Being a Lioness

We started talking about the 3 creatures the Bible likens Christians to (see other postings under the "Creatures & Christians" label)

We'll focus on the lioness here...there's so much talk about the lion so I looked into the lioness...afterall we're female and as they say - "ladies first". The random facts here are not in any particular order.

The lioness is the "Home maker". She does the hunting (that would be cooking for us) & nuturing.

It's interesting that not only does the lioness hunt, the lion actually gets to eat first...does that sound familiar for those of us who are married? Men get the first (& best) choice...it's almost like asking too much. I agree it's asking a lot... not too much. Think about it? How can any wife "do good not evil to her husband all the days of her life"* if she can't give him the best and first choice of food?

Now food is not the only thing we can (& should) give our husbands the best of. We need to also learn to give them the best of ourselves/time - in prayer, listening, support and even silence. Did I say any of this is easy? It's not easy but possible - remember our WQ & Willpower...if and when we decide to, we can do it.

Closely linked to that, the lioness remains with the same Pride (family) for life**...I guess I don't need to expantiate on that one.
I also read that lions (& lionesses) can do without food for 14 days. What?! Is that a hint to the fact that we should (& are able to) fast by choice?   Fasting takes several forms and the most common is self-denial of food so we can focus on God and hear Him more clearly. That's another way we "give" the best of ourselves to ourselves and to those around us. We're superior to lions so we can fast that for longer than 14 days too.

The other thing I read about lionesses is that they are responsible for nuturing their young...sure who doesn't know that? It's like the "default setting" for women. Well, did you also know that they help other lionesses nurse their cubs - now how many of us watch out for other people's children? Have you realised that if you don't watch out for other children you're indirectly not watching out for yours? How? Well, who will your children play and relate with - or will they be home with you all their lives? Where will your daughters and sons in-law come from? I won't push it - I'm sure you get my drift.

The last random fact I found that I'd like to share (with a smile) is: "When resting, lions seem to enjoy good fellowship with lots of touching, head rubbing, licking and purring."*** Now this is one I will not even try to expand - I'd be glad to point you to solid reference material though...see Songs of Solomon.

Remember, Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and we also need to give Him the best of ourselves, wait on Him, care for young Christians and definitely fellowship with Him. What more can I say "live up to it lioness."

References:
* See Proverbs 31:12
**http://www.lionking.org/~sichi/lion.htm
***http://www.outtoafrica.nl/animals/englion.html?zenden=2&subsoort_id=1&bestemming_id=1