“Let all that you do be done with love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:14

Somewhere along the way, the word submit became a dirty word. It was hijacked, twisted, and used to make women small, silent, and stripped of their God-given identity. But when we look back beyond cultural distortions, beyond misinterpretations, beyond centuries of misuse, we discover that God’s Word tells a very different story.

The Bible does not diminish women. It dignifies them. It does not silence them. It lifts their voices.

The call of Scripture is not for women to be less,but to live fully as God designed: equal, strong, wise, and radiant with purpose.

Submission: Harmony, Not Hierarchy

In the New Testament, the word translated submit comes from the Greek hupotassō. It does not mean blind obedience, nor does it imply inferiority. Rather, it paints the picture of willingly aligning with a mission greater than oneself.

Paul never wrote, “Husbands, make your wives submit.” Instead, he said: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). That kind of love is sacrificial, tender, and life-giving.

Submission, then, is not about control but about connection. It is about walking together in trust, out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). It is about mutual self-giving that creates harmony, not hierarchy.

The Proverbs 31 Woman: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Many have painted the Proverbs 31 woman as a quiet homemaker in the background. But the original Hebrew word chayil—translated “virtuous”, actually means valor, strength, excellence. It is the same word used of warriors and leaders.

This woman is:

• A businesswoman who buys and sells property (Proverbs 31:16).
• Strong in body and mind (Proverbs 31:17).
• A wise teacher whose words carry weight (Proverbs 31:26).
• A provider who ensures her family thrives (Proverbs 31:18).

This is no weakling. This is a warrior clothed in dignity and strength.

“Helpmeet” Reimagined: Ezer Kenegdo

In Genesis, when God said, “I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18), the Hebrew phrase ezer kenegdo was used. Ezer is the very word used for God Himself as our helper and shield. Kenegdo means “corresponding to, equal to.”

In other words, woman was not created to trail behind man, but to stand beside him as an equal strength-bringer. Not an assistant. Not an afterthought. But a partner in the divine mission of reflecting God’s image in the world.

Jesus and Women: Breaking Barriers

When society pushed women to the margins, Jesus brought them to the center.

• He welcomed Mary to sit at His feet as a disciple (Luke 10:39).
• He revealed His identity as Messiah to the Samaritan woman (John 4).
• He chose women to be the first witnesses of His resurrection (Luke 24:1-10).
• He defended the woman caught in adultery, giving her dignity when others sought her destruction (John 8).

At every turn, Jesus broke cultural rules to honor women.

A Word for Women Today

If you’ve ever been told you are “less than,” hear this truth:

You are not lesser.
You are not invisible.
You are not bound by the distortions of Scripture.

You are a warrior of wisdom. You are clothed in dignity. You are beloved, equal, and chosen.

The world needs women who know their worth in Christ. The Church needs women who will rise, speak, teach, lead, nurture, and shine. Families, communities, and nations need the fire God has entrusted to your spirit.

So do not shrink back. Stand tall. Step forward. Live fully in the calling that has always been yours.

Because you are His beloved.
You are His warrior.
You are His masterpiece.

Written with love,

Ze Selassie (Chaplain)
Christian Leaders Alliance
MA Candidate, Christian Counseling
Ordained Minister & Grief Companion

My destination is a place that requires a new way of being.