I was totally thinking about this and everything you talked about recently. I'm not feminine only because of the way I look on the outside. I was wondering today when God would give me my future husband. I realized again that I am not ready for him yet and he isn't ready for me either. Thank you for this timely video 💕.
Beautiful! As a 18 year old girl I think it's soooo important guys in our culture take note on how to empower the women in their lives to be the truest forms of themselves they can be :) your future wife (and kiddos, God willing) will be very blessed to have you 💜
It is always hard, because I had a mother who's biggest chastisement when I was teen was that I "wasn't being soft and feminine enough" and that "no man is interested in being with a girl who is so harsh" and I really internalized it and accepted that my interests in military history and architecture and hockey meant I would always fail to win a man _and_ my mother's approval. I was terrified to even try to be feminine, even if I wanted to wear a dress or makeup, because I "knew" I wouldn't measure up. If I made effort, my mother would respond with a "Glad you're _finally_ trying" and that hurt so bad I stopped trying at all. I associated femininity with my mother's bitter, angry, ranting and manipulative emotions and decided I didn't want to be associated with that. It wasn't until college that I realized that _that wasn't feminity._ That Joan of Arc and Gladys Alyward and Abigail Adams were feminine and strong _and it was okay to want to be like them._ Even if I never got married or had children like my mother wanted for me. Even if I read every book 1700s shipbuilding and knew nothing about fashion. Even if I hated flowers and wore running shorts and t-shirts 75% of my life. I'm still learning and struggling. I still live at home, and deal with the comments and feeling that I am failing my mother. But I'm trying to learn. Thank you for this video:)
I don't think it's just fot fun... it is linked to femininity. Males usually don't do it. I think dressing up and just in general beautifying our outer appearance is the exercising of feminine traits. God gave us beauty and we should take good care of it. Internally and externally. Internal beauty is more important because it can shine through. These are my thoughts about the subject. Not sure how it really is, but it's something to think about.
Emily, this really hits home for me. I worked for a company a couple of years ago, and my boss (also a woman) kept telling me to wear lipstick and “look more feminine.” She went so far as to ask members of my family when I was planning on acting more like a woman! When I left the company, her parting words to me were “don’t forget the lipstick!!” It was so hurtful, but it made me realize that even though I’m not her “brand” of feminine, that doesn’t make me any less of a woman. Thank you for sharing. 💗
I’m a Muslim woman who wears a hijab and I can’t agree more with the idea that our appearance and outward expression of femininity is nowhere near as important as the femininity that God has placed within us. How I present myself does fit the Western beauty standard, but femininity does not always equal apparent or aesthetic beauty.
zahra zuhoor I agree, wearing a hijab doesn’t make you any less feminine. It’s an expression of modesty, which is noble & beautiful thing, especially in today’s world.
It’s so weird. I’ve always felt like less of a woman not because of how I dress. I’ve always been a little bit of a tomboy in the way I dress and the lack of make up. I’m about to get a little bit personal but I have PCOS, and this always made me feel like less of a woman. Whether it’s hair where hair is not supposed to be, or the fact that I may not ever be able to have kids, it made me feel like I was less of a woman. Sometimes I still fall into that trap. But wow this is a great video and I am so thankful you put it out.❤️
Sister, I also have PCOS and I take it one day at a time, one prayer at a time. Our identity is in Jesus, and God is good. I built a circle of smart and strong people around me who not only love me, but some are professionals who work with me to care for the physical (and sometimes hairy) side of me. Others in the circle are just other women I meet up with and spend time with. Joining my local Council of Catholic Women has taught me about the strength that simply women coming together possess. I would have this adventure and trial no other way.
This is something I've struggled with so much in my life because I'm a tomboy. I love wearing jeans and a t shirt so much because it's comfortable. I don't mind dressing up every once in a while, but there are definitely times where I've wondered if I should appear more feminine. At some point, I don't remember where, I read that femininity isn't defined by appearance but how God created you to be a woman and it just blew me away. I'd never heard that before, and this video is a great reminder! :)
You might want to watch some Temple Grandin (I think that's how you spell her name) videos. She's a Spectrum person who found better ways of processing/caring for cattle, she's pretty feminine & rarely isn't wearing jeans
Hello Emily, looks like I'm one of your first posters today! I do think being feminine is actually a gift from God, & it has very little to do with your closet, or makeup, but more to do with your love for others, & your family!
