“The Essence of Femininity” by Elisabeth Elliot

Every woman- and man- should read “The Essence of Femininity” by Elisabeth Elliot (pp. 394-399 of “Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood,” edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem; also available online here)

It is only the second essay that I have read in “Recovering Biblical Manhood,” but I feel discriminated against because there is not an equal manifesto on masculinity (or at least not one so obviously titled).  I could go on about it, but I would rather you just go read it!

For those of you who need more than just my words before you’ll click on over there and read it, here is the opening paragraph:

“Feminists are dedicated to the proposition that the difference between men and women is a matter of mere biology. The rest of us recognize a far deeper reality, one that meets us on an altogether different plane from mere anatomical distinctions. It is unfathomable and indefinable, yet men and women have tried ceaselessly to fathom and define it. It is unavoidable and undeniable, yet in the past couple of decades earnest and high-sounding efforts have been made in the name of decency, equality, and fairness, at least to avoid it and, whenever possible, to deny it. I refer, of course, to femininity—a reality of God’s design and God’s making, His gift to me and to every woman—and, in a very different way, His gift to men as well. If we really understood what femininity is all about, perhaps the question of roles would take care of itself.”

“The Most Beautiful Sight

The most beautiful sight that I’ve beheld,
Was not a reflection of light by these eyes held.
Neither work of art nor gorgeous sunset,
Nor a feminine beauty when our eyes met.

This sight was in my imagination,
And of the father of our salvation.
The Lion of Judah and Passover Lamb
Was Son of David, Son of Abraham.

The story that I will seek to unfold,
Took place when Abraham was very old.
This story from long ago we shall see,
Has eternal meaning for you and me.

Now the Lord spoke to Abe in a vision,
Said, “I’ll be your Shield and your Provision.”
But Abraham had an unmet desire,
That burned within him like a raging fire.

What he wanted more than riches untold
Was a child of his own to have and hold.
God promised that his reward would be great.
Abe said no reward could repay this fate.

Abe said, “My servant will inherit me,
So what good is wealth and prosperity?
All You give me will go to another,
For my bride has never been a mother.”

“What can you give me that’s greater than this?
For my wife and I will die childless!
The son of my servant will be my heir,
O Lord, this cursed barrenness, who could bear?”

The Lord said, “Abraham look above you!
The great stars in the sky are a sign that I love you!
I brought each one forth and gave it a name,
Too many for you to count, much less tame.

Just as their number is too high to count,
Far higher still will your offspring amount.
Abraham fell and worshipped on his knees,
And was reckoned righteous for his belief.

For those who believe in God’s promises
Have been born of the God of righteousness.
Old Abe was promised many descendants,
We’re promised eternal life and forgiveness.

Each day brings trials and uncertainty,
But let us trust God and His sovereignty.
Here we stand, we can do no less,
Believing in God and His righteousness!