also endorses embryonic stem cell research which kills human embryos.”  (Breakpoint, 10-28-10)

If you want to help decrease the breast cancer risk and support research, check out the Polycarp Research Institute or the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute.

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Excellent Medicine?

November 1, 2010 by ezerwoman

Women have abortions because they care about motherhood . . . [It’s] excellent medicine.”

So said Elizabeth Newhall on MSNBC, October 25, 2010. Ms. Newhall has been deceived.  Death is never good medicine.  Who is her deceiver?

Jesus called satan a “murderer from the beginning.”  He said that satan had “nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in  him.  When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).  Later, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

The “murderer” first approached woman in the Garden of Eden.  He had no respect for her or the children that would grow in her womb.  Despising the human life that God so loves, satan wanted woman to be the mother of death.  He tempted her to think God was holding something back from her, something that should rightfully be hers.  He deceived her into false spirituality and, failing to trust God, the woman determined her own standard of right and wrong.  The man stood by in silence.  He failed to remember God, enter into battle with the “murderer” and protect his “rib.”  Only then did male and female fall into sin.  Their relationship with God and each other was never the same.

The battle for life had begun.

But, God is the God of hope and promise.  He did not want woman to be the mother of death.  And so, He named her Eve which means “life” (Hebrew: chawwah).  Eve became the “mother of all the living” (Genesis 3:20).  Indeed, through her seed came the Promised One, Jesus Christ, who has victory over the “father of lies” and “murderer”.

Until Jesus returns, this will be a deceptive world where evil is called “excellent medicine.”  But, the Creator of Life is not compatible with death.  He loves mother and child.  It is not His will that either be in harm’s way.

The God who created motherhood says choose the “blessing,” not the “curse” (Deuteronomy 30:19).  He says:

Choose life… that you and your children may live.

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Betrayed by Silence

November 1, 2010 by ezerwoman

Today, I received the following from Don, a faithful friend and pro-life pastor:

Christ alone, Word alone, Grace alone, Faith alone.  Those might be seen as slogans, but they are far more.  They reveal the heart and character of God as He enters our history — our world — with His great salvation.  About a week ago, I was with family and friends in Oregon.  There were six of us, from different conservative and “evangelical” churches.  I asked the question: How many of you have heard a sermon on either abortion or homosexuality in the last year or two?  Answer: None.  By that kind of silence we have betrayed Jesus, the Word, and the people we should be serving with the Word of Truth and Love.  May God raise up people who will truly stand on His Word, His faithfulness, and even be willing to be ridiculed for Him if necessary.

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Reformation Reflection

November 1, 2010 by ezerwoman

With might of ours can naught be done, soon were our loss effected;

But for us fights the Valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.

Ask ye, Who is this?  Jesus Christ it is, of Sabaoth Lord,

And there’s none other God; He holds the field forever.

Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpower us.

This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will, he can harm us none.

He’s judged; the deed is done; one little word can fell him.

(“A Mighty Fortress” vv 2-3,

Martin Luther, 1483-1546)

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From Another Ezer

October 30, 2010 by ezerwoman

Dear Linda,

Your leadership retreat was instructive on so many levels — it is obvious that you are in the middle of God’s will for you.

In a parking lot the other day, I listened to a replay of President Obama’s speech to a gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender crowd on the radio.  While listening, I noticed the store in front of me had colored flashing lights advertising their sale items.  As I heard the President speak about “equality for all,” a sadness came over me… and a dread for what lies ahead for our “free” nation.  The depth and breadth of deception among every segment of society — good people, mostly — is staggering.  The flashing colored lights right in front of me could have read: “Gay orgy inside at 9 p.m.” and nobody would think it odd.

Work like yours will have an impact on young men and women who are marginal — who question who they are as they try to find their place in the culture.  This work is critical — teaching the “truth alternative.”  The floodgates are open now, the deceiver is laughing at the righteous.  But the Word of God is life-giving and sharper than any two-edged sword, plunging to the soul and spirit as if to divide them.

