"I'm too direct and opinionated. A godly woman should have been softer and more submissive."
How it sounds in your head: I've never been the 'gentle and quiet spirit' woman they preached about. I spoke my mind, stood my ground, and now I wonder if my boldness dishonored God. Maybe if I'd been meeker, more traditionally feminine, I would have been the woman He actually wanted me to be.
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness."
-- Proverbs 31:26Religion's twisted teaching on femininity demands passivity, condemning strong women as 'rebellious' or 'unfeminine.'
She's been told by pastors, books, and culture that godly women are soft-spoken and agreeable. Her directness has been labeled 'difficult' for decades.
Deborah led an entire NATION as judge and prophet, commanding a general to go to battle. God didn't apologize for putting a bold woman in charge—He called her and she led with authority, and Israel had peace for forty years under her leadership.
I REFUSE the lie that my directness is ungodly. IT IS WRITTEN that the Proverbs 31 woman OPENED her mouth with wisdom—she wasn't silent or passive. My bold voice has defended those who couldn't speak, corrected error when others feared confrontation, and led with the courage God placed in me. IT IS WRITTEN that Deborah judged Israel and commanded armies, and God didn't rebuke her strength—He CELEBRATED it. I am not 'too much' or 'unfeminine.' I am a daughter bearing the image of a God who overturned tables, confronted Pharisees, and spoke TRUTH without apology. My directness is a GIFT. The BARAK blessing is on my voice.
The Father is running toward you saying, 'Your bold voice has been My trumpet of truth in a compromising generation. I didn't make a mistake when I gave you courage.' He's not wishing you were quieter—He's applauding your roar.