Don’t believe the Superwoman myth-a book review

The concept of the “Virtuous Woman” from Proverbs 31 often intimidates women striving for excellence. Vicki Courtney’s book challenges the “Superwoman Myth,” defining self-worth according to God’s standards rather than societal comparisons. Properly understanding one’s worth can reduce anxieties while enjoying one’s unique gifts as a woman.

The Bible’s “Superwoman”

  Who can find a virtuous woman?
for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10, KJV, King James Version, public domain
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

If you’ve read or heard much of the Bible, you’re probably familiar with the Proverbs 31 “Virtuous Woman”. And if you attend church you’ve probably heard a sermon or a class about it. And you may have felt intimidated by trying to live up to this ideal woman.

More modern translations of the Bible translate the King James Version Bible word virtuous simply as “excellent, capable, noble, or truly good.”


But women can still feel they don’t measure up to the ideal.

Even though Vickey Courtney wrote her book, The Virtuous Woman: Shattering the Superwoman Myth, 20 years ago, not much has changed in women’s standards for themselves and others. And not just in the church.

With social media, we can quickly and easily compare ourselves to each other, and to popular “influencers”, causing us to feel even more pressure to measure up.

Shattering the Superwoman Myth

But Vicky Courtney shows us a different view of excellence, or what one Bible version calls a “woman of strength” (NRSUE).

2 women talking over coffee with open bibles
graphic from the Lightstock collection, an affiliate link

“Deep in the heart of every person is a desperate need to feel worth and value. Most people will end up defining their worth according to the world rather than by God’s standard of measure.

Defining our worth correctly is critical not only in our pursuit to be a virtuous (excellent) woman but for our overall mental health. One can wonder how many addictions, mental anxieties, and health problems could be avoided if the worth of the individual had been properly defined in the first place.

The virtuous (excellent) woman of Proverbs 31 had defined her worth according to God’s standards. “

Vicki Courtney
women standing with arms around each other
5 people young men and women with arms overlapping their shoulders

Click here to read the first chapter

 

another view to consider

THE BIBLE RECAP is a way to read through the Bible in a year, in the order the events happened (as well as is known), with a short, daily, easy-to-understand “recap” by Tara-Leigh Cobble. I’ve been doing it this year and understand the Bible better than ever.

Bible teacher Tara-Leigh Cobble, writer and speaker for THE BIBLE RECAP, gives her view on the virtuous woman in this YouTube video.

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Medical stethoscope and heart on a textured background

Dr Aletha

Food allergy facts and fallacies

Up to 10% of the population have true food allergy, while 50-90% of people who believe they have food allergy may not. And food allergies can develop in adults.

Food allergy is frequently misunderstood. Here are some resources that can help you sort facts from fallacies about eating safely and avoiding allergic reactions to food.

Here is a fact about food allergy.

The greatest danger of any allergy is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that impairs breathing and heart function. Anyone who cares for a person with food allergy needs to know what to do in case of a reaction. Schools and workplaces should have a plan for dealing with such emergencies.

Learn more here-

How to manage food allergy with confidence

Up to 10% of the population have true food allergy, while 50-90% of people who believe they have food allergy may not. An accurate diagnosis is important so the condition can be managed properly when appropriate, but not needlessly..

Keep reading

And a food allergy fallacy

Food allergies and intolerances develop only in childhood.

Learn more here-

Food Without Fear- a book about food allergy

The book “Food Without Fear” by Dr. Ruchi Gupta addresses food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. It covers topics such as the food reaction spectrum, the top food allergens, and managing food allergies in different settings. It also provides comprehensive resources and explores using epinephrine in allergy emergencies. The book aims to help individuals understand and manage their relationship with…

Keep reading
Safer eating with food allergies

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