God has prepared you for this time of moral anarchy.  As you sat completely composed in your darling armchair teaching us how to lead women and girls into the truth of who they are, I thought of the hours/years you must have been on your knees to be able to so beautifully reflect God.  It is my privilege to know and partner with you in this great ministry to man: male and female.

Barb

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Don’t Mingle, “Dig In”

October 30, 2010 by ezerwoman

This nation is slipping.  Morally.  Ethically.  Spiritually.  Silent Christians have a lot to do with it.  But, so do Christians who are mingling with the world.

Andree Seu, writing in WORLD (11-6-10), paraphrases comments made to her by Virginia Rep. Frank Wolf.  With both hands about shoulder-level, roughly 12-inches apart, Rep Wolf explained to Seu that we have “the church” here and “the other world” here.  He posited that this is always a constant distance of separation.  Seu writes,

“Where the thing gets scary, explained Wolf, is that as the world moves toward greater immorality, the church continues to keep the same distance from it.  That is to say, the church is sliding into debauchery along with the world, just at a slower rate.  What is important to note is that this slippage from God is not so easily detected because the gap between church and world remains the same, and so we seem, to ourselves, to be doing OK.”

In the first session of my Titus 2 Retreat, “We Are Vulnerable,” I ask the group to give examples of “silly myths” that lead to “social experiments.”  Believing “silly myths” (i.e. abortion is a woman’s right or two women who love each other should be able to marry) inevitably leads to social experimentation.  Such experimentation is actually tampering with God’s design.  This is never good for a people who want to imagine beyond themselves to new generations.  God’s design brings order and new life.  Experimenting with His design brings chaos and death.

We are vulnerable, I explain during a Titus 2 Retreat, when we profess Jesus Christ as our Lord but wrap Him around silly myths and social experiments.   There is a saying: “We become like the company we keep.”  We become like the world — even though we think we’re keeping a distance — when we begin to mingle (just a little here or a little there).  When we let worldly ideas of spirituality, worship, the roles of men and women, marriage, family, and children weave into Christianity, we’re in trouble.  Truth does not embrace or wrap around worldly ideas.  Truth and the world are opposites.  A lesson from history gives some clarity.

In the Old Testament book of Ezra, we learn that the king of Persia was going to allow the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem.  They had been exiles and captives for a long time.  It’s important to note that only a small number of Jewish exiles wanted to return to their homeland.  Most were unwilling to give up their Babylonian property or lifestyle to go back to their old ways.  So, because there was such a small group of workers, the rebuilding of Jerusalem became more difficult.  There were people in the area who offered their help.  Those people didn’t believe in God and held to a blend of mixed religious beliefs.  It goes without saying that they had motives of their own.  The Jewish people refused the offer of help with their building project.  Why?  1) The task was given exclusively to God’s people; 2) accepting help from non-believers would obligate God’s people to pagan ways; and 3) the potential for corruption in worship was too great if God’s people became aligned with non-believers.  (Ezra 4:3)

A Christian, wanting to be progressive, might think: If I embrace the best parts of a worldly idea, I will be able to move forward the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a modern way.  But, too often, moral-influence flows the opposite direction.  God knows that.  Therefore, He says: Don’t mingle; dig in.  Dig in to the One Who is not of this world (John 18:36).  Jesus says, “I am the Light.” The world is dark (John 1:4-5).  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).  The world is deceptive and leads to death (John 10:10).  “My peace I give you.” The world offers no such peace.  (John 14:27)  For this reason, St. Paul was inspired to write in Romans 12:2:

Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Don’t mingle.  Dig in.

