So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free men, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.                                                  Galatians 3:28 

I was disheartened.  At about the time the news about sexual harassment in the entertainment industry started coming out, I was sitting with six dear women friends who had all started their varied careers in the 1970’s.  Someone asked, “Who here has experienced sexual harassment at some point in their jobs?” and all hands went up.  The stories were harrowing and disturbing.  We all agreed that hopefully things were better now for our daughters – but then the “Me Too” movement started an avalanche of women reporting on assault and harassment in government, at the college level, in the board rooms and in sports.

I had hoped to use this opportunity in writing a Lenten devotional to help me as a woman to find guidance from the Bible.  Finding that verse has not been easy.  I used the Internet to find Bible verses pertaining to women and many of them made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.  We all know Ephesians 5:24 that states “And so wives must submit themselves  completely to their husbands …” but how about Corinthians 14:34-35 that tells us “Women should keep quiet … They are not allowed to speak, they must not be in charge… It is a disgraceful thing for a woman to speak in a church meeting.”  Those are just two of the Bible verses I found from the New Testament. I couldn't believe what I found in the Old Testament.

I know God’s love and forgiveness does not distinguish between gender or race.  Those are human constructs that have been used throughout history to justify mankind doing horrible things in the name of God.  What disturbs me is that it is still happening. Some “religious” people still advocate a secondary role for women based on the Bible.  Where are our Church leaders and  why are they not in the news loudly condemning sexual harassment and disrespectful treatment of women?

When I was just about to give up on finding a Bible verse that represents the Word of God, not man, in stating that we are all equal and one in union with Christ I finally found the verse I needed (from Galatians above).  Now if we could only live by those words.

Prayer:  God, help us to understand that your love is for all your people: men and women, rich and poor. Help protect us from those who want to use their interpretation of your word as an excuse to persecute others or treat them with prejudice and disdain. I pray that all our daughters and granddaughters will be treated with dignity and respect because all are created in your image. In your name we pray. Amen