WOMAN! EXTRAORDINAIRE - contemporary modern painting by Lidija Ivanek (SiLa)

ABSTRACT DAILY PAINTER LIDIJA IVANEK FROM CROATIA
Acrylic abstract painting on gessoed board 54x84cm/ 21.3"x33.1"
Painting is for sale. Contact through e-mail Lidija Ivanek


"TWELVE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN" John McArthur

From the very first chapter of the Bible, we are taught that women, like man, bear stamp of God's own image (Gen. 1:27; 5:1-2). Woman play prominent roles in many key biblical narratives. Wives are seen as venerated partners and cherished companions to their husbands, not merely slaves or pieces of household furniture (Gen. 2:20-24; Prov. 19:14; Eccl. 9:9). At Sinai, God commanded children to honor both father and mother (Ex. 20:12). That was a revolutionary concept in an era when most pagan cultures were dominated by men who ruled their households with an iron fist while women were usually regarded as lesser creatures - mere servants to men.
Of course, the Bible recognizes divinely ordained role distinctions between men and women - many of which are perfectly evident from the circumstances of creation alone. For example, women have a unique and vital role in childbearing and nurturing little ones. Women themselves also are "weaker vessels" (1 Peter 3:7). Scripture establishes the proper order in family and in the church accordingly, assigning the duties of headship and protection in the home to husbands (Eph. 5:23) and appointing men in the church to teaching and leadership roles (1 Tim. 2:11-15).
Yet women are by no means marginalized or relegated to any second-class status (Gal,. 3:28). On the contrary, Scripture seems to set women apart for special honor (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loves the church - even, if necessary, at the cost of their own lives (Eph. 5:25-31). The Bible acknowledges and celebrates the priceless value of a virtuous woman (Prov. 12:4; 31:10; 1 Cor. 11:7). In other words, from cover to cover, the Bible portrays women as extraordinary.