Boundaries for Women

 

Nancy Campbell posts are filled with abundant wisdom.  This article is spot on, as I think about and do my best, to teach younger women.  I pray you will read and share it.

 

 

REVOLTED AND GONE 

by Nancy Campbell 

(used by permission)

I am a freedom lover. In fact, I am a freedom fighter. However, I also believe in boundaries. True freedom is only found in the boundaries that God assigns for us. A train running on its tracks is free to go anywhere the tracks take it. However, if the train decides it doesn’t want the confinement of tracks and veers off, it would be its destruction.

 

God puts boundaries on nature. God has put limits on the seas and the oceans. Psalm 104:9 says: “Thou hast set a bound (for the waters) that they may not pass over.” Proverbs 8:29 says: “He gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment . . . “

 

God gave the angels of Heaven their boundary. Jude 1:6 (GW) tells us: “They (the angels) were held in darkness, bound by eternal chains. These are the angels who didn’t keep their position of authority but abandoned their assigned place.”

 

God masterminded the holy estate of marriage, the most beautiful estate on earth when we live it according to God’s plans. But God has placed boundaries on marriage. When a couple are joined as one on their wedding day, they enter into the exclusivity of marriage. We don’t share our marriage with anyone else. Oh yes, we open our homes and lives to encompass people, but our marriage is sacred. We will never embark on a personal relationship with someone of the opposite sex apart from with our husband.

 

God has given to women a powerful domain over which to rule. God planned for women to be queen of their homes and be the continuers of godly generations revealing the likeness and image of God.

 

God does not intend us to enter the realm of the male domain. Of course, we can if we want, but it will be to our detriment. God’s blessings are poured out in the domain that He gives to us.

 

And our domain, mother, is a glorious domain. Did you read my article, LET’S GET BACK THE GLORY, in the current issue of Above Rubies?

 

I love David’s confession in Psalm 6:5, 6 (GW): Your boundary lines mark out pleasant (delightful) places for me. Indeed, my inheritance is something beautiful.”

 

I love the *CJB version: “Pleasant places were measured out for me; I am CONTENT with my heritage.” It is a beautiful thing when we are content within the boundaries that God assigns to us. In these boundary lines we have the greatest freedom because God is also the author of freedom. He wants us to live free.

 

The words of Jeremiah 5:22, 23 are challenging: “Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.”

 

Wow, God uses the example of how even the oceans, although they roar and toss, cannot pass God’s boundary lines. And yet, unbelievably, His people do it. God mandated boundaries for His people Israel. He gave them laws and decrees, not to imprison them but to bless them, to make them healthy, and to make them His special and chosen people in all the world. But they didn’t want it. “THEY ARE REVOLTED AND GONE!”

 

This is often our testimony of many women in the church today. They don’t understand that God’s truths do not inhibit us. They set us free. But they don’t want freedom within their boundaries. They want their own kind of freedom. God mandated for women to be in the home. But where are they? Most homes in America are empty today. The mothers have REVOLTED AND GONE!

 

This passage continues in verse 25. “Your sins have withholden GOOD THINGS from you.” We miss out on the “GOOD THINGS” when we move away from the boundaries God has assigned for us.

 

Let’s embrace all that God has for us and live in the fullness of the blessings He longs for us.

 

Drawing you back to His glorious ways, Nancy Campbell

Painting by Jessica Zemsky

 

P.S. Oh help! I can imagine the reaction to some of my above statements. I must say that I know that most women today are brainwashed by our humanistic society. They have beautiful hearts, would never want to do anything to offend God, and think their lifestyle is absolutely normal because that is all they know. Most women today are ignorant of God’s Word and His plan for women and so they are ignorantly living their lives outside the home. Others are in very difficult financial situations and are forced, often against their will, to vacate the home. Feminism has been very successful in making it more difficult for women as they have lowered men’s wages and advocated for their so-called women’s rights.

 

I understand the many reasons, dear mothers, but at the same time, as an older mother, I must be faithful to teach what God says from His Word. I know that our society is so far away from God’s original intention that it’s a long road back. To some it even looks impossible. But ultimate revival is for us to turn back. We cannot live under the fount of His full blessings unless we live in the boundary lines He has designated for us.

 

* CJB is the Complete Jewish Bible, which I use and highly recommend.  I especially like the CJB Study Bible. 

Nancy Campbell's website is a gold mine of wisdom and encouragement: ABOVE RUBIES.

A Great Resource for Women

 

I recommend this resource for all women - young, old, single, married, mothers, and those without children also. 

God has given us a mandate to teach the younger women -- and there's always someone younger than you, right?  I am always encouraged by Nancy's writing.  I hope you will take God's mandate to heart and share God's Word with the women around you.

