I recently saw a cartoon that featured professional women and professional men at the starting line of a racetrack, and it had words about there being a problem with the picture. The problem? The women had multiple obstacles in their way, such as laundry, ironing, and cooking. Clearly, the men would win this professional race because they didn’t have anything in their way. The cartoon shows the women looking forlorn at the men whose eyes are set on the track in front of them. Ah yes, the perils of gender inequality.

A decade ago, I probably would have nodded in agreement with the cartoon, acknowledging that women have to put forth more effort to achieve what men can. Now, I actually agree with the cartoon for a different reason. That reason is that women and men are created equally, with natural differences for balance, resulting in duties and goals that reflect those differences.

Those forlorn women would have a completely different look on their faces if they stopped comparing themselves to the men and focused on what’s in front of them. They might realize it’s not just laundry, ironing, and cooking – it’s clothing, feeding, and nurturing their family. This purpose is not only needed, but when paired with a hardworking provider and protector, BOOM! You’ve got the linchpin of a flourishing society – marriage and family.

Of course the contrasts between men and women can look different. The biblical worldview actually busts open the man-made boxes of gender; outwardly flowing beautiful diversity in God’s creation. We are not all alike, but we are all made in His likeness.

Feminism tries to put people in boxes, confining them to restrictive expressions of personality, telling women they should have what men have. It creates a double edged sword of militant individuality and hostile conformity.

This is why most self-proclaimed feminists are never genuinely happy. There is no peace within them. You can’t truly have peace when you are in direct contradiction to God’s design.

It’s been said that Eve was the first feminist. She believed the lies that she could be her own god, usurping God’s boundaries and creating her own. Eve fell for the temptation that she deserved more, even though she had been given perfect union with her husband and was with God in the garden, devoid of any shame. And still, she turned from that and reached toward something she thought would give her more.

Isn’t this just the quintessential picture of feminism?

In our selfish pride, we think, don’t I deserve more? This isn’t fair. He has more than me. I have things that hold me back. Everything should be the same.

Except what we deserve is judgment, and it was taken from us and put onto Jesus; it’s not about fairness, it’s about God’s grace; and, men and women have the most when they share a unity of purpose while retaining their uniqueness as individuals. This is God’s design, not ours, and it is good.

Of course, our culture has gone through periods of time when women were not treated as though they were created in God’s image (and still aren’t at times). This is sinful. However, without God, people tend to create their own path that does not lead to actual equality.

What does it tend to lead to? Death, both bodily and spiritually. Death of family, of marriage, of caring for children, of safety for women and children, of strong men, of morality, and ultimately, of an entire culture. 

The waves of feminism have ushered in destruction while promising “you will be like God,” as the serpent told Eve. It has emasculated strong men, who have been told to agree or shut up, just as Adam did when he ate of the fruit with Eve. It has replaced true femininity with ugly pride and jealousy, worn as garments revealing our sinful state. It has caused confusion between men and women, clinging to equality, yet obliterating gender roles and even gender itself (newsflash: men make terrible women, and vice versa). It has created a world of depravity that devours our children. 

Turns out God’s ways are better.

In order to head in the right direction, away from the dumpster fire of feminism, we have to know where we’re going.

How does this sound?

“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: ‘Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!’”

Proverbs 31:25-29

Strength, honor, peace, wisdom, love, busy will all the right things, serving those who need her most, and gaining the admiration of her children and husband – it sounds like a wonderful way to live. There’s unmatched freedom in expressing femininity in ways that serve God, your family, and others.

It’s the opposite of the forlorn women in the cartoon, tethered to the world’s definition of a boss lady, angry and bitter at everything that is holding her back. When you look towards God to define your femininity, it holds you up!

By God’s very creation, women have been exquisitely woven into the same tapestry of life with men, both adding a richness that would dull and fray without the other. We can be vibrant, ladies, knowing our color perfectly mixes with our counterparts. 

Praise God for this beautiful design!

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30