Years ago a friend of mine suggested we do a summer book study on authentic femininity. I agreed, having no idea what I was getting myself into.
At that time I had this foolish notion that somehow reading about the feminine genius would help me arrive at some measured plateau of greatness, a finished product- done!
As the years passed, I have painfully realized that the process of becoming who I am, is more about unraveling the knots that have tied my heart and kept me bound. A messy and perpetual process of humility.
Teaching on Marian types, another friend shared something that has stuck with me throughout this process.
From the Catechism, she read:
“Being obedient she (Mary) became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert. . .: “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith.”
True femininity is untied by faith and obedience. Mary is that model. Her “yes,” to the Lord without counting the costs always points us back to truth.
Authentic femininity, is a process that I am now confident can not be accomplished by arriving but by dying. Dying to my own foolish notion of what things ought to be and simply being.
To the cross I run
Holding high my chains undone
Now I am finally free
Free to be what I’ve become
–Undone, Mercy Me
Undone 