Thank you for this reminder, Emily. I usually didn't feel so feminine because I rarely do makeup 💄 wear jeans 👖 instead of dresses 👗 or fancy clothes and don't enjoy shopping 🛍 Heck I studied a field made up mostly by men, applied math and statistics. I have to remember that I have femininity in my heart 💗 I have this desire to care for others, and just in my desire to one day raise a child to be a man or woman. THANK YOU 💚💚💚💚
Wow. Well said! Our absolute role model of femininity is Our Lady, she is the one that we must look up for to keep in touch with our true selfs as women. I can't even conceive her spending hours in front of mirror trying to look pretty. Her perfect beauty came from the inside and must had been absolutely outstanding to see her and feel the humility, devotion, kindness that, for sure, emanated from her soul.
God has gifted you Emily. This is a beautiful video. How very true that femininity should flow out of us, just like St. Mother Teresa. I also think we (not all) women tend to compare ourselves to others too often. We should see one another as God sees us... beautiful!
Honestly I was a little nervous to click on this video because I have been watching videos on the topic of femininity, and have felt very inferior at times to those UA-camrs. I don’t have much money to spend on nice clothes or makeup because I prioritize staying at home with my son. It was so refreshing to hear your perspective!
This was really great and one of the big reasons I miss Emily on UA-cam. I've always been tomboyish & having special needs on top I've had my femininity devalued by a lot of people over my life to the point where sometimes it's easier just not to try. But hearing grounded truth from someone i see as a beautiful & super feminine person really puts things in perspective. I'll have to start caring for my femininity more ❤🤗
When I was little (truth in advertising, I'm in my mid-60s), femininity equated to petite and, probably blonde. Say what? The more you think about it, the dopier a concept femininity is. And let us all hope that qualities such as kindness and empathy aren't reserved for just women, and qualities such as determination and the ability to speak up for oneself aren't reserved for just men.
I loved your example of Mother Teresa! It reminded me that I can be just as feminine at home in my sweatpants (if not, MORE) as I can be when I am out and all dressed up!
Why am I crying 😭 I wasn’t expecting this. Thank you ❤️ this hit something deep in me that I didn’t realize was a struggle. I love looking feminine but I also love comfort and easy go-to outfits and a less-makeup look for healthy skin. And sometimes that makes me feel less feminine. But it’s not true, thank you ❤️
1. Peter 3:1-5 Speaks a bit about that. I like to think about cultivating my femininity by dedicating myself to Jesus and learning how to have the character he wants me to have. As much as I love clothes and makeup, I want them to be just a cherry on top.
Poop! This is great. I am a stay at home mom and I never imagined how many times a day I would have to deal with poop, how many poop disaster stories I would collect. I am working hard to raise a strong, healthy, Godly family and that is my femininity. Most days I do not look "beautiful" or fancied up but I am working my butt off for God, raising my children and learning to be a better home maker. God has given me this special role as a wife and mother and I am eager to do it whole heartily to have the healthiest family and home I can! Thanks for the reminder of what true femininity looks likfe!
If you haven’t already, I recommend reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge!! The most important thing I’ve learned from reading that book is that femininity is most starkly defined by some of our unique qualities that all women have the ability become, when they are living for God, though it will look different for each woman. And honestly, our opinions about our appearance change so quickly. Some days I feel beautiful when my hair is curly and bouncy, and I wear my signature dark red lipstick and thick winged eyeliner, and I love the silky, bare skin on my arms and legs. And other days, I feel beautiful with a glossy, naked face, with my swollen, tired eyelids, and rosaceous checks, and letting my hair grow on my eyebrows and legs and arms makes me feel like a symbol of ancient beauty. Other days still, I hate myself either way. You are so right in that none of it is about appearance. It is all about being who you are already and nurturing the woman you’re supposed to be. A few of those qualities talked about in the book I mentioned are offering up your beauty to those around you (whether it is your art, your heart, your thoughts, your kindness, service, your science, or your appearance), being vulnerable and honest, which creates a ripple of peace and rest to others around you, allowing them to want to be themselves too, and lastly, mothering (not just birthing biological children, but being a mother or a sister to others, caring for them, giving them strength, because woman-to-woman bonds are the mightiest and sweetest relationships on earth). Yes, most women want to look good and feel good, and I sincerely hope that all of you women grow to love yourselves and give yourselves the care you deserve, but on days where you don’t think you can even get close to that, know that you are feminine, you are beautiful and lovely and strong by just you being you 💗💗
This is SUCH an important message, especially in the church! Women and girls need to know that they can live out their God-given womanhood regardless of their income, culture, hobbies, and appearance. Beautifully spoken, Emily 💕
I was just thinking yesterday that if someone asked who I thought the most beautiful woman of our time is I’d answer “Mother Theresa”. You’re so right with this message, thanks for it!!
