These Boots Are Gonna Walk All Over You!

I distinctly remember this popular song from my childhood. The 1st grade girls were into knee-high, white, patent-leather boots (yes, in 1st grade!). We'd sport our shiny boots as we strutted around the playground at recess, singing our daily theme song at the top of our lungs:

These boots are made for walkin’ –
and that’s just what they’ll do! 
And one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you!

Wow. When I think about it now, although it's a comical picture, I’m amazed by the strident male aggression fueled by this silly little song! As we sang we'd glare at the boys, while digging our heels into the ground, giving the impression of grinding them into powder! I doubt we understood the song's content, and although our little game may have been innocent, in actuality, we girls loved the feeling of power brought on by this early form of ‘male bashing.’

Male bashing is an arrogant reaction, perhaps stemming from an injured heart, but its source is pride. In stark contrast, for men and women to fulfill the biblical models of masculinity and femininity, the basic foundation is: humility.

• When we humble ourselves before our Creator, acknowledging His right to sovereign rule over our lives--we're taking the first step to walking in humility.
• When we choose to surrender control, laying down our lives for Him to do with as He desires--we're learning the way of humility.
• When we take God’s Word seriously, living out the directives and principles of Scripture--humility becomes our familiar friend.

The feminine woman is a humble woman.

Mature femininity is not a predetermined set of rules, but rather the disposition of a heart that is:

• Submitted to the control of the Spirit
• Guided by the Truth of the Word
• Embracing femininity for the glory of God

Scripture contains several beautiful examples of vibrant women whose strength was displayed through humble submission. For example, Mary's statement displays the inner humility and surrender to the will of God that typifies femininity:

Behold (I am) the bond slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38).

Pause right now and examine your own heart--does it reflect an attitude of humility? How are you trying to be in control rather than humbly surrendering to His control?

*These Boots Are Made For Walkin' by Nancy Sinatra, Album: Boots. Released: 1966.