Author's Preface

     We as women are aware of how significantly our roles in society have changed during the last two or three generations.  On the surface, our roles as wives may seem very different as well.  In light of the many choices and opportunities now available to us, it's quite easy to lose sight of the basic principles that are vital in setting up a foundation from which to move out and grow.  My original book, And God Created Woman (c. 1995, Marlene C. English), was borne of my need to form a clear picture of what God originally intended women, and wives, to be in His earthly kingdom.

     In my search for this knowledge I read a number of books on the subject of Christian women and wives, and their roles within society and the family unit.  Each one was informative in its own way and, collectively, they gave me enlightenment on many things I needed to learn.  But due to lack of a solid spiritual base on my part, I often came away with the overall impression of a "Stepford" wife. 1 (see Notes)  I felt certain that God intended a woman, as a wife and mother, to be so much more full and complete than what this stereotype represents, and in studying the Proverbs 31 woman, I found this to be true.  I studied to find a foundation of pure spiritual truth with no distortion; a full understanding of why God created Eve and His intended role for her, based entirely on His Word. 

     I began by studying the first three chapters of Genesis, which deals with the creation of Adam and Eve and their fall in the Garden of Eden.  I then moved on to the Proverbs 31 woman, who was a perfect example of the ideal wife for a king.  I researched three different translations of Scripture:  The Amplified Bible, the King James Version and the New International Version.  I also used a good analytical concordance (Strong's is superb) for clear translations of original Greek and Hebrew words, and explanations of context.  Dake's Annotated Reference Bible, which is outstanding for biblical research, as well as The Amplified Bible with its expanded translation of Scripture and its notes and references for further study, all provided an excellent base of material.  Here, I would like to share with you what a learned through my study: a role model for woman based not on societal definitions, but rather on God's original intentions and His reasons for creating her.

          In reading this material, it would be helpful to treat it as a bible study.  Look up the verses of Proverbs 31 in your own bible, as well as the additional verses referenced for study throughout each chapter.  In this way, as the Holy Spirit imparts to each of us the knowledge we need, you will get a much deeper understanding and possibly some answers to specific questions you have regarding your own life.

     I pray that the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, will continually bless us with clear insight and wisdom as we read and study His Word.  And for any and every Christian woman who has found herself pulled in many directions and is searching for peace, I sincerely hope what I share here with you will provide some revelation, and be a blessing in your life.

Marlene English

Arlington, Texas

Dear Readers,

I've finished working on the Fruits of the Spirit from Galations 5:22, 23:  "...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." KJV   Simply move your mouse over to "More" in the main menu, then scroll down to the very last item, "Fruits of the Spirit."  As always, I hope you enjoy it and that it is spiritually enriching for you.