Loved this video so much! I would also like to note that lack of femininity in the sense of appearance or presentation is NOT a bad thing! Women can dress and do their hair however they please, and that doesn't take away from their womanhood at all! Express yourself however you like, ladies, and let your love for others speak for itself :)
Thought this might be relevant: Edith Stein's insight into femininity was a huge break through for me. I'm mainly thinking of an essay she wrote titled "The Ethos of Women's Professions". Her view on what submission in marriage looks like needs be taken with a grain of salt (I think her own parents were divorced, so that's probably what influences her perspective). But I think she's spot on in her analysis of what "woman" is and what unique strengths she has. She actually wrote the essay during a time where there was debate about women being in the work force and higher education, and I think she makes some great points as to why it's beneficial for them to be. I read it for a course I took on Theology of the Body.
I’ve been struggling with this too! I’m so happy I found your video. I don’t know when femininity became synonymous with a made up face or fashionable clothes. It just seems so shallow to me. Thanks for the reminder that our beauty as women comes from God 💞
Thank you so much for this. Its something that has got me down because I don't fit in society's box of what it means to be feminine, especially with having no guys interested in me. This is something I am praying over and giving to Jesus so that weight doesn't hold me back anymore
I sometimes like to look extra nice. I sometimes like pretty things. I *love* babies (I babysit a lot and I hope to have some of my own when I'm older; I'm 19 right now). But normally, I'm not that feminine. I love sports. I only wear makeup on special occasions; otherwise, I wear none at all. 99% of the time, I wear jeans or khakis and a t-shirt. I'm blessed to have realized and embraced very early on that my God-feminity, the feminity in my heart, my kindness that I believe I have, etc is what truly matters.
I never really felt feminine at all growing up. For whatever reason all of the "right" and "normal" feminine interests - makeup, fashion/clothing, pretty much anything appearance based --- never connected with me. I was a major tomboy growing up too. I always feel like I'm the wrong kind of woman and still do not feel connected to femininity. It can also be the case that when you're a certain type of woman like myself, people go out of their way to devalue your version of femininity, so you end up thinking to yourself, why even bother, if people are determined to see you as masculine anyway?
Really needed to hear this. There is not such thing as "like most girls" or "not like other girls." All women are different and exhibit femininity in their own unique way:)
Virtue is gender neutral. People need to focus on being genuinely good people instead of worrying about masculinity/femininity tbh. No matter how hard we try to define these concepts, there's always going to be a group of people who fall short, even when we talk about qualities!
leal Masculinity and Femininity are a natural part of people- it’s a part of being made in the image and likeness of God. If you are curious about it you should check out what Pope St. John Paul II has to say about it!
What about personality traits? I think externally I look and feel feminine but many aspects of my personality feel more masculine. In a large group, I gravitate towards philosophical and political debates with the guys. My sense of humor is pretty sharp and I feel like I have to censor that around women for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. I’ve never wanted to be a guy, and I definitely have a very maternal side, but I feel like my personality and brain can be very masculine at times.
A verse from the Bible always comes to my mind when i think about this... “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith?" Mtt 6:25-34 ive always thought of that, it's hard on the worlds view, but as you said, theres nothing more feminine than nursing your child 🥰🥰🥰🥰💕
Love this!!! Question: have you heard of the Women of Grace study? I did it a few years ago at my church and it’s what really deepened my faith and I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about authentic femininity in my catholic faith.
Yes. Femininity is something that every woman has to cultivate on the inside before it shines out for the world to see! :) You should read The Eternal Woman by Gertrud von le Fort!
