The path of women throughout history is an obstacle course with hurdles, snares and questions. Let’s go to the beginning of the story;
After God created the heaven and the earth, he saw that everything was good. Yet something was missing. He wanted an authority to take care of his creation. Studies say that this authority, the priesthood was given to man. Thus, the first man Adam was created. Still, something was missing, the keystone of the creation without whom everything would be locked in a knot and the first woman, Eve was formed. When Eve was created, Adam said “The bone of my bone and the flesh of my flesh”. Moving to the studies we see that the other creation of God has 13 pairs of ribs but the humans have 12 pairs one less. The rib signifies a lateral relationship as partners. Eve was designed to co-create and as a partner. There are five fundamental lessons that we can learn from the story of the magnificent creation; The first lesson is that Eve laboured next to Adam. This means that women and men are equally unified in purpose. It takes a man and a woman for a man and a woman to exist. We should honour our companion and no competition for place or purpose is appropriate between the companions.
The second lesson, that we learn from the story of Eve is that Eve and Adam both shared parenthood. Both the man and the woman shared the responsibilities of bringing up the child. The Indians clearly define the role of bringing up children as a responsibility assigned to women but, the bible says otherwise. It also honours the motherhood. It is a spiritual reward assigned to all women as is not limited to one’s child. Dear mothers, I know sometimes your efforts go unappreciated but don’t worry the rewards of heaven await you.
The third lesson is that both Adam and Eve worshipped the lord in prayer. Prayer is talking to God. The most important principle of prayer is to counsel with God your plans and he shall guide your path. There are certain patterns of prayer. Or is what we have seen throughout the holy bible? Pray alone and in secrecy. Talk to God about your wishes in secret in the comfort of your closed room and he shall reward you in public. The next pattern is prayed with and pray for. We should pray with your family, your spouse and your children. Pray for those who don’t have anyone to pray for. Pray for the dead souls and your reward will be greater.
The next lesson is that Eve and her husband heeded the commandments of obedience and sacrifice to the lord. This later takes a marvellous turn and God himself offers his only son as the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, we are told not to make a blood sacrifice. But, ought to complete this by turning ourselves into a sacrifice by making us holy and living up to the will of God. This is also very much related to our family life. The same sacrifice of obedience and adjustment is the success of our family life. Just as a woman is said to be obedient to her husband so is her husband successful to his wife. When a man and woman understand each other, they can understand the missing pieces and find the solutions to every problem easily. Family is a union between man, wife and God. The final lesson from the story of creation is that Eve and her husband taught the gospel to the children.
We are all busy nowadays yes staying busy is necessary for our sustenance. In this fast-paced life, we have no time for our children and in no time, they move away from God. So, take some time in a day to teach your children the holy scriptures. Talk to them about the magical creations of God, the fall of man and the great sacrifice of Christ the lord. Teach them about the powers of the holy spirit and how God guides us through the path of life.
The modern world demeans the sacredness of the human society. It is in times like this that we should stand united in holiness to fight against the forces of the sordid society. Let us pray for that!
Angelina Jose Joji