She is an old woman now who has raised a lot of children. When being interviewed she was asked what is different about today's women compared to her generation of women. She said, "Women today are selfish and manipulate their husbands." That doesn't sound too complimentary.
Selfish and manipulative. I think the reason we struggle with these two characteristics is because when we are growing up we are taught to pursue our dreams, be strong and independent, and don't depend upon a man. These are completely opposite of what the Bible teaches.
Pursue our dreams. The Bible teaches us to pursue God and then He will give us the desires of our heart. It teaches us to become more and more like Him as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. It tells us to seek His will for our life, not our own.
Be strong and independent. The joy of the Lord is our strength. We are to lean on Him and Him alone. We know in ourselves that we are weak and fragile. We can do nothing apart from Him. We are told that when we are weak, He is strong. His strength is made perfect in weakness. We are also called to deny ourselves and serve others.
Don't depend upon a man. The Bible says that women are the weaker sex. Accept that. In Genesis, Eve was created because Adam was lonely and needed a suitable help meet so God created Eve. Eve was created for Adam, not Adam for Eve. Men are stronger and are called to be protectors and providers. Women need protectors and providers. Accept the wonderful differences between men and women.
Finally, a submissive wife is a strong woman. It takes strength to not manipulate, control, be selfish and unkind, not fight back, yield your will to his, and serve your husband. It is much easier to let your emotions dictate your actions and give into them than to keep them under control and do the right thing. Biblical submission is a beautiful thing. Being selfish and manipulative is ugly and destructive.
The path of God's blessing lay in following your husband's leadership under God. I believe this to be true with my whole heart! God's ways and His blessings are amazing. They are completely opposite of the world's ways but look carefully at what direction the world is going. Do you like what you see?
Choose you this day whom you will serve
but as for my and my house,
but as for my and my house,
we will serve the Lord.
