Just some random musings for my 55th birthday and the topic of…wait for it… feminism. Not what you expected from the title, right? Well then, I accomplished my purpose. (Consider it my first “randomness.”)

I had to renew my driver’s license this weekend…Saturday morning…yes, I waited to the last minute as my birthday is on Monday. Fortunately, I took a book to read while I waited, “Dancing Girls, Loose Ladies, and Women of the Cloth -The Women in Jesus’ Life,” by my former seminary professor, Dr. Scott Spencer.

It was the first time I’ve ever been sad that they called my number so quickly, as I was enjoying the book so much. And as I was reading Dr. Spencer’s section on “Feminism Is for Everybody,” I thought to myself…in the line at the DMV…how unfortunate it was, that as a child of the 60’s, I was raised in an area where “feminism” was regarded as a “bad word.” (Probably still is…)

By “bad” I mean it was assigned a place of definition in the Deep South, reserved for those women who wanted to burn their bra’s…end of story. Little else was known about those illusive braless women, other than their obvious attempt to be who they weren’t…men, which was obviously wrong, hence, feminists were not only wrong, but they were evil, attempting to usurp the power assigned to their husbands…or other males…any male…by God himself.

What a shame. Even now, when someone describes himself or herself as a feminist, I kind of cringe inwardly, even though I have come to understand and embrace a more accurate definition of that other f-word.

It’s funny how words can be so alike and yet, so different. For example, “feminine” is usually highly regarded as a “good” word. Add an “ism” to the end and all hell breaks loose…sorry, but that made me laugh.

My husband and I have two incredible grown kids – a son and daughter. I consider both to be feminists (no bra-burning going on as far as I know). Both have what I believe to be an accurate understanding of feminism – not the one I was raised with. Both believe in the equality of men and women before God and that God calls and equips each according to His own purpose rather than society’s assignment. I realize I’m speaking for my children at this point, which I don’t usually do, but believe me, they’ll correct me if I’m speaking out of turn.

So, I continue on in my reflective weekend before turning 55 on Monday. I want to spend more time in Dr. Spencer’s book today. I can’t wait to get a better understanding of the New Testament through feminist eyes, and I can guarantee that there is no bra-burning going on in our household. I know…TMI…but, that’s okay. It’s for a good cause…birthday ponderings and musings are an important part of life’s journey.

Now, all I need is chocolate cake…

Kim W. Chafee
9/21/2014