I
vote for more purses, toothbrushes, cups, storybooks, and Halloween costumes that
feature Abigail of the Old Testament.
She is a heroin worthy to emulate, in my opinion, even more than
Cinderella.
Once
upon a time, there was a kind woman by the name of Abigail who lived with a
surly man who liked to drink a lot and have parties. One time, King David and his army were very
hungry and entered the surly man’s homestead and asked if they could come to his
barbecue. The king had a right to ask
because he and his men protected the homestead’s boundary lines. The surly man said “No. Get off my property.” The King had a temper and became offended.
Surly drunk + spiteful
King = War
In
the meantime, Abigail heard about the situation and spent hours baking cinnamon
rolls for the King and his army. She
dismounted from her horse and presented the King with her peace offering. She bowed low and greeted the King and asked
his forgiveness saying “Pay no attention to my foolish husband. But remember who you are, Mighty King, and
that you belong to God and He has a better purpose for you.” The King’s heart softened and He admired this
wise woman whose beauty came from God.
Meanwhile God struck Abigail’s drunken husband with a stroke and he
died. The King rode his horse onto the
homestead and swept Abigail off her feet and married her. They lived happily ever after.
For
the Biblical version, check out 1 Samuel 25.
Abigail vs. Cinderella
Cinderella
sustains bad press over the years. Some
women think she should have stood up to her ugly stepsisters. Some think her character plays the victim with
too much day dreaming and not enough strategy to solve her own problems. Some say she wasn’t very selective when the
prince came along and she agreed to marry a man she hardly knew just to get out
of a bad situation.
Abigail’s
character intrigues me; here’s how I think she’s different from Cinderella:
Abigail
was victorious in rescuing a bad situation in a healthy way. How?
She
knew who she was and her purpose
She
focused on solving the problem.
She
took the reins of her own life.
She
didn’t feeling sorry for herself because she didn’t feel loved.
She
was “Kingdom Minded” knowing the King’s purpose too!
How
could the king not fall for her with all that courage and insight? Just my opinion, but could he have thought: “She’s the wind beneath my wings.” This is a whole different scenario from Prince
Charming looking for a pretty woman with small feet.
It’s
common to grow up in dysfunctional families devoid of healthy ways to love
ourselves and others. Everybody has a
need to be accepted and loved. Conflict enters when we love the wrong way.
Abigail
was wise and discerning knowing with whom to spend her time and resources. That’s my goal too.
Cinderella
fans, don’t hate me. I know she is an
icon. But when it comes to a good
example of a strong, beautiful woman, Abigail should be on the ballot.
I do admire Abigail when I read of her story; she did take a stand against what she thought was a wrong thing her husband had done; she was aware of how David and his men were helping to protect her husband's sheep. I hadn't thought to compare her with Cinderella, but there is definite life lessons between the two on how someone should be living their lives. I too would vote for Abigail over Cinderella and too want to model Abigail in her wisdom and discernment.
ReplyDeletebetty
Then we both need to change over our cups, costumes to Abigail this year, Betty! Haha.
DeleteI absolutely love cinnamon rolls! I think it takes courage and strength to stand up against what we think is wrong and more people should do this. One thing I have noticed, though, when there are large groups of people around...most people say nothing, but as soon as one person speaks up others jump in. :)
ReplyDeleteAbigail is one woman worth emulating for sure. I have loved her character since the very first time I read about her many years ago.
DeleteHi Mary! I did a book study this summer with my group, and one chapter was dedicated to Abigail. It was an amazing thing for a woman to take control, and to understand the political implications of her husband if he ignored King David.
ReplyDeleteShe was brave and smart! Who doesn't want a girl to grow up like that??
Blessings!
Ceil
I would have loved to been in your study! I bet the Holy Spirit led you women into some interesting discussion.
DeleteI think it's safe to say, had you been imparting the gospel I'd have paid more attention on Sundays!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever given thought to writing books for children (and some, ahem, adults) - interpreting Bible stories in this sort of way?
