It’s easy to get in the striving rhythm of life. Here’s the good news – we don’t have to keep up that pace. Listen as author Elyse Fitzpatrick shares what she’s learned about race, rhythm, and resting in God. Her new book is called Good News for Weary Women.
“Women – and I don’t know if it’s different between women and men – I think women generally speaking are very serious about doing things to protect and nurture their families. So we have hundreds of books about how to be the perfect Proverbs 31 woman, how to be the Titus 2 woman… I’m not saying we shouldn’t read those passages or know those passages, but Proverbs 31 is not the primary message of the gospel.”
What do we tell women about how to be godly? Elyse lists some examples of bad advice:
• Decorate your home like a magazine.
• Cook only healthy/organic food for your family.
• Don’t work outside the home – ever.
• Don’t come up with ministry ideas – or if you do, give your husband the credit.
• Have a daily Proverbs 31 checklist.
• Have a Pinterest-styled home.
• Be at your husband’s sexual beckon call.
• Make sure your children always obey.
Exhaustion comes quickly when we take a quick glance at that list. What are we truly supposed to be?
Here is the beautiful truth – in Christ, we are…
Accepted entirely, without reservation, without condemnation, without disappointment
Loved in Christ, it is as if we’ve never sinned, and have in fact always obeyed
Free to be at peace in our imperfections and weaknesses
This is a deeply personal message for Elyse.
“Sometimes I forget that in God’s love I have everything I need and I have to go get something for myself. And that’s the essence of sin. The really wonderful news is that all of our sin – past, present and future – has already been paid for on the cross.”
The truth of Christ’s finished work means we can rest. Relax. Breathe. And thank God for His daily strength and mercies.
Key Scriptures: Galatians 2:16; Psalm 23
Theme Song: Lord I Need You by Chris Tomlin