Above Rubies Mini-Newsletter #3 - July 2021

Above Rubies Mini-Newsletter #3 - July 2021 More up-to-date info from Above Rubies Above Rubies Mini Newsletter #3 - 2021 Dear Above Rubies reader, Many b...

Wisdom Wednesday #25 - Foolish or Wise?

. 

This week we will look at the remainder of verse eleven as well of the rest of Proverb 7 about the Foolish Woman:

She’s the coarse, impulsive type,
whose feet don’t stay at home;  

rather, she stalks the streets and squares,
lurking at every streetcorner.

Being impulsive is not wise.  Yes, I can hear someone saying, "I love being impulsive.  It's fun."  I agree in some cases.  There are times when you get a great opportunity and you take it without even thinking about it.  A good example would be if you were offered a spur of the moment invitation to dinner paid for by a friend.  I know I'd rather eat out than cook for sure. 

This verse is talking about acting on impulse, without thinking things through.  It most certainly includes failing to seek G-d's guidance. (see Proverb 3:6)

It's interesting that the verse links impulsiveness with not staying at home.  If you read further in this chapter, you will see that this woman is married, and her husband is out of town.  Her interests are not centered in the home and her husband.  She has decided to seek excitement elsewhere.  She's decided to go out and party and have some fun.  Obviously, she hasn't thought this through.  

The verse says she was out on the streets.  I don't know if there were bars back during this time, but today's equivalent of being on  the streets would be going to bars and clubs.  It's always been my opinion that bars are frequented by people looking for one of two things: alcohol or relationships.  

Yes, I'm old fashioned and I don't apologize for it.  I believe that if you have friends who like to hang out in bars and clubs, you are asking for trouble, ladies.  If a man sees you there, he thinks you are there for more than alcohol.  And if you are honest, you know he's right.  

Affairs don't "just happen".  There are steps to becoming involved with someone other than your husband.  The first step is impulse:  the quick decision to go out and have some fun apart from your husband.  That is dangerous and it is not wise. 

Thinking things through would include asking yourself:  would I want my husband to do what I'm doing?  Would I want him to be in this environment or situation?  More importantly, would G-d approve of my thoughts and actions? 

Verses thirteen through twenty-three read like a soap opera or a current television show.  This woman's actions are that of a prostitute, although she probably doesn't think of herself that way. 

I see many women, single and married, modeling their lives after the foolish women they see on television, movies and music videos.  Those women are role models of how to be a prostitute.  These are the role models many young girls are aspiring to become.  How sad.

Who is teaching the young women to be G-dly, pure women?  I raise my hand, even though my views are not popular.  I will probably even be called judgmental, but the opinions of others do not sway me.  I look to G-d for His approval, and He has commanded me to teach these truths diligently.  (see Deuteronomy 6:1-9)

Dear Gail-Friends, young and old, this woman is foolish and her behavior will have consequences as we see in the remainder of the chapter:

 

²⁴ So now, children, listen to me;
pay attention to what I am saying.
²⁵ Don’t let your heart turn to her ways;
don’t stray onto her paths.
²⁶ For many are those she has struck down dead,
numerous those she has killed.
²⁷ Her house is the way to Sh’ol;
it leads down to the halls of death.

Proverb 7 is an example of the woman we don't want to be, while Proverb 31 is an example of the woman we are to become.  I urge you to read these two chapters and evaluate your own behavior.

Proverb 7 is also an example of the type of woman we would avoid, and Proverb 31 is an example of the type of woman we would choose as a friend. Again, read the two chapters and evaluate your friends.  It is not wise to hang out with girlfriends who think the behavior of the woman in this chapter is acceptable.  If you go with a friend just because she doesn't want to go alone, you are putting yourself in a risky situation.

Next week, I will show you some very interesting things about these two chapters related to the Torah.

 *****************
 I'm linking up today with:
 Spiritual Sunday

The Gathering Spot Link-Up

All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up

Modest Mom Monday Link-up 

Growing Homemakers Link-Up

Titus 2 Tuesday 

Tuesdays with a Twist

A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up  
Wordless Wednesdays 

Winsome Wednesday

A Wise Woman Builds
Whole Hearted Wednesday 
Wake Up Wednesday
Whimsical Wednesday

Hearts for Home
Favorite Things 

Fab Creative Friday
Friendship Friday 
Freedom Friday

Wisdom Wednesday # 8 - Strong Women

Continuing our study of Proverbs 31 today:
       ע ²⁵ (She is) Clothed with strength and dignity,
        she can laugh at the days to come. **

Have you ever thought of yourself as clothed in strength and dignity? I think this is a picture of a true lady.  Jackie Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth come to mind as secular examples.  Catherine Marshall and Anne Ortlund are authors who exemplify these qualities in the writing world.

