What is a "strong woman"?

What is a "strong" woman?

I keep hearing about the need for women to be strong — and I have been wondering what it  really means, both in the worldly sense and from the Christian perspective. 

I decided to google “strong woman” and see what I found — here is some of the phases I came across , I wonder if you can pick up the common theme that runs through them all? 

* Being a strong woman means asking for what you deserve, even though you'll be called selfish and impatient. 

* It means fighting for the right to exercise a basic freedom, while your male counterparts chastise you for it. 

* It means wearing a short skirt and a low-cut top because you want to regardless of what others think. 

* It means refusing to apologize for having a voice and using it, even though you know you'll be called cold, cruel or a bitch. 

* Being a strong woman means loving yourself regardless of what others think. 

* It means defining your own strength, instead of adhering to a set of standards society has decided women must follow in order to be considered strong. 

* Following own interests, not afraid to state her opinions  and views, don’t measure their self-worth by other people’s opinions, don't hold back, doesn't crumble at rejection or criticism. 

* Confident, ambitious, knows what she wants, completely in control, self reliant.  

* Be willing to be a threat to create change in society. 

* Fearless. 

* Strong women can conquer the world.

I always considered the three beautiful women in the photograph above strong women. They were resilient, intelligent, strong, funny women full of confidences.

— but they were also very dignified, ladylike women, full of grace and femininity, kind, caring, generous and never a harsh word. They were my aunts and they were all wonderful strong Christian women. But nothing were like the women described above.

The lady of Proverbs 31 is one example of a strong woman but reflects none of the attributes of the modern “strong” woman. She is a highly capable, intelligent woman who works very hard, in fact she is pretty amazing when you look at all the things she gets up too — but none of her activities are about “me”, they are always about others. They aren’t about ambition or domination, trying to be better than others, voicing her opinions, trying to change society or wanting to conquer the world. Instead she is of noble character, graceful, dignified, kind, caring, helpful, forgiving, of good humour, strives to serves with a joyful heart, supportive of others, grateful, puts her family first and above all, does all things for the Lord. 

We too need to have a strength that is entirely drawn from Christ — He will provide the strength we need to make us strong, our strength isn’t about conquering the world or even equality — it is about serving our Heavenly Father throughout our days. Our hearts and minds need to be fully fixed on God in everything we do and when we do this, we will be strong women in Christ. 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)