Girl Power?

There has been a lot of media attention surrounding Miley Cyrus following the MTV awards at the weekend. To say her performance was provocative is an understatement, and she caused even the most liberal members of the public to recoil in shock. I'm sure Miss Cyrus is completely unperturbed by the backlash, and in fact, this was probably her intention to fuel further publicity.  My reaction when I watched it was not necessarily one of outrage though, instead I felt deep despair. She is only 20 years old after all.

This image is unfortunately nothing new. Over the years women have continually pushed the boundaries, and men have allowed them. A lot of women would argue that looking, dressing and displaying themselves in ways that Miley did is a liberating thing; that it is empowering. I'm sorry, but these people are fooling themselves. The whole thing is a blatant paradox. There is nothing empowering about causing your fellow women to sneer in jealousy, or having men look upon you as an object merely for their viewing pleasure.

I felt so sad when I watched Miley. Her beautiful face all twisted, her hair all shaved and her admittedly cracking figure wrapped in flesh coloured underwear. I wonder if she felt 'girl power' as she marched around the stage. All I could ask myself was, 'where is the elegance, the grace and the feminine virtue?' Did she go home and think she represented women well? That she inspired young girls? Maybe I'm being naïve in thinking that there was even an objective. I'm not picking on Miley though, there will be many girls after her pushing the boundaries.

I then think about what God says about women. In Proverbs 31, it speaks of a woman who is full of virtue. She clothes her herself with strength and dignity. She speaks wisdom. I want to be like that instead of consumed with how attractive I am or how hard I can party. I want to have girl friends like that, who are inspiring and give wise counsel. And I'm sure men want a girl like that on their arm, who is admired for her grace and dignity.

Society often believes that God and the Bible promote a view of women that is oppressive and sexist. It is in fact the opposite. Today's culture is forever guilty of placing women as sexual objects to be desired. If you are not physically attractive then you are not desirable. Ask yourself ladies, do you want to be admired for having a slim figure, perfect hair and a sizeable shoe collection? Do you gain your affirmation from the amount of guys who flirt with you when you are out? Do you enjoy it when other women are clearly jealous of how you look? Do you and your friends feel like the best way to encourage and support one another is to reassure them of how good they look?

Or do you want to pour out wisdom to your friends, and sound counsel that will grow their character? Or what about taking no joy from division and jealousy but instead strive for friendship and unity with your fellow girls. Or what about desiring for a man to be so attracted to your poise and dignity that he would develop deep respect and affection for your character? Or what about people to admire you for your strength as a woman?

People often forget that refining and strengthening your character and spirit can cause you to become outwardly attractive in a way that is far more beautiful than vain physical beauty. I hope Miley can realise this too. She doesn't have to display herself in such outrageous ways to gain respect, admiration or attention- and neither do you.

'Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.' Proverbs 31v30

This is the Lord's doing...

This weekend celebrates the 4th birthday of my church Harvest Bible Chapel Glasgow. Most churches have a legacy going back decades, and sometimes centuries. My church would be looked upon as still in its infancy and in many cases this is true, but I've been reflecting a lot recently on the past few years and been pretty overwhelmed at everything that it has been through.

I have been encouraged by the weekly dedication of others who come with an eager heart to serve and use their talents in incredible ways. From ministries that are public and up front, to the ones that are hidden and rarely recognised. There is a humility and commitment that never ceases to challenge me.

I have learned what it means to be part of a vertical church, what worship is, how I can be an excellent wife, what the bible says about being W.I.S.E and studied  Philippians, Acts, Jonah, Ephesians, Hebrews, Nehemiah and Genesis to name a few.

I have found that the people of Harvest are excellent at baking, cooking, having barbeques in the rain, opening up their homes and extending hospitality, cracking jokes, going to Starbucks, reading books, eating loads of food, and playing games...

...Did I mention we like to eat?

I have seen the fruits of investing in the children of Harvest and are challenged by the fact their bible knowledge rivals my own. I have heard my nephew lead his family to pray before he was 2 years old, recite verses of scripture and tell me the fruits of the spirit.

I have witnessed the people of Harvest step up and serve those in need. Every new mother has had homemade meals brought to their door for the first two weeks of their child's life. Teams of people have helped others with their garden, moving house, decorating rooms, and cleaning their home. Families in crisis have had groceries bought and delivered to their door just when they thought they couldn't afford to feed themselves for more than the next couple days.

I have noticed that I don't hear gossip or slander. The privacy of others is safeguarded and the integrity of others is maintained. People are held accountable and supported in love, sensitivity and care. Honesty and vulnerability is encouraged whilst pride is constantly challenged.

Relationships are nurtured and built on God's biblical outline. Whether it is parents and kids, husbands and wives, shepherds and their sheep, friends and family. Fellowship is constant, counsel is Godly, and prayer support is essential.

Harvest came into my life just in time. It supported and celebrated with me when I married my sweetheart and found a new identity in being a wife, it was there when my sister was fighting for her life after the birth of her son and provided meals every day for 2 months, it sustained me through the sudden decline in my own health, providing prayer, counsel and practical help, it comforted me as I lost my job, it was a source of encouragement through other personal loss.

I have been told that our Christian walk is a 'life on life' thing, that we are called to 'worship, walk, and work' for God's glory. I have been encouraged to 'not despair, but depend', because 'all it takes is all we have'. And I have been challenged to 'don't stop now'!

And I won't stop, and we won't stop, because what is happening here is God's doing.

'This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvellous in our eyes!' Psalm 118v23

And at the end of every Sunday, for the past 4 years I have heard 'You are Loved.' And thanks to my church, and the God that we serve, I know that it's true.


http://vimeo.com/68692213