Female Role Models for our time - reprint from Nov 24,1998

Today, women are making great strides in every professional field. They perform with distinction in public arenas in the midst of technological advances and global influences. At the same time, many still have to fill their traditional roles of homemaker and child raiser. For many professional women, particularly those of Generation Next or the Millennials, confusion may develop. In fact, the gender issues with which we grapple promise to become increasingly problematic as more women are stripping away the roles of self-sacrificing caregivers. Instead, some are embracing the worst dimensions of the flawed concepts of womanhood—promiscuity, voluntary single parenthood, lesbianism and male-bashing, and predictably with disastrous results.

The lack of effective role models, patterns and standards is apparent. As we move into the 21st century, the women in the Word of God remain the time-tested role models who were anything but religious homebodies, lacking intelligence, charm and spirit. Indeed, both the New and the Old Testament are replete with an array of role models of fulfilled women. There is no single ideal mold into which all women must fit.

As the supreme example, Jesus always dignified and honored women. Contrary to the gender norms of his time, he consistently brought women into their rightful place in the grand design. He met the immoral woman of Samaria at the periphery of society, diagnosed the root cause of her immorality, and healed and transformed her into a successful evangelist (John 4:1-26).

Jesus encouraged Mary of Bethany to sit at his feet, to adopt the position of the rabbinic scholar- a privilege then limited only to men. Indeed, he commended her for giving priority to the desire to learn and advance into new things over the traditional female responsibilities of feeding and entertaining (Luke 10:38-42).

Jesus included women in his itinerant ministry team (Luke 8:1-3). It was to women he first committed the glorious resurrection message.

Jesus never once scripted a restricted, static or inferior role for women.

In the Old Testament, there is the royal Esther who halted genocide when she combined her allure, beauty potions and gowns with wisdom and fasting to fashion the weapons of a powerful liberation struggle (Esther).

There is Rahab, the visionary ex-prostitute (Joshua 2:1-22); Jael, the housewife who offered warm milk and rest to an enemy commander and delivered a tent peg through his temple (Judges 4: 17-22); Ruth, a foreigner who entered the lineage of greatness because of her steadfast fidelity (Ruth); Deborah, the prophetess, head of state, supreme court justice and military strategist (Judges 4, 5).

Little wonder that the term for the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is translated the woman of valor. She is an ambitious, enterprising business woman, an organized, creative homemaker, and a wise, trustworthy wife and mother.

In a society reeling under the onslaught of domestic violence, one issue deserves closer attention. The command for female submission is among the most often misquoted and misapplied parts of the Bible. It was certainly not intended to legitimize physical, mental or sexual abuse. It was also not meant to demean or reduce the importance of women.

The Biblical instruction for the woman to submit to her husband must be read within its broadest and context. Submission within the divine order is not an indicator of superiority or inferiority. The submission of women is part of an entire hierarchical order, beginning first with the Godhead and applying to all living beings.

God, the Father, is head of the Godhead. Jesus, equally God, became man and submitted to the Father's will. The Holy Spirit is equally God. Yet, he submits to the Father and the Son.

Similarly, the man is head of the woman. Or, to be more exact, each man is head of his own wife. The wife is to submit to that headship for the sake of smooth functioning, balance and harmony in the home. The child is required to submit to, and obey, both parents. God's pattern for order within the family is based on servant hood, not domination. Proper order within the home is a reflection of proper order within the Godhead and when it all clicks, there is a release of favor, productivity and power with ripple effects for the entire social order.
Of course, there are checks and balances within the system. The woman is to submit to the tender leadership of her husband, who in turn is to seek her welfare and her highest good. God holds both parties to account. Indeed, God will interrupt his communication with, and withhold his blessing from, any man who abuses his leadership privilege (1 Peter 3:7).

God, who created male and female after his image, provided a biblical blueprint for both genders. Applied to all contemporary and future situations, the blueprint never fails. The whole issue of gender definition has to comply with the design of the Creator. Our implementation of His pattern will ensure the success of our society as we transit to the 21st century.

Reaping What You Sow - reprint from March 13,1999

A recent columnist, bemoaning our nation's vulnerability to external economic forces, confessed that our survival was a "puzzle" no one appeared able to solve. But these economic, and indeed all other national, problems do not require us to reinvent the wheel. There are fundamental laws that govern all interactions on this earth and can be accessed from the manual for life -the Word of God.

One such law is that of sowing and reaping. It is so commonplace and simple that its utility for nation building often is ignored. This law is seen clearly in nature. Seeds planted produce fruit of the same kind. Or, as more locally stated, - you can't plant peas and reap corn (Galatians 6:7).
Sowing and reaping is practiced in all areas of life. Students know that their results are directly related to the seeds of hard work, diligence and skill applied to fertile minds. It is a sound basis for selecting investments, depending on the anticipated reaping time; short term or long term. And it certainly applies to personal and family relationships. Sowing seeds of trust, honesty and commitment will engender positive emotional growth and bonding.

