In a world with perverted standards, young women are becoming more pressured to fit into its mold by polluting their mindset on what being a woman really entails. What the society continuously dictates to women is that she needs to earn a name. Apparently, what this world promotes and what the media advertise barely coincide with how God designed them to be-and they depict images of what a woman is supposed to look like, feel like, and act like.
Being in a relationship, one might think, is a sign of being a woman. And so are having the guts to wear skimpy outfits in public and hanging out with guys in the club. Unabashedly broadcasting their emotions and pushing herself to romance with man (or men) no matter what people think and say about her are also considered to be normal nowadays. But, will there be any standards that can help any single woman answer the question “what makes a woman a woman?”
In my opinion what make a woman a woman are as follows:
- Understanding.
She is sure she is a woman. It is the first thing a woman should know: that she is a woman and she ought to act like one. She knows, understands, and accepts that “God created man and woman in His own image” (Gen. 1:27). That she belongs to feminine side and despite the environment or family she came from, she strongly believes that femininity flows in her and her heart should beat for someone on the masculine side. Rejecting the fact that her sex as a female and her gender as feminine is the greatest hindrance for her to make herself a woman.
- Relationship.
What makes a woman a woman is relationship; relationship with her Man. It is not the number of men she can attract and collect that dictates her maturity as a woman but how she resists temptation and early intimacy with them and patiently waits for someone her Father has prepared for her. In fact, the Word tells us that relationship with her Creator (her husband in Isa. 54:5) is the first step to make a woman a woman.
- Beauty.
Our society puts high emphasis on the physical aspect of beauty and neglects the inner beauty that truly matters. Indeed, God designed woman with outer beauty. Her eyes, hair, hands, skin, and other features were created beautiful, appealing, and attractive to men. But how she carries herself in difficulties and deals with her circumstances and what she does every moment are the real measure of a woman’s ability to become radiant inside and out and tells more about her than the size of her jeans. It is more about the inside appearance than the outer. What makes a woman beautiful is her attitude. Nothing else. Beauty will fade but character will remain until the end.
- Faith.
Woman should understand that a thriving faith is more important than a gorgeous face. This is not to say she completely neglects taking care of her body. She just knows her priorities. What good is it that a goddess-looking woman, appealing body and all has the ability to wear short shorts and hanging shirts or display vain photos in public yet lack the confidence to show herself in the church? She knows that coming to church to fellowship with other believers and serving God deserves more time than getting her hair and nails done. Her faith reveals the womanliness she possesses. Don’t get me wrong. Beautiful face is an asset to anyone but a growing faith is an advantage to everyone.
- A Mother.
A mother-figure; a model in every way. The Scriptures are packed with role models who illustrate the characteristics of a true woman that are worth emulating. Like Esther’s heroism, Ruth’s submission, Mary’s humility, etc. In Proverbs 31, the mother of King Lemuel gave us a generous amount of reminders of what make a woman a woman. There we read that a woman should be clothed with strength and dignity (Prov. 31:25). That she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue (Prov. 31:26). Remember that right model produces right character. Do you have a model? Do you have someone who look you up in terms of how she wears, how her faith grows, how she talks in or out in church? Do you have someone you follow? If you don’t have, find someone.
The reason why I am answering this is because my heart is urging every young woman to know themselves not by looking with their physical eyes but with the eyes of God looking to them. Worldly standards of what makes a woman a woman ultimately lead women down a path of destruction or death (Prov.14:12). Filter what you adapt and follow the best example that makes you a woman in the eye of your Maker. Remember what Paul said in the church of Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits (elementary principle) of the world, and not according to Christ” (2:8).
Jesus Christ sets the standard on how women should live: a pure life that is full of passion and compassion, a life that places a highly emphasis on the inner beauty, faith and right relationship. Know Him for He will show and tell you how beautiful and wonderful you are.
