Happy Birthday Brandy!

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. (Judges 4:4-5 NIV).

Today is my daughter-in-law’s birthday. Brandy has been a marvelous inspiration in so many ways, especially as I have been able to be so near to her, Kyle, and the grandkids for the last seven years. As I began to reflect on some of the things I have learned through her example of love, courage, discipline, and faithfulness, I was drawn to Deborah.

Most of the great women in the Bible either are married to a great man or related to one. Sarah is primarily known as Abraham's wife, and Miriam as Moses' sister. Even Esther, who saves the Jewish people from Haman's attempted genocide, is guided by her adviser and cousin, Mordechai. A rare exception to this tradition is the prophetess and Judge Deborah, perhaps the Bible's greatest woman figure. While Brandy certainly is married to a wonderful man (I know I am prejudiced), she stands like Deborah exclusively on her own merits.

The key thought for today came to me from our reading. Deborah was a “judge.” She was responsible for helping others settle their disputes and issues in a way that would bring glory to God. She was also the key leader in delivering Israel from her enemies, the Canaanites.

Believe me when I say I have seen firsthand how important this ability has been with the twins! While Faith and Logan are certainly typical for their age, they have been given an incredible example to follow. And, often I am amazed at the level of maturity they show in the behavior. That is rooted in both a mother AND father’s example. Perhaps one of the most frustrating issues I deal with in my counseling ministry is the misplaced understanding of the role of a Christian woman. I see errors on both ends of the spectrum. There are those who declare a woman’s “place” is one of subservience which is a gross misinterpretation of the Scripture. There are others who mistakenly call attention to the “independence” of women and fail to understand the true nature of God’s will in the home.

The Apostle Paul draws on his knowledge of such Godly women as Deborah and the revelation of the Holy Spirit to instruct us that a woman is like the church to Jesus. She is powerful, responsible, and gifted. I love the word he uses when he speaks of a woman as a “weaker vessel.” It carries the meaning of “great value.” That is the appropriate place for any woman.

So, as give thanks for Brandy and wish her a very happy birthday today, I also encourage every woman to become that powerful, responsible, and gifted vessel of great value in their home. Additionally, I encourage every man to be the same kind of leader and friend that Jesus is to His Church.