1 of 17

Write now Article Tools

I am not quite sure I understand the meaning of "virtuous woman." Perhaps it is because I am not Christian based. I am a Unitarian Universalist Pagan by title. I am also a Hospice volunteer and Community Minister. I consider myself to be a compassionate, caring human being, but I don't think that the term virtuous describes me.

I raised four children and have 2 grandchildren. I am also a wife, a daughter, and a sister. And, I consider myself to be an independent, intelligent, and capable woman who can support herself monetarily, emotionally and spiritually without the help of anyone else if the need arises.

My husband is my partner and my chosen life-mate. We make decisions concerning the running of the household both jointly and individually depending on the issues involved. We share the expenses equally. He has his hobbies and interests, I have mine, and there are many things we do together as well. We both cook, clean and do whatever we need to do to keep our busy household running smoothly.

As a child, I was raised by a very strong and independent mother. She was a school teacher by trade, and a wonderful parent to both my handicapped older brother and myself. She was also my best friend and confidant. She passed on several years ago and I miss her bright spirit in my life still.

In fact, I come from a long maternal line of strong, independent, confident, intelligent women who left a legacy of both written word and beautifully crafted artwork behind them. These women were of many different races and faiths, and I am proud and honored to be a part of such a wonderfully rich tapestry.

The only role model women actually have on a spiritual level is Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus. And, as a virgin mother to the son of God, she is not really someone who any woman can hope to model themselves after. Men, on the other hand, have Jesus, the Dali Lama, Buddha, Mohammad, Gandhi, etc, etc, etc. Many religions still teach that women aren't spritual enough to become ministers, pastors, priests or rabbis.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't have any problem accepting that some women whose faith requires them to adhere to certain rules of protocol, are stay at home mothers or wives and allow their husbands to be the driving force in the household. That is their choice based on their own religious convictions in many cases.

But, I also feel that women who choose otherwise, who are not bound by the rules and regulations of a certain religion or a certain deity, should not be frowned upon by their doctrine oriented counterparts either. We all share the same fears, joys,
hopes and dreams concerning our children and our families. Whether we are "virtuous women" or just plain, everyday women who make mistakes and learn from them, we are all trying our best to make this world a better place for our children and our grandchildren to live upon.

Love and Light..

Learn more about this author, Linda Paul.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Women and virtue?
We want to hear your view. Write now!