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Why Ashes Instead of Honor for Women?

In a study by Beth Moore titled "Breaking Free" she writes:

The dignity of women has been compromised for many reasons--

"Satan is actively and progressively pedaling the demoralization of women.

• Everywhere we turn Billboards, magazines, and commercials on television suggest that women were made for sensual pleasure and little more.  They seem to suggest that women enjoy being related entirely to the lusts of the flesh.
• Girls are literally starving themselves to death to be model-thin so they can be the world’s definition of attractive.
• With the approval of their parents an alarming number of young teens are seeking plastic surgery to change the look of their bodies---to be more sexually appealing.
• Many influential women teach the hatred of men almost as a religion.
• Adult women are becoming more and more convinced that they must forsake femininity for professionalism.
• Homemakers sense that they are looked down on as unsuccessful and unmotivated.
• The growing acceptance of lesbianism as a way to strike out against the demoralization of women is presently a voice being heard all too often. What a deception! 
• The answer is NOT in turning from men.  The answer is turning TO God."

So many women are defeated and hurting for so many reasons. And because of their undealt with hurt women are too often downtrodden--wearing ashes instead of a crown.

Let’s stop and consider Tamar in  II Samuel 13.
Tamar was the King’s daughter.

Tamar’s brother Amnon became so ‘vexed’ (which means: so troubled, disturbed, distressed, afflicted) he let his feelings rule his actions. And friends, feelings are our flesh and truth  is our spirit. Amnon’s feelings made him forget that Tamar was his virgin sister.

Ladies call me really old fashioned but this truth--in your Bible--ought to make you never leave your children home alone together.  I always told my son and daughter that I fully trusted them....never doubting them or their character.  BUT I constantly told them I DID NOT TRUST SATAN!!! I Have been told account after account of incest in homes; perversion that happened because children were left home alone. I too am the product of such-- and like Amnon, my brother ended up hating me.

II Samuel 13:18-20
18.And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins appareled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
 19.And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
20.And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.

Tamar was told not to deal with her abuse...not to regard it...not to speak the truth of it.  A part of her remained desolate because she silently stuffed her abuse deep inside of her. And the Bible tells us the outcome of her doing so: Tamar tore her robe in shame....false shame for her brother’s deed...the false shame that survivor’s of abuse tend to carry with us if not put away. "And Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house." Oh I wish I could make every hurting person realize that if they remain silent they will never heal and be free in Christ.

This phrase in this verse is what started my healing journey from abuse.  I realized that an internal part of me was desolate and I realized I was wearing ashes-- and I did not want to stay that way.

Tamar’s silence chose ashes instead of the honor that comes with being a Princess in the King’s court. And while you may not have been sexually abused I am asking you to consider how you may be convinced by the enemy---Satan---that you are, for whatever reason, no longer fit to "wear" honor and dignity.  Is it from abuse, divorce, rejection, death of a loved one, rape, illness, a crime?  Have you suffered in silence and let bitterness damage your life?

Satan is after women--- he waged war years ago to destroy the family.

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