Haha. Creative types like you might enjoy my "take" on the scriptures. The tight religious might frown on me. Whatever...bring it on.
Deleteawesome, love this post
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and reading it, Neesi.
DeleteWonderful post, sweet friend. I, too, love to think about Abigail. I think she epitomizes the Proverbs 31 woman. She is an amazing role model for all of us! I loved the way you told the story, too. Great job and such an encouragement. Sending you much love and many hugs and still praying for Amy! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to put it, Prov 31 Woman. Yes she is! Thanks for all the hugs and prayers! Hugging you back, sis.
DeleteAbigail is a wise and brave woman. Have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteBlessings for your day, too, Nancy and week ahead.
DeleteBlessings for your day, too, Nancy and week ahead.
DeleteLove this post! I'm off now to re-read Abigail's story.
ReplyDeleteI can see how it would appeal to you being the teacher you are, Bernadine. I always smile when you show up here.
DeleteLove your heading, so pretty. Also love anything written about Abigail, she is a hero of the faith. Great points about her life and walk with the LOrd.
ReplyDeleteLove your heading, so pretty. Also love anything written about Abigail, she is a hero of the faith. Great points about her life and walk with the LOrd.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor, Lyn, has done some amazing things in her fall garden and I enjoyed the pumpkins. Had to take a picture of it! Blessings to you.
DeleteI love your version of the story of Abigail and the contrast between her and Cinderella. Thank you for sharing your awesome post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.”
ReplyDeleteIt could have happened that way if it was a modern day conflict! Haha. I loved Cinderella until I read about Abigail.
DeleteAbigail truly is one of those *unsung heroes* of the faith, don't you think? Her wise and bold ways are a great example to follow. I was thinking of going as Martha this year, fretting my way through life, but God convinced me that the real *treat* was found by her sister, Mary. I think I follow her example instead.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
Oh good...now we both can be Mary's. I can't imagine going as Martha. I would need a good dose of Jesus, of salvation.
DeleteAs usual, you kept up to our present-day situation and changed your picture of "you". You always make me smile!
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile as well, Joanne.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHI Mary, I know is being a while. I am wrapping up studies for the year so I have a full plate.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post. I wanted to read the comparison and i was satisfied reading your insightful and wise words. Abigail is for sure a wise woman. She understood time and purpose. She stood for what was right even if her husband was involved!
Good Post Mary.
Blessings to you
Abigail’s story is life giving. I hope it encouraged you with all that you have on your plate right now.
DeleteI actually spoke on Abigail once when doing a ladies event. I have always admired her strength and her boldness. Good stuff my friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI bet that was a fun message to deliver, Cindy! Hugs back to you.
DeleteWhat a great and thought provoking post! You made many clever points about the reality of this life and the free will we're given in it. Knowing God lets us live beyond the circumstances of this flesh. Awesome reminder... and lessons on Cinderella's dysfunctional behavior!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy a male's perspective and your gracious words are like a pat on the back from King David himself. Thank you, Bro, for stopping by and reading my story.
DeleteThe best thing about this is that you are there to remind everyone about the way we take care of ourselves esp our flesh, cause God want us to be an example as always. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for inspiring, and continue to inspire Mary!
It's like we have a choice all the time to be foolish or God fearing. God's Word gives us so many examples! Bless you today, Steve.
DeleteHi Mary! You will NOT believe this but we just did this assignment for our Pens of Praise prompt! Take a bible story we love and put it into our own words! Ha, I did Hanna from I Samuel! How about that! Great post! I so appreciate your insight and comparison to Cinderella. I think those fairy tales really gave children the wrong focus for sure. I LOVE how you wrote this! The others in our writer's group did wonderful also! I wish you could be with us. I hope your having fun with your writers group!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue!
DeleteWhat a fun assignment that must have been for the Pens of Praise group. I told you I would fit in...I bet you girls have a blast. The group I joined is large and intimidating, but I am learning so much! Thx for your encouragement!
Whoops I meant Hannah! Ha ha!
ReplyDeleteWhoops I meant Hannah! Ha ha!
ReplyDelete