Thank you soooo much for this video!!! I used to feel so weird because I hate wearing makeup! It makes me feel so ugly and i feel most beautiful without it but my family is big on makeup and i get told sometimes that I'm not a real woman yet unless I wear it. Same thing with heels; I wear them like twice a year lol! My grandma really wants me to wear but I hate them and they make my feet hurt a lot 😂 I actually LOVE dressing up and accessorizing...I just do it differently lol! I was feeling bad for not being feminine enough, because, well...I LOVE being a woman but I also don't want to wear something I feel ugly in just for the sake of femininity. But after this video, I've realized God is right. My femininity is not defined from the outward but the inward. I LOVE to love. I LOVE to give. I LOVE to be there for people, listen to them, help them, and make them soup when they're sick. I'm a music teacher and I LOVE my students with all my heart. I would die for them. And that is how I am feminine. I nurture and give to them. I'm kind to all I meet. (I even take pictures with strangers lol I have an Instagram dedicated to it called photoswithfolks). I am feminine in my own God-given way and I'm proud of that! No more feeling shameful about not wearing makeup! No more feeling shameful for not wearing enough pastels! No more feeling shameful for not wearing heels, and no more feelings shameful for not painting my nails! I am beautiful and feminine the way God made me. It's not to say I don't take time making myself presentable, I just do it differently and that's okay! Thank you so much, Emily. You are a beautiful gem. May the Lord continue to bless you, your husband, little Zion, and your ministry. Love you bunches!! 😘😘😘
As a man, I’m personally worried that I’m too feminine and that I’m not masculine enough, I’m not athletic and have always had more feminine hobbies and interests like music and the arts, and I’m on the shorter side too (5”4), I’m concerned that I’m not enough of man for God
Hello! As a young female I can't exactly understand what you are experiencing so please know I respect and validate where you are coming from. God created you intentionally, just how you needed to be for this specific time you are alive. The world needs your radical vulnerability, the world needs your attention to the arts (the very heartbeat of culture!), The world needs the very "you" you have grown to be, regardless of your "masculine" or "feminine" energy. Not only are you man enough for God, but you are you enough for God as well. Trust this. Your value in His eyes is not bound up in cultural labels. You are good, you are strong, and you my dear brother are more than enough. 🧡
Jacob Peterson Being athletic, lining certain types of music, being into the arts, height, etc. : these are societal expectations of being a man. I know it’s hard because we do live in a society that tells us a man is this and that or a woman is this and that. But you are a man because God chose you when you were nothing but a small egg in your mother’s body. You were chosen to be a man by God, so that you may be loyal, courageous, friendly, kind, and most importantly: God-serving. Trust me: if He gifted you with the passion of music and arts, it was to use it. These are not things to be ashamed of or to be deemed as gender specific. Try to discard the worldly expectations of being a man and try to become more in tune with GOD’S expectations of being a man.
Oh, dear Jacob, your height doesn't define your masculinity either, but I do understand where you're coming from (a 4”9 female speaking). Anyway, it's false to believe that music and the arts are not suitable hobbies for men because they are not masculine enough. Every person has their own unique set of personality traits and talents and it's so beautiful to have a creative, artistic soul! Don't be afraid to pursue what you truly love. God bless.
To be man of God is about character and the decisions you make. Surch through the Bible and find out how the great man of God looked like. For example Saul is decibed as tall and beautiful but God rejected him because of his decisions and David was Man after God 's heart not because of his hobbies but because of his character.
Hi, I am sorry you feel this way. I don't think that a passion for art makes someone less man. Look at all those great artists, they definately made the world better place. How sad and grey would the world be without people who can listen, who can see and feel things others don't. Without beutiful music, paintings, books...The world needs men like you..! I also don't think that large muscles are what makes somebody a man. I belive that God loves just the way you are ;) The diversity is what makes the world beautiful :)
@emilywilson You are so incredibly smart and beautiful, and I'm oh so thankful I can see the Lord in you and I can use this platform and see things and people who let Jesus shine through them; looking up to people like you!!!
Thank you! With my 6 months old, I struggled with the same idea. Also can you please do a video about how can a mother with a little baby or babies can spend quality time and keep up a fruitful relationship with God?
I'm not sure if this is the right platform to #askemilyw but maybe it'll make to the final cut someday: -Do you have any tips for going on vacation with your significant other before marriage and be chaste (=not giving opportunity to temptations) yet economical? -Also it's a topic you've exhaustively discussed but I guess there's one other factor to it: Do you think it's better for a virgin bride and groom to have their first sexual encounter after a tiresome wedding with considerably high blood alcohol in their veins or wait till next night and have their "first" soberly? Thanks!
Another false measure of femininity is whether or not guys are interested in you/your relationship status. Timely for this upcoming Valentine's Day :)
I was totally thinking about this and everything you talked about recently. I'm not feminine only because of the way I look on the outside. I was wondering today when God would give me my future husband. I realized again that I am not ready for him yet and he isn't ready for me either. Thank you for this timely video 💕.
Yess!
YES
I just watched this with my little sister, she is 13. She said "when I grow up I want to be a Catholic speaker like Emily Wilson." 💕🙂
Kyrie K ayyy me and your sister both!😊😊
Watching this as a 19 y/o guy in case I have a daughter I guess
Beautiful! As a 18 year old girl I think it's soooo important guys in our culture take note on how to empower the women in their lives to be the truest forms of themselves they can be :) your future wife (and kiddos, God willing) will be very blessed to have you 💜
That is honestly so sweet lol 💕
Austin we appreciate you being here.
This made me happy dude.
It is always hard, because I had a mother who's biggest chastisement when I was teen was that I "wasn't being soft and feminine enough" and that "no man is interested in being with a girl who is so harsh" and I really internalized it and accepted that my interests in military history and architecture and hockey meant I would always fail to win a man _and_ my mother's approval. I was terrified to even try to be feminine, even if I wanted to wear a dress or makeup, because I "knew" I wouldn't measure up. If I made effort, my mother would respond with a "Glad you're _finally_ trying" and that hurt so bad I stopped trying at all. I associated femininity with my mother's bitter, angry, ranting and manipulative emotions and decided I didn't want to be associated with that.
