A revolutionary called woman

Early in the game, the husband proudly proclaims, “I am the head of this marriage!”

But soon the poor guy finds out that his bride is out-shouting him: “I am the neck that turns the head!” From then he must carefully declare his status: “I am the boss in this house...and I have my wife’s permission to say so!”

The biblical record tells us that God created man. He (God) then observed that man was inadequate for the task, so He proceeded to create woman. This second act of human creation has since brought a revolution to the human race, and the world by extension.

In woman, was a “help meet” for man and the possibility and power of procreation. The woman also created the possibility for man to become a father. Motherhood too, was introduced with womanhood. Both fatherhood and motherhood were announced when the Creator instructed, “Be fruitful and multiply...” (Gen 1:22).

And, of course, the whole episode regarding eating of the forbidden fruit and the enormous consequences, centrally involved the woman. But the woman was to also take centre stage in God’s redemptive plan for man: “The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent...” (Gen 3:15). It would seem that with the entrance of woman on life’s stage, came a massive change in status, position and paradigm for all of humanity. A revolutionary had arrived! A new map and compass had come and the world would never be the same again.

The fact is, women carry an awesome power to effect revolutionary change. This peculiar ability appears to be intrinsic in the woman. It permeates her aura and influences places and personalities.

It can be used for the good or the evil. Its use can be noble or insidious. A check through history would find the influence of a woman at the heart of many a great event or exploit.

However, because of the tradition of the so-called male dominance practice, the role of the male is usually given the prominence, when the time comes for the applause, accolades or rewards.

Almost every important thing a man does he is conscious of how it impacts his opposite sex. His ego, macho image and general esteem depend upon the impression he creates in her eyes. His self-esteem relies a whole lot upon her response to his attempts at creating an impact.

There is hardly any source or resource which can inflate or deflate a man’s ego, or simulate his will to accomplish more than the one whom the Creator sovereignly assigned to be his “help meet.”

In courtship she practically reforms him emotionally, socially and psychologically. In marriage “a man shall leave father and mother and cleave to his wife.” (Gen. 2:24).

In this union, she takes his name. In so doing, she takes his authority. Whatever he owns now belongs to her. She can now sign his documents, do his business transactions and...surely (in most cases) invade his bank account! His friends — both male and female — now have a new “force” to contend with.

Most times if they did not get this message by the “bachelor’s night” or the wedding day, her keen sense of discernment will waste no time in picking up this serious blunder on their part.

Just as swiftly, her keen sense of speech and clever body language would unambiguously communicate this urgent and important message to all concerned parties. A new “boss” is on the scene — nice, charming but assertive and virtuously possessive. She’ll usually keep an eagle’s eye on the in-laws (or is it outlaws?) For any unlawful intrusion.

Her reminders that “a man must leave father and mother and cleave to wife” will always be present for her mate. Sometimes subtle, sometime less than subtle.

She may even become a virtual life-long nemesis to her mother-in-law. In caring for her husband, she has now effectively replaced his mama, who may find it quite difficult to adjust to the after-effects of this “coup.” Whether the husband is alive or dead, the law of the land no longer deals with mama, or papa, on behalf of son. It deals with the Mrs! The daughter-in-law has taken over...and there is a revolutionary change in the family.

Early in the game, the hussie (husband) is proud to proclaim, “I am the head of this marriage!” But very soon the poor guy finds out that his tantalising bride is out-shouting him at the other end of the room: “I am the neck that turns the head!”

It also does not take him long to discover that in declaring his status in the marriage, he must carefully word it: “I am the boss in this house...and I have my wife’s permission to say so!”

The goodly gentleman realises that the fairest of all God’s creation may also be the most peculiar of all His creation — you can’t live with her, but you can’t live without her!

All in all, womanhood, marriage and motherhood are all God’s wonderful design for the enrichment and enhancement of the human race. The Christ-centred family remains God’s most treasured unit, with motherhood at the very heart.

This weekend we must heartily celebrate all mothers — biological and otherwise. Have a holy, blessed Mother’s Day!