Thursday, April 30, 2009

What Lies Within?

I found this interesting article on a site called Victorias Past

Genesis 1:27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.


In the 1500's a practice developed in Derbyshire in England. It was a capital crime to marry a woman without the consent of her parents and friends. However, as the Reformation progressed the understanding that the decision to marry was the woman's herself and not her parents also began to dominate. So they developed a new tradition. The woman would run a race against her suitor. If he won, they would marry. If she won, they would not.

There is more to this tradition, however. The woman was always given such a huge lead that there was no chance the suitor could ever catch her. So if they were to marry, the woman would have to lose the race on purpose which would also signify her consent to marry. Lastly, if she won the race, signifying she did not wish to marry the man, it was against the law for the man to ask her again.

One of the reasons this tradition is so interesting is because of the social change that it represents. Before the Reformation women and children were simply the property of the man. He owned them. When the Reformation began something very significant happened. People started reading and studying the Bible. As they did this the practices and beliefs of the past were challenged. The teachings of Scripture on the dignity and worth of women began to be understood and taught. It is one of the fundamental changes that
the Reformation brought to the world.

Man or woman, the dignity and worth of the individual is based upon the image of God which is found in each. If you can read this, then you have worth, dignity, and value simply because God has stamped you with His image. This is the prime reason for the sanctity of life. "Genesis 9:6 tells us,
"Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man." It is God's image that makes life sacred.

Part of regeneration is the restoration of the image of God in us. "...put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him." Colossians 3:10 If you ever struggle with self-worth or the value of who you are this truth can be a great comfort. God has created you in His image. This truth really began to take hold and come to prominence during the Reformation. Male and female, it makes no difference. All God's children are precious to Him.

"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Soli Deo Gloria,

13 comments:

Marie Reed said...

that is fascinating! I had no idea that it was actually against the law to ask again! Your posts are such a treat to read:)

Unknown said...

Patti pinch all you want! What a nightmare he created. And Judy Keates said she got another email from someone else's account just like it the next day! I hope Yahoo beefs up their security.

Now on to this lovely post. I have often thought that when we criticse ourselves we are really ungrateful to God. He has given us this body our looks and all that we are. We should thank him everyday for that. It must make him sad when we find so much to complain about in ourselves. Thank you for the uplift and the scriptures. I read mine everyday and this little post is going printed off and in my bible:)
XXXXOOOO
Becky

JANN said...

VERY INTERESTING POST, WONDERFUL TO KNOW. HOPE YOUR FEELING WELL. REMEMBERING THAT YOU HAVE YOUR ROOT CANAL THIS MONTH? KEEPING GREAT THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS ALWAYS PATTI FOR YOU, DEAR FRIEND.
..........................
Friendship . . .

. . . is you.
. . . is love.
. . . is shared.
. . . is forgiving.
. . . is understanding.
. . . is shared secrets.
. . . heals many hurts.
. . . is not judgmental.
. . . is shared laughter.
. . . is slow and steady.
. . . can be angry at times.
. . . is dependable and true.
. . . is more precious than silver or gold.
. . . is meant to be savored like fine wine.
. . . is not perfect, much like we are not perfect.
. . . does not hold grudges or demand perfection.
. . . makes all the wrong things in life, right somehow.
. . . is meant to be gulped like lemonade on a hot summer day.
. . . is always there, through times of trial, happy times and hard times.
. . . just happens, but once discovered, needs to be tended like a beautiful garden.
. . . is a road to be traveled slowly, remembering the sights and sounds.
. . . is strength when you are too weak to notice its there.
. . . is a cherished moment of mutual understanding.
. . . reaches into your heart and grabs a firm hold.
. . . is a refreshing rain on a hot day.
. . . is sunshine through the clouds.
. . . cannot be forced or induced.
. . . is relaxed and comfortable.
. . . is a shoulder to lean on.
. . . is an ear to whine to.
. . . gets better with age.
. . . is shared tears.
. . . is shared pain.
. . . is shared joy.
. . . is shared.
. . . is love.
. . . is you.

Send this to the ones who have touched your life, in either a small way, or a HUGE one, and pass on the power of friendship, the joy of love, and the respect of one heart touching another.

~Vintage Nina~ said...

Hi Patti! Thank you for the comment! I have been a little under the weather.....I was in the bed all day yesterday! I hope today is a better day! Thanks for the enlightening pot......very nice!
HAPPY DAY!!!
~Nina

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

I am glad we didn't live back then. That would have been a bummer.
Interesting article.

xoxo Nita

Joni said...

It's interesting to learn all the little tidbits out there isn't it? I'm reminded of that saying, "The more you know, the more you know you don't know"...one thing's for certain...I didn't run fast enough! Lol....

kimberly said...

and i always decline when my husband wants to spot me points etc......probably would't have minded about it back then....especially if i wasn't okay with the choice!

very interesting and what a great thing.....to value life.
have a great week, patti.
hugs,
kimberly

Anonymous said...

Very interesting! I had heard alittle about that but didn't know the details. It's a good thing they gave women a head start so they really were the ones who decided. I love the rest of your post to. Being made in God's image is comforting. I love the different passages quoted.

Anonymous said...

Hey Patti,
Just love your Blog posts.. always something informative!
YOu are so sharing and Caring. Gods love pours through you
Thank you for being here.. Patti
Hugs, Darlene xo

Lydia said...

Happy Mother's Day !!!xo Lydia

kimberly said...

have a wonderful Mother's Day tomorrow, patti!!
hugs,
kimberly

Anonymous said...

Happy Mothers Day Patti!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for sharing sweetie...I know how difficult this day must be, but then you where *Momma* she's watching over you in the most wonderful place ever!!! love you little sis..