It wasn't until college that I realized that _that wasn't feminity._ That Joan of Arc and Gladys Alyward and Abigail Adams were feminine and strong _and it was okay to want to be like them._ Even if I never got married or had children like my mother wanted for me. Even if I read every book 1700s shipbuilding and knew nothing about fashion. Even if I hated flowers and wore running shorts and t-shirts 75% of my life.
I'm still learning and struggling. I still live at home, and deal with the comments and feeling that I am failing my mother. But I'm trying to learn. Thank you for this video:)
I'm feminine because I'm female, that's in my heart and soul. Point.
Anything else, dressing up, doing my hair etc, is just for fun.
I don't think it's just fot fun... it is linked to femininity. Males usually don't do it. I think dressing up and just in general beautifying our outer appearance is the exercising of feminine traits. God gave us beauty and we should take good care of it. Internally and externally. Internal beauty is more important because it can shine through. These are my thoughts about the subject. Not sure how it really is, but it's something to think about.
Emily, this really hits home for me. I worked for a company a couple of years ago, and my boss (also a woman) kept telling me to wear lipstick and “look more feminine.” She went so far as to ask members of my family when I was planning on acting more like a woman! When I left the company, her parting words to me were “don’t forget the lipstick!!” It was so hurtful, but it made me realize that even though I’m not her “brand” of feminine, that doesn’t make me any less of a woman. Thank you for sharing. 💗
"There are as many facets to femininity as there are women in the world" -- love that!!
I'm a man, I don't know why I'm watching this
I’m a Muslim woman who wears a hijab and I can’t agree more with the idea that our appearance and outward expression of femininity is nowhere near as important as the femininity that God has placed within us. How I present myself does fit the Western beauty standard, but femininity does not always equal apparent or aesthetic beauty.
zahra zuhoor I agree, wearing a hijab doesn’t make you any less feminine. It’s an expression of modesty, which is noble & beautiful thing, especially in today’s world.
It’s so weird. I’ve always felt like less of a woman not because of how I dress. I’ve always been a little bit of a tomboy in the way I dress and the lack of make up. I’m about to get a little bit personal but I have PCOS, and this always made me feel like less of a woman. Whether it’s hair where hair is not supposed to be, or the fact that I may not ever be able to have kids, it made me feel like I was less of a woman. Sometimes I still fall into that trap. But wow this is a great video and I am so thankful you put it out.❤️
Sister, I also have PCOS and I take it one day at a time, one prayer at a time. Our identity is in Jesus, and God is good. I built a circle of smart and strong people around me who not only love me, but some are professionals who work with me to care for the physical (and sometimes hairy) side of me. Others in the circle are just other women I meet up with and spend time with. Joining my local Council of Catholic Women has taught me about the strength that simply women coming together possess. I would have this adventure and trial no other way.
Ida Mae Mae girl I’m going through the exact same thing ❤️
"The world doesn't need what women have, it needs what women are." -Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)
This is something I've struggled with so much in my life because I'm a tomboy. I love wearing jeans and a t shirt so much because it's comfortable. I don't mind dressing up every once in a while, but there are definitely times where I've wondered if I should appear more feminine. At some point, I don't remember where, I read that femininity isn't defined by appearance but how God created you to be a woman and it just blew me away. I'd never heard that before, and this video is a great reminder! :)
You might want to watch some Temple Grandin (I think that's how you spell her name) videos. She's a Spectrum person who found better ways of processing/caring for cattle, she's pretty feminine & rarely isn't wearing jeans
Hello Emily, looks like I'm one of your first posters today! I do think being feminine is actually a gift from God, & it has very little to do with your closet, or makeup, but more to do with your love for others, & your family!
Thank you for this reminder, Emily. I usually didn't feel so feminine because I rarely do makeup 💄 wear jeans 👖 instead of dresses 👗 or fancy clothes and don't enjoy shopping 🛍
Heck I studied a field made up mostly by men, applied math and statistics. I have to remember that I have femininity in my heart 💗 I have this desire to care for others, and just in my desire to one day raise a child to be a man or woman.
THANK YOU 💚💚💚💚
Wow. Well said!
Our absolute role model of femininity is Our Lady, she is the one that we must look up for to keep in touch with our true selfs as women. I can't even conceive her spending hours in front of mirror trying to look pretty. Her perfect beauty came from the inside and must had been absolutely outstanding to see her and feel the humility, devotion, kindness that, for sure, emanated from her soul.
