Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Women United

Women United


As women, we often experience problems that are similar to those of men. However, these problems are complex and often compounded by the fact that we are women. There is no way to independently resolve these problems; we must unite to collectively present our case.

We must remove the barriers of race and socioeconomic status so that we come to the table as equals. I must want the best for you as you want the best for me; otherwise, we will resort to self-serving motivations.

United we can remove barriers of tradition, finances, government, education, and religiosity. In isolation we suffer anger, loneliness, and become easy prey for the enemy. Our strength and success is in our commitment to live honoring God by helping one another.

Numbers 27:1 One day a petition was presented by the daughters of Zelophehad-Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their father, Zelophehad, was the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Makir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph. 2 These women went and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the tribal leaders, and the entire community at the entrance of the Tabernacle.* 3 "Our father died in the wilderness without leaving any sons," they said. "But he was not among Korah's followers, who rebelled against the Lord. He died because of his own sin. 4 Why should the name of our father disappear just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives." 5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord. 6 And the Lord replied to Moses, 7 "The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You must give them an inheritance of land along with their father's relatives. Assign them the property that would have been given to their father.

Notice the consistent collective action of the women. These five sisters never speak or act independently. The women are not all the same, sisters differ and disagree. However, the sisters are decidedly determined to resolve the problem together.

Do not accept the myth that women cannot get along. We can relate to one another and resolve to work together when we meet as equals and interact with integrity. There can be no hidden agendas or private coalitions in the midst of our unity.

Consider how great of a challenge these women faced in their clan, community, and from contesting their issue to the very leaders established by God. Note the women are not disrespectful to others nor or they divided in purpose. They present their case united.

Christian women today do well to model this approach in resolving the issues in our lives. If we want to live the abundant life, we must get over our pettiness and preferences so that we can speak with purpose and pursue the promise.

We cannot choose which sisters we agree with, divide into cliques, and think God will bless our silliness. We come from different education levels, political beliefs, family experiences, and spiritual maturity levels; however, we are sisters. Our Father in heaven will set our divine destiny and spiritual inheritance in order when we get together and work together.

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