To mingle with the world is to walk on shifting sand.  For awhile, public opinion might lean one way; then, depending upon anything from the economy to a national crisis, public opinion can suddenly shift the opposite direction.  Andree Seu explains that there is “a little thing called the ‘Overton Window.’  It is the term for an insight by a Joseph P. Overton that at any given point in the stream of a population’s public life there is a ‘window’ that contains or frames a range of opinion that is currently acceptable.  Outside that window lie the ideas considered wacko.  The intriguing thing is that what is ‘acceptable’ and what is ‘wacko’ can (and does) shift.  The window itself moves — and clever and diabolical forces have an interest in moving it.”

What was “radical” yesterday is “acceptable” today.  The unthinkable, notes Andree Seu, can go from “popular” to “policy.”  Remember.  Ideas like abortion, homosexual “marriage,” and euthanasia used to lurk in the shadows of the American landscape.  Not anymore.

I’m an ezer woman who lives in a culture where “evil” is called “good.”  For this reason, I’m compelled to dig heels into the foundation of God’s Word but, at the same time, push forward with weapons of truth.  As ideas and behaviors spiral downward, the one who follows Jesus is called to be intentionally polite.  Kind.  Pure.  This will irritate some and be seen as naive by others.  But, for a neighbor caught momentarily in darkness, the light may shine more brightly.  The Word of Truth, kindly spoken, pulls from shifting sand to solid ground.

There is a model for those who no longer want to mingle but, instead, dig in.  Curious?  I invite you to explore Titus 2 for Life.

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Thinking About Men

October 29, 2010 by ezerwoman

God has entrusted to men a noble and high calling.  I truly believe that, in my vocation as a woman (ezer, “helper”), I am called to encourage men to be all that God has made them to be.

I must pause here to note that I’ve been surrounded by godly men.  They, themselves, would admit that they are far from perfect.  They have failed.  But, aware of their high calling, they have never abused, abandoned or left me uncovered and at risk.

Without a doubt, there are women who do not trust men because they have been deeply hurt by them.  On several occasions, while speaking to this or that group, I’ve recognized the pain and anger in the body language of a woman in the audience.  In a way, I am grateful when the angry woman approaches me because I am given the opportunity to do two things: 1) Validate her feelings, not because I can understand them, but because they are real; and 2) Point her to the perfect Man, Jesus Christ who loves, respects, covers, restores, and heals all women — no matter what the circumstances.

Yes, men have hurt women.  But, the modern feminist movement with its twisted and distorted sense of equality has struck a cruel and damaging blow to men.   Men may respond in anger or passivity, neither of which are good for women.   I fear for the family — indeed, our nation — when men are openly disrespected, labeled “idiots,” and demeaned in every sort of way.

Over the years, I’ve spoken to groups of younger and older men.  In a Bible study entitled Called To Remember (Lutherans For Life or Concordia Publishing House), I encourage men by reminding them how much women, children and society need them.  I’ve also apologized to them for the ways women tease, confuse, and fail to respect Biblical manhood.

God created women to be faithful and discerning helpers of men because “it was not good that man be alone” (Genesis 2:18).  When given the choice, why would a woman who loves the Lord choose to tear a man down rather than build him up?  Why would a daughter of God in Christ turn from her special role to covet that of another?  Even if she has been hurt, why would a thinking woman fall to the behavior of a cruel and abusive man?

Silly women play competitive games with men.  Odd, I think, that women who have been given the ability to bear life, connect men to children, shape attitudes, build relationships, and nurture a future of hope would despise such awesome privilege.  God created male and female to be equal, but He didn’t make them at the same time, in the same way, or for the same purpose.

There is a lot more I’d like to say, but here’s my conclusion (for now).  I am a better woman because of godly men: my dad, husband, two sons, four grandsons,  father-in-law, brother, two brother-in-laws, and twelve nephews.  Do we think and act differently?  Oh yes.  Do they frustrate me?  Oh yes.  Do they disappoint me?  Oh yes.  But, when danger lurks at my door, I want to stand behind my husband.  When an unhealthy culture concerns me, I want to look to my Christian sons and see hope.  When silly women weary me, I want to step away for awhile to enjoy the company of sane and sensible men.

