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More Thoughts from the Frontier

More Thoughts from the Frontier

Editor’s note: This is a continuation of Amy’s initial thoughts on being a "modern day frontier woman." Make sure you check those out (click here) before you tackle this one.


As we continue on our post-modern-woman-discovery-trail, we noted the reality of society’s expectations (the lions). Now, up ahead we notice tigers crouching in the weeds. Careful, these will claw atcha.

Frustrations. Oh, the frustrations that creep up when we fail to meet the expectations society gives us. We wish our mothers and society would accept us. Oh, the frustrations our mothers must feel when we fail to follow the path they laid for us. Yet, Scripture gives us another thought.

In Philippians 3, Paul says he forgets what lies behind and strains forward to what lies ahead. He presses on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. As young women we need to know our frustrations often come from a fleshly irk rather than a spiritual one. When we lack the expected answer to the question, “What are your plans after school?” we can know our emotions don’t have to shake us. Shun the frustrations of society and let us chase the joy and freedom that comes from pursuing eternally significant things. The orange and black tiger stripes (remember the tiger metaphor) don’t look good on many women anyway.

The trail is near-traveled on our new generational frontier, but one last beast remains; the bears.

Complications. When our plans fall short or bend to society’s expectations and frustrations, oh the complications that follow. Poor spouse pickings, regretful grad school choices, eating disorders, hasty job decisions … fill-in-the-blank. Complications exist in this fallen world. Some we bring on ourselves, but we can rest knowing that the Lord leads us.

Jesus encourages us in John 16:33 with these words: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Complications exist in this world, but our Savior came, saw and conquered. Shun the complications of society and embrace the victory from our loving and refining Father.

No more wagons, blackberry pie, homemade dresses, banjos and the North Star for this modern-day pioneer woman. I’m ready to explore this new frontier. I live for such a time as this to bring glory to my Father on whatever life trail He allows me to explore!

Amy Byrd attends Dallas Theological Seminary and is a modern-day frontier woman herself. This article is the second in a two-part series.

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