Fight Like Jael

Emma Waters on Feminine Heroism

Our culture has no shortage of examples of strong, powerful women fighting for what they believe in. Sadly, these stories share a common theme: to be powerful, a woman must fight like a man. She must check her femininity at the door and strap on armor, wield a sword, shoot arrows, or stand toe-to-toe with men who are twice her size.

Meanwhile, more feminine forms of strength—persuasion, foresight, resourcefulness, community-building, hospitality, and the extraordinary feat of bearing children, the literal act of giving one’s body and blood to bring forth new life—are ignored, diminished, or openly mocked.