God has gifted you Emily. This is a beautiful video. How very true that femininity should flow out of us, just like St. Mother Teresa. I also think we (not all) women tend to compare ourselves to others too often. We should see one another as God sees us... beautiful!
Honestly I was a little nervous to click on this video because I have been watching videos on the topic of femininity, and have felt very inferior at times to those UA-camrs. I don’t have much money to spend on nice clothes or makeup because I prioritize staying at home with my son. It was so refreshing to hear your perspective!
This was really great and one of the big reasons I miss Emily on UA-cam. I've always been tomboyish & having special needs on top I've had my femininity devalued by a lot of people over my life to the point where sometimes it's easier just not to try. But hearing grounded truth from someone i see as a beautiful & super feminine person really puts things in perspective. I'll have to start caring for my femininity more ❤🤗
When I was little (truth in advertising, I'm in my mid-60s), femininity equated to petite and, probably blonde. Say what? The more you think about it, the dopier a concept femininity is. And let us all hope that qualities such as kindness and empathy aren't reserved for just women, and qualities such as determination and the ability to speak up for oneself aren't reserved for just men.
I loved your example of Mother Teresa! It reminded me that I can be just as feminine at home in my sweatpants (if not, MORE) as I can be when I am out and all dressed up!
Why am I crying 😭 I wasn’t expecting this. Thank you ❤️ this hit something deep in me that I didn’t realize was a struggle. I love looking feminine but I also love comfort and easy go-to outfits and a less-makeup look for healthy skin. And sometimes that makes me feel less feminine. But it’s not true, thank you ❤️
amen....femininity means God's love overflowing from your soul into the hearts of others
Wildflowers and Bouquets are equally beautiful!
Saw this title and got scared😩but I just KNEW what u had to say would not only be the complete opposite but empowering as well🙌🏾🧡
1. Peter 3:1-5 Speaks a bit about that.
I like to think about cultivating my femininity by dedicating myself to Jesus and learning how to have the character he wants me to have.
As much as I love clothes and makeup, I want them to be just a cherry on top.
This was exactly the video I needed to see right now. Definitely a very enlightening view of what it truly means to be feminine ❤️
Definitely needed this reminder! I bought into that same lie...Thanks again Emily ♡
Poop! This is great. I am a stay at home mom and I never imagined how many times a day I would have to deal with poop, how many poop disaster stories I would collect. I am working hard to raise a strong, healthy, Godly family and that is my femininity. Most days I do not look "beautiful" or fancied up but I am working my butt off for God, raising my children and learning to be a better home maker. God has given me this special role as a wife and mother and I am eager to do it whole heartily to have the healthiest family and home I can! Thanks for the reminder of what true femininity looks likfe!
If you haven’t already, I recommend reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge!! The most important thing I’ve learned from reading that book is that femininity is most starkly defined by some of our unique qualities that all women have the ability become, when they are living for God, though it will look different for each woman. And honestly, our opinions about our appearance change so quickly. Some days I feel beautiful when my hair is curly and bouncy, and I wear my signature dark red lipstick and thick winged eyeliner, and I love the silky, bare skin on my arms and legs. And other days, I feel beautiful with a glossy, naked face, with my swollen, tired eyelids, and rosaceous checks, and letting my hair grow on my eyebrows and legs and arms makes me feel like a symbol of ancient beauty. Other days still, I hate myself either way. You are so right in that none of it is about appearance. It is all about being who you are already and nurturing the woman you’re supposed to be. A few of those qualities talked about in the book I mentioned are offering up your beauty to those around you (whether it is your art, your heart, your thoughts, your kindness, service, your science, or your appearance), being vulnerable and honest, which creates a ripple of peace and rest to others around you, allowing them to want to be themselves too, and lastly, mothering (not just birthing biological children, but being a mother or a sister to others, caring for them, giving them strength, because woman-to-woman bonds are the mightiest and sweetest relationships on earth). Yes, most women want to look good and feel good, and I sincerely hope that all of you women grow to love yourselves and give yourselves the care you deserve, but on days where you don’t think you can even get close to that, know that you are feminine, you are beautiful and lovely and strong by just you being you 💗💗
This is SUCH an important message, especially in the church! Women and girls need to know that they can live out their God-given womanhood regardless of their income, culture, hobbies, and appearance. Beautifully spoken, Emily 💕
I was just thinking yesterday that if someone asked who I thought the most beautiful woman of our time is I’d answer “Mother Theresa”. You’re so right with this message, thanks for it!!
I agree completely! Style is a wonderful hobby, but the eternally important thing is loving those around us!
