Midweek Faith Lift
May 22, 2019
Women in the Bible- Divine Feminine
Su Podraza-Nagle
Today we celebrate the Divine Feminine and Women of the Bible.
First let’s clarify:
When we talk about the Divine Feminine and the Bible, we see quiet strength. We see resolution of spirit. The connection to the part of our feeling consciousness responsible for nurturing, intuition, empathy, creation, community, our feeling sense, and collaboration. The heart space.
Remember, In God’s image, we were created. We all have that masculine and feminine within us. The Ying and Yang, Intellect and emotion
So, who were they? What did they do? What did they have to say?
They were mothers, wives, and widows. They were also merchants, prophets, political advisors, warriors, judges, priests, one was a Deacon, (not a deaconess by the way) assassins and diplomats. Some even had a shady past.
The women in the Bible were rarely written by name. But, if we count the women with names, about 8% of named individuals, are women.
As for having a voice?
93 specific women had a voice within this Book of books. Not many in comparison but, like I said, a quiet strength.
How many can we relate to?
Here’s a couple we know because of their stories.
Mary Magdalene- We know she was a close follower of Jesus as he traveled, traveling with the group and other women. She helped finance his ministry. She was also the first to see and hear the Master teacher after his execution. And just to clear up a rumor that got started with a sermon from Pope Gregory the Great in in the sixth -century, she was not a prostitute.
When have we in our lives, followed someone, listened to someone who’s words or deeds resonated within us and we came to respect, love and care about the work they do or did? Be it a favorite teacher, a mentor, or family member? Or even an author or great scientist.
Consider our feelings about Rosa Parks or Jane Goodall. One stood for civil rights, and one for animal rights.
Do we give our time talent or treasure to a favorite cause? There are many.
When have we in our lives, been talked about, had a rumor spread that wasn’t true? If you need a nudge, think about your school years or even office politics. Very few of us weren’t the subject of whispers spoken.
Elizabeth- mother of John the Baptist. Cousin of Mary, Jesus’ mother.
She was, she believed past child bearing years and her husband was up in years also. The story goes that the Angel, Gabriel came to her husband with news of her pregnancy. Her husband was struck mute by the Angel because he didn’t believe it was possible. Elizabeth realizes the truth when Mary comes for a visit.
When in our lives did we receive such good news, our heart pitter pattered. We don’t need to think about this too far from the story. . Look to your own children and the joy, the happy tears shed when your children were born.
Honoring the Divine Feminine in us then, is to acknowledge all that we are, warts and all, with love, understanding, and grace.
Let’s go a bit deeper-
Metaphysicians, this is for you
Remember last week I spoke about the nourishing element of Divine Mind, or God, in which spiritual ideals are brought to fruition
Taking a step closer within our consciousness, our evolution of the soul, or some may call spirit work.
What does the Divine Feminine feel like in Metaphysics? The “other” than physical presence that we are.
In the Hebrew Scriptures we have
Sarah- wife of Abraham. The spiritual soul, the affectional emotional side of us. She had a name change from Sarai- the soul contending for it’s rightful place in consciousness. She had a spiritual awakening so to speak and her name changed to Sarah with an “H.” We find this through out the Bible. These name changes when people have leveled up in their spiritual consciousness.
When have we, in our busy lives, looked out only for ourselves, treated others with less than caring acts? This then, would perhaps be a time when we were in our S-a-r-a-i consciousness. Some of us had nicknames when we were younger. We could say we were self “involved”. How many of us no longer go by that name? It doesn’t fit us anymore. We have become more aware, more consciously responsible. We feel more. More loving and compassionate. We have a name change to perhaps our birth name. Some of us may actually groan when an old friend calls us by the old name. It just doesn’t FEEL right. That’s our Divine Feminine coming to the forefront.
Judith- Represents our prayer and praise thoughts in consciousness.
Think about this, we were taught rote prayer when we were younger. Then interession, forgiveness, and praise and thanksgiving to name a few. As we matured and walked more through our spiritual journey, Judith is the affirmational and praise thoughts we hold in consciousness as we level up on our journey. We here in Unity, are all about Affirmations and Denials in Prayer. We release the error in thought or perception and affirm the Truth of our being.
Shulammite Woman- Peace and perfection. Peace Loving. Restful
As we become more comfortable with our insides as well as our outsides, we enjoy a certain peace. We also come to know, just like Myrtle, we ARE children of God, and therefore, we are who we are perfectly. Who else but you, can be you? You are the individualized expression of the Divine Universe!
Esther- The dissolving power of spiritual love; this is an antidote for a dictatorial will. Ever hear the expression, let go and let God? When we let go of our will, and embrace all that the universe lovingly supplies, we grow in love at our heart center. We can lovingly disagree, but we don’t demand our will be done. We simply let it go and welcome divine order.
In the Christian Scriptures, we have:
Salome –The soul clothed in love, peace, and Truth.
Know the Truth and the Truth will set you free. Be at peace with who you are….. and I’m just going to say it, it’s ok to love yourself. Be gentle with yourself. The committee in your head can learn to get along and be at peace. Affirm yourself!
Herodias- passions of the human soul, the feminine side of sense thought.
Yes, we feel so much it hurts sometimes. We are human beings having spiritual experiences after all. And that’s ok. We are here to learn and feel.
It’s ok to cry watching a commercial, Or here’s one that got me right in the feels; the movie, “A Dogs Purpose” ohhh just hand over the tissues. And I hear there’s a another one, just in case some of us want to feel that again. That love, surprise, joy, grief, and sadness. Bring a box of tissues and share with someone you love.
If you haven’t heard of these women before, that’s fantastic! The choosing of these women were for that purpose.
It’s a fresh start to explore your Divine Feminine within!
Blessings on the Path,
With deep gratitude to Su,
Rev. Deb