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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney


Luke gave me this book for Christmas.  When I opened it I wasn't quite sure what it was...a hint?   I jokingly said something about it and he said he had heard several people say it was good. So, I opened the cover and read testimonies from people like John & Noel Piper, Mark & Connie Dever and Dennis & Barbara Rainy-I quickly got excited!   
I hope to give a small run down of the chapters here and what it is teaching me.  Currently in my life there are limited places for me to meet and talk with other young mothers.  Sometimes when I'm around other mothers I still feel a disconnect...I wish there were more conviction to their mothering and less worldly concerns if that makes sense.  This book has been a huge encouragement and I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself.

CHAPTER ONE: Transformed by Titus 2
First, if you haven't read or are not familiar with Titus 2-you should read it!  
Titus 2:3-5 "Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine.  They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled"  She writes of Elisabeth Elliot encouraging older women to teach younger women how to keep a quiet heart.  She also makes the point that the relationship between mother and daughter is so important because we are the ones teaching our daughters how to love their future husbands, future children, to be self controlled, pure, kind workers at home and submissive. 
-I think we so often focus on things that don't matter.  People want to "keep up appearances", but they forget that we are teaching our children to be double faced.  The things our children see at home are so important.  We have to remember that we are training them, preparing them and always teaching.  It is so important that we do not neglect the authority God has given us. 
She also says in chapter one "People don't necessarily want to know what we believe about the Bible-They want to see if it makes a difference in our lives." 
-This is so true.  I recall times we've met with search committees and I've been so fearful having "unholy rehearsals" (as a friend calls them)...I think they'll ask me questions like: "Can you please quote the entire chapter of Matt 1?" or "Please give a brief rundown of Israel;s History from beginning to end." or some other random questions regarding my Biblical knowledge....but, I do remember taking note of how people responded to our children and their behavior, our response to them, etc....They,  committees & people in general, are looking to see if we actually live out what the Bible teaches.  It is comforting because I know that my hearts desire is to be exactly who Christ has called me to be.  That is so important, even if I mess up...No, even WHEN I mess up HE will work through that. 
The thing that most stuck out to me in this chapter was her closing statement, which is just a reflection of scripture, but it is reassuring that HIS opinion is what matter and I have been clearly instructed on what to do.
"Consider the loveliness of a woman who passionately adore her husband, who tenderly cherishes her children, who creates a warm and peaceful home, who exemplifies purity, self- control, and kindness in her character and who gladly submits to her husband's leadership-for all the days God grants her life."
So, be encouraged and be confident in who He has called you to be!