Loved this video so much! I would also like to note that lack of femininity in the sense of appearance or presentation is NOT a bad thing! Women can dress and do their hair however they please, and that doesn't take away from their womanhood at all! Express yourself however you like, ladies, and let your love for others speak for itself :)
Thought this might be relevant: Edith Stein's insight into femininity was a huge break through for me. I'm mainly thinking of an essay she wrote titled "The Ethos of Women's Professions". Her view on what submission in marriage looks like needs be taken with a grain of salt (I think her own parents were divorced, so that's probably what influences her perspective). But I think she's spot on in her analysis of what "woman" is and what unique strengths she has. She actually wrote the essay during a time where there was debate about women being in the work force and higher education, and I think she makes some great points as to why it's beneficial for them to be. I read it for a course I took on Theology of the Body.
Thank you for speaking truth. It's a great message for everyone and a great reminder of true feminine identity.
This is so great!
And I’m amazed that you said “femininity” more than once without tripping over your tongue- I certainly couldn’t do that! 😂
I always struggle with this. Sounds like another great book to me.
Beautiful message 💞
I’ve been struggling with this too! I’m so happy I found your video. I don’t know when femininity became synonymous with a made up face or fashionable clothes. It just seems so shallow to me. Thanks for the reminder that our beauty as women comes from God 💞
Outward appearance expectations are often cultural, not related to where you fall on the spectrum of masculine v feminine
This is BRILLIANT.
Thank you so much for this. Its something that has got me down because I don't fit in society's box of what it means to be feminine, especially with having no guys interested in me. This is something I am praying over and giving to Jesus so that weight doesn't hold me back anymore
This was absolutely beautiful
You totally rock Emily! 👍 Even as a guy, I love watching your videos. 🙂 Keep up the great work! 😀
You are such a gift. Thank you.
I sometimes like to look extra nice. I sometimes like pretty things. I *love* babies (I babysit a lot and I hope to have some of my own when I'm older; I'm 19 right now). But normally, I'm not that feminine. I love sports. I only wear makeup on special occasions; otherwise, I wear none at all. 99% of the time, I wear jeans or khakis and a t-shirt. I'm blessed to have realized and embraced very early on that my God-feminity, the feminity in my heart, my kindness that I believe I have, etc is what truly matters.
I never really felt feminine at all growing up. For whatever reason all of the "right" and "normal" feminine interests - makeup, fashion/clothing, pretty much anything appearance based --- never connected with me. I was a major tomboy growing up too. I always feel like I'm the wrong kind of woman and still do not feel connected to femininity. It can also be the case that when you're a certain type of woman like myself, people go out of their way to devalue your version of femininity, so you end up thinking to yourself, why even bother, if people are determined to see you as masculine anyway?
Amen.. Its soo true.. You brought be in tears ❤️❤️
Really needed to hear this. There is not such thing as "like most girls" or "not like other girls." All women are different and exhibit femininity in their own unique way:)
Omg I've been wanting to make a video about this🙄
Thank you
Thank you Emily for this video!! It’s a great reminder and great timing for my season in life 💕💕
Virtue is gender neutral. People need to focus on being genuinely good people instead of worrying about masculinity/femininity tbh. No matter how hard we try to define these concepts, there's always going to be a group of people who fall short, even when we talk about qualities!
leal Masculinity and Femininity are a natural part of people- it’s a part of being made in the image and likeness of God. If you are curious about it you should check out what Pope St. John Paul II has to say about it!
Such a timely message. ♥️
Thank you sis
yessss - really needed this! thank you!!
Needed to hear this so very much
What about personality traits? I think externally I look and feel feminine but many aspects of my personality feel more masculine. In a large group, I gravitate towards philosophical and political debates with the guys. My sense of humor is pretty sharp and I feel like I have to censor that around women for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. I’ve never wanted to be a guy, and I definitely have a very maternal side, but I feel like my personality and brain can be very masculine at times.
First comment!!! 💕
this is just what I needed thank you
YES!
A verse from the Bible always comes to my mind when i think about this... “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith?" Mtt 6:25-34 ive always thought of that, it's hard on the worlds view, but as you said, theres nothing more feminine than nursing your child 🥰🥰🥰🥰💕
💜🌸 thank you so much 🌸💜
I needed this! ❤️
PREACH
Love this!!! Question: have you heard of the Women of Grace study? I did it a few years ago at my church and it’s what really deepened my faith and I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about authentic femininity in my catholic faith.
Yes. Femininity is something that every woman has to cultivate on the inside before it shines out for the world to see! :) You should read The Eternal Woman by Gertrud von le Fort!
