You Tell Me To Be A Biblical Woman

“You tell me to be a biblical woman.
You tell me to be a biblical so that I might become silent, complicit, weak.
Become a biblical woman. Become complacent with the authority of a man.
I am a biblical woman.
I am Deborah with the power to control the armies, the wisdom to prophesy. I do not tolerate the cowardice of men. I will give victory and honor where it is due: to the woman who is brave enough to stand.
I am Jael. I have the blood of the enemy on my hands. I saw a victory for my people and I took it. I took with a warm glass of milk and a tent peg to his head.
I am a biblical woman.
I am Esther, who stood up to the men in power and saved my people. I used my beauty and my position to do what is right. I am a queen.
I am Ruth, a foreigner who left everything she had for the sake of loyalty to family. I seduced the man who I knew could provide for me. I worked hard to provide for myself and for my family.
I am a biblical woman.
I am Bathsheba, who was taken advantage of by the king. I am more than just a bathing woman on the roof. He objectified me. He murdered my husband. And he was the one who paid the price.
I am Abigail, whose wit and wisdom prevented violence. I rescued my husband from his own foolishness, and I prevented the King from acting rashly and violently. I am brilliant.
I am a biblical woman.
I am Rahab, the prostitute.
I am Mary, the pregnant teenager.
I am Junia, the female apostle.
I am Dorcas, the woman who served the poor.
I am the woman at the well. An outsider welcomed into the kingdom of God.
You think that I must be silent and meek to become a biblical woman? You do not know what a biblical woman is.”