Sometimes I think being a lady is a lost art.  I'm thankful for a grandmother, as well as a mother, my aunts and many other G-dly women who have taught me the fine points of lady-likeness:

To speak with grace and kindness
To dress, walk, stand and sit modestly
To be polite and have good manners
To ignore coarse comments and jokes, smile...and change the subject
To act with poise and politeness in all situations
To avoid gossip
To talk with others with interest (not to be self-centered)
To say "please" and "thank you"
To notice the needs of others and respond  
To respect others, and expect the same

My sweet husband says one of the first things he noticed about me (at age sixteen) was that I was a lady.  I like that, because it was then, and still is my desire.  Am I perfect in every way?  No, but the Father is not finished with me yet.

I come from a long line of strong women.  Some would call them hard headed or stubborn, too, and I've been called those names myself.  Experience has taught me to harness my strong will and submit it to the Father. 

I used to think I could accomplish anything I put my mind to and even bragged about it.  Then, the Father taught me a new lesson about His strength when I ran into something I absolutely could not accomplish.  The goal was related to a sales business I was in.  I set a goal and could not reach it, no matter how hard I tried.  I prayed, I worked night and day, and yet nothing came together and the goal was not met.  My career in that field was finished.  I remember lying on the floor of my living room, crying out to G-d, feeling  He had forsaken me. 

My Father had not forsaken me.  He was putting a great big STOP sign in my path and telling me to go in a different direction.  That new path led eventually to being in ministry with my rabbi husband, which I could not even imagine at the time.  Because of His strength to overcome my strong will, I was led to so many blessings.

His strength can accomplish so much more than mine.  I've learned through trial and error to trust His strength instead of my own.  Because of this wisdom, I can laugh at the days to come.  

If you've ever been a worrier, you will find that statement laughable.  Worriers live in the future, imagining "what-ifs" about their problems.    I know because I've indulged in worry at certain periods of my life.  I don't want to live that way.  G-d is faithful to lead us and work in our lives, even when bad things happen.  He will show us what to do when we trust Him.  

Who comes to your mind when you think of the term lady?

**Quotations from The Complete Jewish Bible


I'm sharing this post with:
Spiritual Sundays

Let's Get Social Sunday

Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Teach Me Tuesday

Titus 2 Tuesday 
A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up

Domestically DivineTuesdays

Wordless Wednesdays 

Winsome Wednesday

A Wise Woman Builds

Hearts for Home
Favorite Things 

 
 
Faith Filled Friday
Friendship Friday

Wisdom Wednesdays

Today, will be the first installment in my new series Wisdom Wednesdays.  As promised last week, this post will be about Proverbs 31.

As a young woman, I was introduced to this chapter of Proverbs during a workshop at my church.  I still remember sitting in that room, listening to an older woman teach us younger women how to be good wives, mothers, and homemakers.  Miss Bernice inspired me to make this my model for success.  I am thankful for her teaching, as well as her example.

Now that I am an older woman myself, I aspire to be an example to the younger women my life touches.  I have learned much wisdom since I began my journey and I hope some of what I've learned will be an inspiration to you, dear Gail-Friends.

As an introduction, this chapter was written by Lemuel's (Solomon) mother.  He was the king, and she wrote these words to disciple him.  In verse two, the Hebrew says:

"What is it, my son?  And what is it, O son of my womb?  

And what is it, O son of my vows?"

The implication of her statement is:  

"I raised you, I bore you, and loved you so much

 that all my vows were dedicated to you."  

If you have children, you know the depth of that statement.  This mother has her son's best interest at heart, and we are to do the same with our children.  Like Lemuel's mother, the focus of my life, for the most part, has been on and for my children.

I longed to be a mother from the time I was five years old.  When I married, I prayed for children for four years before I bore my first child.  I had a miscarriage before she was conceived.   Then I prayed another six years for my second, and last, one.  I wanted more children, but it was not to be.   Becoming a mother was a dream come true for me.  Becoming a grandmother was another dream realized.  Both taught me a whole new level of love, and wisdom. 

Since the day I bore my first child, there has not been one day I have not thought about my children.  I was a stay-at-home mom and only worked outside the home part time for twenty-seven years.  I don't regret those years.  My philosophy was, and is now, that there will be plenty of time to develop a career once children are gone from the home.

Lemuel's mother is counseling him according to the Scriptures.  This is what we are to do with our children.  We are to teach them G-d's holy ways, not the ways of the world or some denomination or church.  If their teachings do not line up with Scripture, we are sinning against them and against G-d by remaining in that place. 

Is it your heart's desire to be a good mother, wife, and homemaker?  If so, G-d will hear that vow, and He will help you keep it.  He gave us this chapter, and many others to guide us as women, whether we are single or married. 

My heart is always toward my home, husband and children.  I hope some of the things I've learned along the way will help and inspire you, whether you are single or married.  I hope you'll come back next week to learn more about this chapter, especially the Hebrew perspective and insights I will share. Some of them might surprise you.