10 Jan Ezer is not…
“[The] call as God’s image-bearers applies in difficult situations, not just ideal ones.”-Biblical Femininity, p.91
Like many women at Grace, I’m being slowly transformed as the language and theology of Ezer works itself into my thinking and practice. I’m learning to see life through the lens of my core calling to invite, nurture, and partner, and to live out that calling in every situation.
I’m learning to recognize my autonomy and the corruption it brings into relationships. All that is very good! However, as with so much scriptural teaching, there’s been a hard – and honestly, unexpected – side to embracing biblical femininity. I’ve found that living out this calling is far more challenging than I thought at first. That’s because I’ve discovered some of the things that Ezer is NOT.
Ezer is not automatic
Yes, as a female image-bearer, I am wired up with the core capacities to invite, nurture, and partner. Sometimes those qualities flow forth pretty easily. Snuggling my newborn granddaughter and responding to her helplessness requires no effort at all! But listening patiently to an aging relative repeat the same story for the third time in an hour? That’s something I have to work at. Truth is, I have found that far more often intentionality is required to engage people, to pour my energies into them, or to walk through life with them. Which leads me to my next realization…
Ezer is not easy
What initially appeared to be simply the strengthening and exercise of a natural capacity, soon hit the hard road of reality. I don’t always feel like inviting! I don’t always want to nurture! And quite often partnering my life with another is the last thing I want to do! My innate selfishness, my persistent autonomy, my deep brokenness continually war against living out my calling. To “ezer” others is a difficult work of sacrifice and self-denial, empowered solely by God’s grace. It is a choice I must make, for the sake of my Savior, regardless of how I feel, what I want, or what I think is best. However, even when I do, I’ve discovered another unexpected thing…
Ezer is not a formula
Sometimes when I’ve embraced the calling – reached out, tried to engage and partner – it didn’t “work.” That other person didn’t want to be drawn in. They rejected my efforts to lend them strength. They weren’t interested in joining their life with mine. Yes, inviting, nurturing, and partnering often bring forth a sweet fruit of growth and relationship. But there are also times when those efforts are flatly rejected. That hurts and frustrates me. I want to quit and withdraw in self-protection. But that’s when I’m reminded that…
Ezer is not optional
This is the way God has called me to show forth His image in a broken world. This is how I glorify Him, making Him look like the worthy God He is. Does it always feel that way? Not at all. But that doesn’t change the truth of the call. I’m learning that Ezer IS a walk of faith, a work of grace, and a narrow way that leads to life. That makes the challenge worth pursuing.
– Libby Thomas, Powdersville