Slow Your Roll

I don’t really know how to start this post.  There is a certain pressure to get this right that I almost didn’t write it, but I had to stop myself, because these things need to be said even if they are said imperfectly.

There is something deeply disgusting, disturbing, offensive, and dangerous about the women’s movement in America.  What is even more disturbing is how the American church has seemed to jump on the bandwagon wholeheartedly.  Don’t get me wrong, there are enormous and inexcusable offenses woman have suffered at the hands of men, and those deserve and demand justice.  But that is not what I am talking about for the purposes of this post.

I’m talking about the subtle disrespect that can be seen in an eye roll, or a backstabbing comment, or disparaging remark behind men’s backs.
I’m talking about the “I-know-better-than-you” attitude, and the insistence upon getting your own way and the entitled attitude behind it.
I’m talking about shaming men for their sins and then victimizing yours.
I’m talking about the loud sigh when you don’t see their point.
I’m talking about the insistence upon being seen and heard and validated as a woman.

Ladies:  Get ahold of yourselves and SLOW.  YOUR.  ROLL.  You are making fools of the best of us.  Let me remind you for a moment of the basics from Genesis and that there is an order to the things of God.

Let us remember God chose to walk with man first in the Garden of Eden.  He walked with Adam and talked with him long before we existed.  And we were made from him and for him.

Let us not forget the strategy of Satan in that same garden to deceive us instead of the man because he knew we are easily deceived.

Let us not forget the consequence of subverting the authority of God and of man.  God’s order is for us to be subjected to him while on this earth.  It is our part of the Fall.  And if we are the ones that are easily deceived by the lures of the devil, could it be that is what is happening today?

Be mindful.  Be aware.  The devil crouches like a lion ready to devour its prey.

Is it any wonder men are afraid to lead in the church?
Is is any wonder they don’t want to show up on Sundays to worship?
Is it any wonder they don’t want to be involved?
Is it any wonder they give up on their marriages? Or take a back seat? Or don’t get married at all?

Would I put myself in a position to be constantly questioned and disrespected?

Would you?

Church:  We have a duty to our men and we are failing miserably.  How are we seeking to bring them back into the fold? Or bring them into the fold at all? What are we doing to minister to them as men in a non-condescending way? Where is the committee to make this happen? I’ll sign up because, frankly, I love men.

I love what they bring to the table.

I love their creativity, and their sensibilities to the logical and practical.

I love their strength and wisdom.

I love the protection and provision they intuitively provide.

I love their viewpoint.

Men:  You have a responsibility in this too.  You must forgive us our offenses. You must not sit idly by. You must rise to the occasion and be the men we so desperately need.

Now, I know I’ve probably stirred up a hornets nest.  You might be tempted to lash out with whatever makes you smarter than me.  And I will be the first to tell you, you ARE probably smarter than me.  I want you to know whether or not we agree, your feelings are welcome here.  Express them respectfully.  But what if you paused for a moment to consider why these things impact you in that way?  Is there something you might glean for yourself in what you might consider an unwise viewpoint?  I’d love to hear either way.