Freedom and the Godly Woman: 6 – Beyond Churchianity to Real Freedom

(What is it to be a godly woman in an ungodly world? This question inspired me to invite some talented writers to contribute their responses. Shirley R. Evans, based in Manchester, is first and foremost passionate about seeing Kingdom impact in her local community. Inspired by the question, in the first part Shirley embarked on getting the gospel basis. In part 2 definitions and the role of love were explored. Part 3 celebrated the born again identity that defines freedom of the godly woman,  Part 4 saw the heart-moving look of what God does with the broken. The previous part considered what it is to be free in the image of God and in tune with His purposes. In this final part in the series, Shirley addresses what it is to truly be free … For His Name’s Sake, Shalom, C. L. J. Dryden)

I was raised in and still attend a conservative traditional Sabbath Keeping patriarchal church

Growing up I always had an impression of what a “godly woman” looked like.  Much of this centred on appearance – wearing “godly” clothing, large church hats, natural hair, the list goes on.  There were also many subliminal and direct messages around women’s roles – much of it steeped in tradition, but not matching up with the reality of women being equally responsible or sole bread winners in two parent and single parent households. Women holding the fort in evangelism; establishing churches and those same women being powerhouses in prayer and preaching the word.  Oh, the inner wrestling.

As I have grown in my faith-walk and my relationship with God, I have realised and owned that with God it is always a matter of the heart.  Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of You? To act Justly, to love Mercy and to walk humbly with Your God.”  If I have a motto for my life, then this verse is it.  I have discovered that as long as I live out this verse in practical applications each and every day then I am doing all that God requires of me as a woman.  Every area of life is covered by these instructions.  This verse in summary is about loving God, and where there is genuine love for God there is obedience to his commands, instructions & His will.

His will is that I love my fellow man and that love is always an action – being kind, caring, compassionate, forgiving, patient etc.  Looking for those opportunities to help and to do good, Using the gifts God has given me to teach, encourage, etc to reach those who are outside of the family of God. 

Raising my children to love God and be good citizens; respecting my husband and honouring him in such a way that our lives portray the love of God, His compassion, His faithfulness etc. living for the other we build and support each other so we both get a “well done.”

Am I free?

Yes – I am truly free.  Free to love as I am loved. Free to own my new identity. Free to bask in the marvel that God the creator of all this universe created me uniquely special and treasured. 

So how do I live as a godly woman in an ungodly world?

• I live each day free to love all people knowing that each person is my Father’s unique creation with unbelievable potential
• I live each day free from fear because I am loved by God who has a good plan for me.
• I live each day with a deep joy that isn’t about the external environment but all to do with the Spirit of God on the inside.
• I live each day with hope.
• I live each day striving to make a difference to someone along the way.

I simply live each & every day.

(Photo by Artem Kovalev on Unsplash)

Shirley R Evans