In every way I can, I promise to support and encourage the men that God places in my life.   It seems to me this will be to everyone’s advantage — male and female.

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A Letter from God

October 22, 2010 by ezerwoman

What does God say to women?  His letter to us reads something like this:

Dear Daughter,

I loved you before I created you.  You are my masterpiece.  But, sin has distorted My perfect creation.  Sinful people are challenged by difficult choices.  You, My daughter, are tempted by feelings and emotions.  You can’t trust these emotions, but you can always trust Me.  Your life is of such value to Me that I came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ — the God become Man willing to rescue you from the consequences of sin.  I paid the highest price for you.

Because of this great price, your body is not your own — to do with as you please.  It was covered by the Robe of Righteousness when Jesus shed His blood on the Cross.  The sacrifice of Jesus, your Savior, made you a new creation.  You have the promise of heaven.  I don’t want you to be hurt.  I don’t want your heart to be broken or your body abused.  So please, daughter.  Guard your body, mind, and soul by making choices that glorify Me.

It’s o.k. to rebel.  Rebel against all that is sinful and wrong in this world.  Dare to be different from those who follow worldly opinions.  They chase after popularity and selfish ambitions.  When they do wrong, they want you to do wrong, too.  They say, “Follow your heart,” or “Do whatever feels right for you.”  But, a sinful heart cannot be trusted.  It is filled with all manner of bad things.  Your feelings and moods blow with the wind.  They are high and low like a rollercoaster.  Look to Me, My daughter.  I never change.  You can trust your life to Me.  I know you better than you know yourself.  I know your thoughts… your desires… your needs.  You are never alone in My world.

I didn’t create you to be sexy, but holy.  Practice modesty in the way you speak, act, and dress.  Call attention not to yourself, but to Me — the One who made you.  Show your beauty not by revealing your body, but revealing your love for Me.  Resist being a temptress and, instead, lead others away from sin with its ugly consequences.

Be alert to deception.  My daughter, if you acknowledge Me to be God, your Father, then you also acknowledge the evil one who opposes me and despises you.  He hates you because I love you so much.  He will try to deceive you.  He knows when you are vulnerable.  He will tempt you with one question, “Did your Father really say . . .?”  Then, when you doubt Me and fall to deception and sin, the tempter becomes your accuser, “Look at what you have done!  Can your Father ever forgive you?”

Oh, yes, My daughter.  I can and do forgive.  There is nothing you need to do but confess your sin.  In your sorrow, I reach down to lift you from despair and secure the Robe of Righteousness tighter around you.  Forgiven and set free, you are no longer captive to your past.   Satan may tempt you again and again, but I have given you dominion over the father of lies.

Don’t let anyone look down on you for being young.  Instead, let your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity be an example for others.  Entrust your life to Me.  I’m not a god of chaos, but the God of order and beautiful design.  I made you to be a woman.  Live as a woman — My daughter — while you wait for Jesus to return for you.

Your identity is not found in your appearance or what you do.  Your identity is a creation of God and the treasure for whom Christ gave all He had.  No matter the circumstances in your life, that identity remains.

I am the King… the Lord of life.  Think of what that makes you, My daughter.

With the greatest love of all,

Your Heavenly Father

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To Think… or Not?

October 21, 2010 by ezerwoman

You can’t make Socialists out of individualists — children who know how to think for themselves spoil the harmony of the collective society which is coming, where everyone is interdependent.

Thanks, Josh, for passing on this quote from John Dewey (1859-1952).  Dewey is considered the “founder” of public education in America.  He is a signer of the Humanist Manifesto.

There are others whose perspective on education mirrored Dewey’s.  Names such as Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Mao Zedong, Pol Pot, and Saddam Hussein come to mind.  Their ideas had consequences.

Different consequences flow from an opposing worldview.   Jesus Christ encourages children to think…  about what is true, noble, right (Philippians 4:8-9).

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