Let Them Serve

I always laugh when I start any of my blog off with a disclaimer.  But here I go. I believe that if a woman does equal work, she should make the same amount of money as her male counterpart. I  believe that girls and women should be given the same oppotunities as men. And I believe that all people should be treated with respect and dignity.  There it is. My disclaimer. Hopefully it will keep me safe from too many people pouncing on me:)

I don't understand a lot of the seemingly new, feminist notions that are going around these days. I recently read an article that described several things that men do, that they think are sweet but are actually controlling. I did agree with several of them. I would not like my husband to order for me at a restaurant.  I get how having someone assume they know what you want to eat all the time, could at the very least get annoying if not be a control factor for them.  Then, I got to men opening doors for women. The article implied that this sexist because they are implying that women can not do it for themselves. 

This is where my agreement came to a screeching halt.   You see, I have two young boys. Ages four and seven. And both me and my husband teach them to open doors for women and girls.  I don't do it because I think I am part of the weaker sex. I proved my physical strength just bringing them into this word.  I do it because I am teaching them to serve. When my husband opens the door for me he is saying that he wants to show me that he is placing me in a place of honor. That he respects me.  He shows me this through acts of service. And opening the door for me is just one of them. 

Jesus gives us an example. In John chapter 13 Jesus is explaining to his disciples why he, their Lord, it washing their feet. He says "If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done for you." 

Jesus didn't wash his disciples feet because they could not do it themselves but because he was showing them they should serve one another.  That they should be servants.

This is why I teach my boys to open doors. I do not teach them to just serve women either, but to do as Jesus says and have a heart of service. But I will say I emphasize women because I want them to grow up and love and respect their wives and daughters. To put their needs before their own.  So, this is not a sexist idea. It is a loving idea. And I implore the women of this generation, do not take away their ways to serve, even the small ones.  I do not want to see a world where men do not know how to serve.  I fear that is when disrespect will truly run rampant.