Counsel #6 — Femininity In Today’s Culture

Picture: Counsel #6 — Femininity In Today’s CultureCI 71.1

Hollywood is not the gold standard for femininity. Disney princesses — often the first standard of beauty we see growing up - have long flowing hair, perfect outfits, tiny waists, huge eyes, permanent makeup, and sometimes even magical superpowers. But in God’s varied creation, diversity is golden. Femininity is a spectrum with many differences — ones we should celebrate. Arbitrarily defining mannerisms, attitudes, and interests as inherently masculine or feminine will isolate or ostracize people on the other end of that spectrum.CI 71.2

Research^{[69]https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2012/05/07/a-balance-of-both-masculine-and-feminine-strengths-the-bottom-line-benefit/?sh=db84ace79e73} indicates that women in the workplace may be more likely to lead using networking and persuasion (whereas most men in the workplace may be more likely to lead using hierarchy and commands). Organizations, including church systems, greatly benefit from having the varied perspectives that both women and men bring to their leadership teams.CI 71.3

“There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world [including non-verbal language], and none of them is without significance.” 1 Corinthians 14:10 NKJVCI 71.4

“When a great and decisive work is to be done, God chooses men and women to do this work, and it will feel the loss if the talents of both are not combined.” Ellen White in Evangelism, p. 469CI 71.5

Reflect: How could a full spectrum of feminine traits be helpful in promoting the work of God on earth?CI 71.6