When Jesus rose from the dead, the first person or persons to see Him would have been important, right? They would be the first people to preach the gospel, to teach everyone else the good news that the Son of God had been raised from the dead – indeed, to tell Jesus’ disciples He had been resurrected. Such an amazing privilege, and a huge responsibility – whoever that person or persons were would be remembered for the whole of history. Now, most theological standpoints would say that this role – to teach the gospel, and to give the message of Christ to His people, would of course have to be a man. Only a man would be trusted to teach the gospel for the first time. It has to be, if the traditionalists are correct in their theological beliefs. Otherwise their views would simply fall apart wouldn’t they?
Let’s have a look at the scriptures for a second. In Luke, we see it was three people named Mary Magdalene, Joanna and another woman named Mary who were the first to see the empty tomb and tell the disciples of the resurrection. In John, Mary Magdalene is the first one to see Jesus rise and tell the disciples. So what do these three people have in common? That’s right. They are all women!
Today, we live in a culture where women are treated more equally, and are finding their voice rightly. Still there is a lot of work to do, even in a culture which pursues equality. One person who is doing such work by empowering, and reminding women of how special they are, is none other than songwriter and author Mary Maina. She has reached out to women with her book “The Proverbs 31 Lady”, as well as the song “You Are My Best Work”, sung by Sam, which was written in support of the book.
What’s so painful is to see these days is women who resign themselves to the belief they can’t play certain roles in church or even in life – even though something inside of them is crying out to do them – and eventually just resign themselves to a life which they feel is unfulfilled or can’t play certain roles.
“You Are My Best Work”, empowers and encourages women. It tells them to be who they were made to be, as the song opens with the simple but effective line: “I created all things, but you come first. All the creations I spoke into being, but I took time with you.” The lyrics of the song powerfully translates “The Proverbs 31 Lady”, by reminding women of all their strengths and valor.
Based on the virtues described in the Proverbs 31 extracts such as: “She is worth far more than rubies,” or “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” And also: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come,” as well as “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised,” it should also be understood that being a Proverbs 31 Lady is not about being “ the perfect lady.” It’s about living life with purpose, diligence, forgiveness, and repentance. And being the best you can be at all times…
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