This law was embedded in the first command God gave to the first man (Genesis 1:28). "Be Fruitful" necessarily requires planting seeds and reaping the results. God does not expect us to multiply and control the earth by miraculous or other unexplainable actions. We are to plant wisely, and reap in due course.
Many of the lessons Jesus taught when on earth involved this fundamental principle and revealed subsidiary aspects (Matthew 13).
In the parable of the sower, for example, we learn that seeds have to be protected from destructive elements, nurtured until fully rooted and sown on the most fertile ground. Even in the most productive environment, the returns will vary.

This basic principle is applicable to nation building. In the midst of conflicting signals on the global economic front and the consequent perplexity of economists and officials, it is one of the most sensible solutions to the so-called "puzzle". And it is one principle successfully used in the Singapore we were told to emulate in the mid-1990s. To become a technological nation, that government sowed a seed of technology by networking government offices, schools and businesses with advanced computer systems, and trained the workforce to be technologically competent.

We must envision the Trinidad and Tobago of the next five, ten and fifteen years and sow the seeds that will result in the attainment of that vision. If there is no vision, there will be no guiding principle to ensure coordination, planning and effectiveness, and each sector will do as it sees fit (Proverbs 29:18). The seeds sown must be consistent from sector to sector to avoid conflict and friction. If business seeds are of one kind, the seeds in the educational arenas and the community must be of a similar kind.

This principle also applies to more than physical infrastructure or industrial facilities. The dominant national mentality and outlook is the result of seeds sown years, or even generations, earlier. To be known as a competitive nation of hard working, thrifty, resourceful and balanced people, we have to sow these seeds now. We cannot always depend on outsiders to help us. We need to assess our own condition and craft our solutions wisely. God did not intend life to be an unexplainable puzzle. His word provides us with the principles to perform our role as managers of the earth efficiently and effectively. If we apply the principle of sowing and reaping, we will surely reap the benefits desired.

Cause To Celebrate- reprint from April 10, 1999

At least we can hold our head high, if not celebrate. Indeed, some West Indies cricket fans may even smile recalling the exploits of the past few weeks. It was almost unbelievable. Within weeks of capitulating to a record low of 51 runs and our sixth successive test defeat, the West Indies team could actually envision regaining the Frank Worrell trophy. The discipline, resilience and fighting spirit that were synonymous with our teams of the late 70s and 80s had once again resurfaced. A painful and embarrassing period in our cricket history hopefully has ended. It was certainly a low point for many, on and off the cricket field.

Cricket is more than a game for most of us. And the West Indies team is more than a collection of players. For over fifteen years they represented more than a sport. They challenged the status quo. They dominated the so-called 'first world' opponents. They changed the face of the game. Precisely because of our historical record, the dismal events of last year caused so much pain, anger and downright shame.

We all fall to low points in our lives. Sometimes the skill and talent on which we rely fail us. Or circumstances appear as obstacles to our success. These may be the results of our own poor choices (unplanned pregnancy, failed business) or no fault of our own (death, downsizing, devaluation). Life may bowl us a few bouncers. But the true test of our strength is our response to adverse circumstances (Proverbs 24:10).

Such was the case with Job in the Bible. In one fell swoop, he lost his business, his family and his health. Left only with unsympathetic friends and a foolish wife, he is known for his patience in the midst of the most depressing circumstances.
We too have a choice when hard times strike. We can fold up and give in or we can return for the next innings and, like Captain Lara, impressively win Man of the Match.

Our response depends on the breadth and depth of our character. It is that which enables us to rise like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes. Natural ability must be combined with courage, determination and internal leadership. These may be more vital to success than immense God-given talent. We saw these qualities in the victories on this Australian tour, but where were they on our tour to South Africa?

Character is not born overnight. One does not wake up and suddenly possess great courage and determination. Rather, character is formed in the harsh crucible of life. Difficult times develop perseverance, character and hope (Romans 5:3-4).
It is quite possible that this recent series represents a turning point in the fortunes of this West Indies team and the career of Lara. If so, it will indicate they have recognized that success is achieved through persistent effort. This is the choice we all face. When our inadequacies confront us, we can stay the same and live in the shade of past glory. Or we can strive to be better human beings in the earth and move on decisively.

The cry to 'Rally Round the West Indies' may be inspiring in the cricket stands. But when we go out to bat on the uneven pitch of life, we cannot depend on raw talent or an emotional charge. In those times, we must call upon our inner strength to withstand the hostile bowling of the opposition and rise to the occasion.