A WOMAN'S WORTH

A WOMAN’S WORTH

Have you ever taken a few moments to assess the real value of you – for yourself, and for others?  One of the greatest tragedies in life to befall any of us is the unfortunate tendency to underestimate ourselves, i.e. the gifts and greatness that have been divinely deposited within us.  Both men and women alike are prone to fall into this trap of not ascribing sufficient value to ourselves.  But for today, we will focus on the women in our society, for oftentimes they fall prey to what I call, “devaluation syndrome.”  As a result of not accurately appraising their own character, accomplishments and merits, they can be victimized by men who seek to take advantage and to further their own selfish ends.  Women, exactly how much are you worth?  Consider this.

In an intriguing conversation, a woman was asked the following question by her male suitor: “What kind of man are you looking for?”

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking, “Do you really want to know?”

Semi-reluctantly, he responded, “Yes.”  So she began to expound on the matter.

“As a woman in this day and age, I am in position to ask a man “What can you do for me that I cannot do for myself?”

I pay my own bills.  I take care of my household without the help of any man, or any woman for that matter.

So I am in position to ask, “What can YOU bring to the table?”

The man gazed skeptically at her.  Clearly he thought she was referring to financial matters.

She anticipated and quickly corrected his thought: “I am not referring to money.  I need something more.  I need a man who is striving for excellence in every aspect of life.”

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.

Without pausing, she said, “I need someone who is striving for excellence mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation.  I don't need a simple-minded man.

I need someone who is striving for excellence spiritually because I don’t need to be unequally yoked.  A believer blended with an unbeliever is a definite recipe for disaster.

I need someone who is striving for excellence financially because I don’t need another financial burden.

I need someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I need someone who has integrity in dealing with relationships.  Game-playing and lying are not the character traits of my ideal man.

I need someone who is family oriented – one who can be the leader, priest and provider for the lives that are entrusted to him by our God.

I need someone I can respect.  In order to be submissive, I must respect him because I cannot be submissive to a man who isn’t taking care of his business.  I have no problem being submissive; he just has to be worthy.

And by the way, I am not looking for him.  He will find me.  He will recognize himself in me.  He may not be able to explain the connection, but he will always be drawn to me.  God made the woman to be a helpmate for the man.  And I cannot help a man if he cannot help himself.”

Having completed her answer, she looked over at her suitor who just sat there with a puzzled look on his face.

Finally he responded, “You are asking a lot.”

She replied, “I am worth a lot.”  And she knew right away in her spirit that he was not the man that GOD had dispatched to find her.

Of course, women, you too have a responsibility to prepare and equip yourselves (in every way) in order to be ready, able and willing to lovingly embrace the man that God sends.  Ask yourself this important question: “What am I doing to prepare for this divine appointment?”  Ruth, have you identified your Naomi, the one who will assist you in becoming sufficiently grounded in the faith so that you can recognize your Boaz when he arrives?  And Boaz, are you asking God for wisdom to gaze beyond the exterior and glimpse the very heart of the woman of God’s choice?  [Editor’s Note: Please reread the Biblical book of Ruth].  Until your kairos moment arrives, stay focused and faithful.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!