Are APOSTLIC WOMEN DOUR?

[SDG]

I know it's a blanket statement ... and of course it does not apply to all [and dourness applies to men as well]

I even remember my dad saying that many Apostolics looked like they were baptized in lemon juice.

... but from personal observation I've seen a particular dourness that prevails in some of the women in our movement.

I have made some personal observations from being an Apostolic my whole life .... and even from some the statements of vibrant Apostolic women ... including some from this forum ... Sister Alvear, Rhoni, in particular.

I think some of it may be attributed to the high demands we place on them.

They include:

1. An unbalanced demand on them to be the benchmarks of separation and holiness.

2. The 1950's model of the ideal family. Men work ... women stay in the home, cook, clean and raise the kids. Those that do work ... often come home to work a second shift. Not to forget the added responsibilities church can place on some of them.

3. Our separation has caused some to be very apathetic to those that don't fit the "mold".

Are these pressures affecting their joy???

Just thinking out loud .... let the games begin!!!!!!!

[Felicity]

My opinion is that apostolic women are no more dour and in fact many are less so than many Christian women I see, meet and speak to on a daily basis.

[Pragmatist]

I would have to disagree. There might be a few, and they are probably the ones that don't believe in standards but are in some way obligated to follow them.

[Kutless]

I think PP started a thread similar to this some time back.

I may be mistaken but I thought he used the term Feminist Nazi.

[QueenEsther]

Where I work, there are only 2 apostolic - in fact we are probably the only two "christians" here and I have to say we are the most friendly!! Everyone else is rude and hateful.

[QueenEsther]

Originally Posted by Pragmatist

I would have to disagree. There might be a few, and they are probably the ones that don't believe in standards but are in some way obligated to follow them.

I agree and I think it is sad. If I truly did not believe in something I wouldn't do it. WHy live unhappy?

[Pragmatist]

I don't see the 1950's model in effect in churches I've attended. Regional, perhaps?

[Theresa]

dour?

dour (dʊr, dour) pronunciation
adj., dour·er, dour·est.

1. Marked by sternness or harshness; forbidding: a dour, self-sacrificing life.
2. Silently ill-humored; gloomy: the proverbially dour New England Puritan.
3. Sternly obstinate; unyielding: a dour determination.

no - but I know of which you speak - and it's ignorance, plain and simple.

[SDG]

Sister Alvear commenting on why their are more women that complain about spiritual abuse:

and the reason would be some men ( I am not down on men) are so overbearing and hard on their wife she ends up with such hidden anger and hurt...
Have you noticed there are so many divorces and people that are not happy (ministers and their wives)
Lots of God's ladies talk to me...We really need help in Pentecostal circles. We need lots of counsel from the wise...

[SDG]

Other thoughts from Mother Alvear:

Some things I would not say on this forum but ladies need strong UNDERSTANDING husbands... How can some be kind to everybody in church and be so hurtful to the one that loves them the most? It happens...I know I counsel lots of women. There is an unheard cry in our mists...

Dan, some men are so hard on their wives they turn them against standards. Some men are kind to everyone except their wife and she becomes his slave. Whether we want to admit it or not there are a lot of issues that need to be dealt with in our Pentecostal world. Lots of ladies talk to me in meetings some of my closest friends have walked away from it all...I just feel our homes are so important to the Lord...