Longing for MotherhoodPrimjer

Day Eight – Fierce Femininity

As women struggling with childlessness, we might feel shame because our bodies aren’t functioning how they were designed to. It can be easy for our identity to become wrapped up in our fertility. But our identity isn’t connected to our ability to reproduce, and femininity and womanhood are so much grander and more beautiful than we’re often taught. Women are created in the image of our Creator, who designed us with careful intention. Our highest calling is not to be a mother, but rather to glorify God with our whole lives in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Biblical womanhood is about boldness, tenacity, tender heartedness, as we love the Lord and His people well. 

The Hebrew word used in Genesis to describe Eve, the very first woman, is “ezer.” This term means “help” and is used to denote strength or power. It occurs twenty-one times in the Old Testament. In many of the Psalms, ezer is used to describe God’s character and the way He interacts with His people:

May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! (Psalm 20:2)

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. (Psalm 33:20)

I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1–2)    

The Lord has given women hearts that are fiery and fierce. Not only are we warriors, we’re also uniquely created to be a safe place, a shield, a help, and a comfort. When we’re modeling these characteristics to the world, we’re saying something about God. God crafted a woman’s body and spirit to reflect Him in such a powerful way. So often, we can feel ashamed or annoyed that we’re referred to as a “helper,” but if we read it in its original biblical context, it’s one of the greatest honors God could have given to women. 

Rest in your God-given femininity!