Women. What would the world do without them? There is so much more to them than what meets the eye. A woman carries so many worlds on her shoulders. Family. Work. Social life. Always looking forward expectantly and hopefully to what is yet to unfold in life, she is courageous yet graceful; always adaptable so as to fit herself into the different roles that life offers to her.
International Women’s Day was first observed as an event to promote women’s suffrage, started by the Socialist Party of America in 1909. In the years to follow, other countries, social organizations and political parties started celebrating it to draw attention to the unique contributions that women can make to the world at large. The movement continues to this day and intends to honour women and encourage them to be an active part of society.
Women are created by God and they so gloriously reflect His utter genius. Women better reflect certain attributes of God Himself to a watching world – in their patience, forgiveness, love, ability to nurture, and endurance, they fully reflect the image of God in which the Bible says all human beings have been created. One of the most beautiful descriptions of a woman in the Bible is as follows, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” God has created the potential within all women to be strong, clothed with dignity, and so prudent that they can live with confidence without being anxious about what the future holds.
The scales on which the world measures a woman are often very misguided. As we celebrate women today, let us be reminded that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting. Let’s learn how to recognize where the true value of women is to be found and let us celebrate those things wholeheartedly. To all the women out there: Let us always focus on nurturing our inner beauty. Be gentle and kind, yet be exceedingly bold. Be loving and caring, yet be resiliently strong. Be innocent and forgiving, yet be very wise. Be a woman of prayer, and place your reliance on God, who will never let you down. Keep untiringly doing what is right and be on the right side, even if you find yourself standing alone. In these things lies the true measure of a woman, which will enable you to live up to the glorious purpose for which you have been created
