So What Makes a Godly Woman?
Feb 25 — Written by Sydney Chang
“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.” Elisabeth Elliot was a hero of faith who inspired both believers and seekers of the Christian faith through her books and missionary work in Ecuador, and her powerful words set the tone for the first session of Foundry’s Women’s Discipleship Group, Refined.
Refined is a 10-week women’s discipleship course that helps women discover what it means to be a woman of God while providing structure to develop spiritual disciplines alongside other like-minded women. In other words, it’s a space for women to immerse themselves in God’s Word and connect deeply with each other - all while having fun and good food!
Following the first session, a group of students and mentors went to North Star Lodge on a one-night trip to kick off their semester-long commitment together. A girly brunch with an amazing spread and an hour long of Just Dance were just a given. The most special part of this trip was the sense of closeness that grew through shared vulnerability. Even though some people had just met, everyone’s openness about the challenges they face as women fostered a deep sense of empathy and connection.
Over the past few decades, women have been influenced by different views of “what it means to be a woman.” With the rapid rise of social media, even more labels have emerged from “girl boss” to “clean girl” to “baddie” - subtly encouraging women to measure their worth by appearance and achievement.
Refined was formed in hopes of combating these worldly views of women, and elevating God’s greater design and purpose for women. This becomes possible when a group of women gather to remind each other of what is true - that God has created us to be strong allies - and commit to living out God’s vision for their lives.
After experiencing the first session and trip, Nadia, a junior, commented, “I have grown in my understanding that we are not just an afterthought to God. Women were thoughtfully created to be partners to men. It is incredible to think that God yearns for someone like me and views me as His beloved child!”
Each week of Refined has been packed with opportunities to get equipped and get close to each other. Sophie, a freshman, expressed, “I hope to gain a closer relationship with God through establishing good habits and learn how to live the life that God calls for women.”
In addition, the weekly sessions have been curated to create space for honest conversations surrounding topics that are often not discussed (e.g. fear, godly beauty, and dating). Those in Refined can look forward to more memories at future gatherings, especially the grand finale trip at the end of the semester.
Check out a recap from the Launch Trip!
