There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
The battle for women's rights was long and grueling, and I personally appreciate those who fought the good fight and paved the way for the freedom I enjoy today. Sad to say, though, discrimination against women is still apparent in many areas. I recently read that in the United States, women still earn only 77 percent of the salary a man does for doing the same job.
As a woman in ministry, I have dealt with my share of criticism and judgment for no reason other than because I am a woman. Because of the lingering discrimination, many women still lack confidence. They live in fear of stepping beyond what they feel is acceptable "female" behavior. I can remember feeling that I wasn't "normal" because I was aggressive, had dreams and goals, and wanted to do great things. I kept trying to settle down and be a "normal" woman, but it just never worked for me. I am glad now that I found courage to do something radical and chase my dreams.
Bottom line: Our gender does not determine our value; our God does. We are all one in Christ Jesus, and we should treat one another accordingly.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, I thank You that my worth or value is not based on men or women, just on You. Help me to experience what it means to be one in Christ, amen.
