I still take a deep breath before speaking these words: “I am a biblical woman!” You see, I am an independent, strong-willed person with lots of opinions and plans for my life. My mother often says that I came out of the womb in charge of the world! So, how does a strong Christian woman become a submissive biblical woman, especially in a culture that embraces feminism? God has taught me many truths from His Word as I have grappled with being a biblical woman, and as a result, I thrive by living according to God’s perfect plan.

            I was created by God in His image, which gives me great worth. Genesis 1 and 2 clearly state that God created everything that exists, including human beings. He conceived us in His mind and created us in His image (Gen. 1:27; Ps. 139:13-14). He created each one of us uniquely and knows us thoroughly (Gen. 2:23; Ps. 139:1-4). The Lord God Almighty then declared us to be good: “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good” (Gen. 1:31). You have divine worth!

            I was created by God as a female, which gives me a specific identity. God created male and female, both in His image but with different gender-assigned roles (Gen. 1:27; 2:18-20). Gender was God’s idea, not a design of self or concept of culture. God created woman with a distinctive character, nature, and purpose. Though equal in worth and value, men and women are different in many ways by God’s design. Women were created by God to be fully feminine, to uniquely complement man, and to nurture children. You have a divine identity!

            I was created by God as a woman, which gives me a purpose. God created men and women to have fellowship with Him and bring Him glory (Is. 43:1, 3-4, 7; Col. 1:16). In His wisdom, God knew that the man should not be alone, so He created the woman as a helper comparable to the man (Gen. 2:18). A woman’s different roles do not diminish her worth and value. God assigned women the important task of helping men and supporting others. Women are blessed with God’s design as life-bearer and life-sustainer. You have a divine purpose!

            What a joy to know that God created us as women and each of us for a particular purpose! Join us for the annual NOBTS Women’s Conference on October 5-6, 2018 as we explore the theme “Biblical Womanhood and Me!” Let God teach us how to live biblically in an unbiblical world!

Dr. Rhonda Kelley is the President’s Wife and adjunct professor in Women’s Ministry at NOBTS where she has the joy of serving alongside her husband, Dr. Chuck Kelley. She is also an accomplished author and Christian speaker.