Helen Reddy, I Am Woman, and The War On Women

I was probably 14 years old when Helen Reddy came out with her great song: I Am Woman. If you're not familiar with it (is that even possible?), why don't you take a moment to listen to it now? [The above link will take you to Helen Reddy's live performance in 1975. If you prefer something a little more current, check out the the following:  Helen Reddy: Interview and Duet With Rose O'donnell - I Am Woman]

I remember watching a BBC news broadcast several years back where the Anchorwoman was tearing into her host for supporting the "War on Terror." Her host - a male - responded by saying something like: "You'd better hope we win." The Anchorwoman said, "Why?" Then the host - a male - began to educate her on her job prospects in a state run by Muslim Clerics.

I don't know much about Helen Reddy's life or worldview. My guess is that we are miles apart on some issues (One of the sermons I have recommended on this site - Women Saved in Childbearing - might make her throw up! But one thing I think we would agree on is this: The incredible worth of a woman!

The Bible says:

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

-Proverbs 31:10-31

Recommended reading:

Turkish PM to Female Journalist...Shameless Woman! Know Your Place!