Hey, Emily! I think 1 Peter 3:3-4 supports your video very well. 💕
I only wear makeup (minimal) on work ID picture day lol
Thank you soooo much for this video!!! I used to feel so weird because I hate wearing makeup! It makes me feel so ugly and i feel most beautiful without it but my family is big on makeup and i get told sometimes that I'm not a real woman yet unless I wear it. Same thing with heels; I wear them like twice a year lol! My grandma really wants me to wear but I hate them and they make my feet hurt a lot 😂 I actually LOVE dressing up and accessorizing...I just do it differently lol! I was feeling bad for not being feminine enough, because, well...I LOVE being a woman but I also don't want to wear something I feel ugly in just for the sake of femininity. But after this video, I've realized God is right. My femininity is not defined from the outward but the inward. I LOVE to love. I LOVE to give. I LOVE to be there for people, listen to them, help them, and make them soup when they're sick. I'm a music teacher and I LOVE my students with all my heart. I would die for them. And that is how I am feminine. I nurture and give to them. I'm kind to all I meet. (I even take pictures with strangers lol I have an Instagram dedicated to it called photoswithfolks). I am feminine in my own God-given way and I'm proud of that! No more feeling shameful about not wearing makeup! No more feeling shameful for not wearing enough pastels! No more feeling shameful for not wearing heels, and no more feelings shameful for not painting my nails! I am beautiful and feminine the way God made me. It's not to say I don't take time making myself presentable, I just do it differently and that's okay! Thank you so much, Emily. You are a beautiful gem. May the Lord continue to bless you, your husband, little Zion, and your ministry. Love you bunches!! 😘😘😘
As a man, I’m personally worried that I’m too feminine and that I’m not masculine enough, I’m not athletic and have always had more feminine hobbies and interests like music and the arts, and I’m on the shorter side too (5”4), I’m concerned that I’m not enough of man for God
Hello! As a young female I can't exactly understand what you are experiencing so please know I respect and validate where you are coming from. God created you intentionally, just how you needed to be for this specific time you are alive. The world needs your radical vulnerability, the world needs your attention to the arts (the very heartbeat of culture!), The world needs the very "you" you have grown to be, regardless of your "masculine" or "feminine" energy. Not only are you man enough for God, but you are you enough for God as well. Trust this. Your value in His eyes is not bound up in cultural labels. You are good, you are strong, and you my dear brother are more than enough. 🧡
Jacob Peterson Being athletic, lining certain types of music, being into the arts, height, etc. : these are societal expectations of being a man. I know it’s hard because we do live in a society that tells us a man is this and that or a woman is this and that. But you are a man because God chose you when you were nothing but a small egg in your mother’s body. You were chosen to be a man by God, so that you may be loyal, courageous, friendly, kind, and most importantly: God-serving. Trust me: if He gifted you with the passion of music and arts, it was to use it. These are not things to be ashamed of or to be deemed as gender specific. Try to discard the worldly expectations of being a man and try to become more in tune with GOD’S expectations of being a man.
Oh, dear Jacob, your height doesn't define your masculinity either, but I do understand where you're coming from (a 4”9 female speaking). Anyway, it's false to believe that music and the arts are not suitable hobbies for men because they are not masculine enough. Every person has their own unique set of personality traits and talents and it's so beautiful to have a creative, artistic soul! Don't be afraid to pursue what you truly love. God bless.
To be man of God is about character and the decisions you make. Surch through the Bible and find out how the great man of God looked like. For example Saul is decibed as tall and beautiful but God rejected him because of his decisions and David was Man after God 's heart not because of his hobbies but because of his character.
Hi, I am sorry you feel this way. I don't think that a passion for art makes someone less man. Look at all those great artists, they definately made the world better place. How sad and grey would the world be without people who can listen, who can see and feel things others don't. Without beutiful music, paintings, books...The world needs men like you..! I also don't think that large muscles are what makes somebody a man. I belive that God loves just the way you are ;) The diversity is what makes the world beautiful :)
queues Theology of the Body ;)
Amen
@emilywilson You are so incredibly smart and beautiful, and I'm oh so thankful I can see the Lord in you and I can use this platform and see things and people who let Jesus shine through them; looking up to people like you!!!
Thank you! With my 6 months old, I struggled with the same idea. Also can you please do a video about how can a mother with a little baby or babies can spend quality time and keep up a fruitful relationship with God?
I'm not sure if this is the right platform to #askemilyw but maybe it'll make to the final cut someday:
-Do you have any tips for going on vacation with your significant other before marriage and be chaste (=not giving opportunity to temptations) yet economical?
-Also it's a topic you've exhaustively discussed but I guess there's one other factor to it: Do you think it's better for a virgin bride and groom to have their first sexual encounter after a tiresome wedding with considerably high blood alcohol in their veins or wait till next night and have their "first" soberly?
Thanks!
💜😊
Emily I would love to hear a message where you talk about that God wants man to be the bread winners