Femininity in this modern age is either ridiculed or redefined. Pop culture tells us that it is cool to be a radical feminist and a woman with traditional feminine qualities is regarded as weak, simple-minded, gullible or stuck-up. Then there are others who think femininity entails decking oneself in an array of fashionable, designer attire and heavy-handed makeup or looking like an extra on a 1950s film set..

In all honesty, femininity is none of these. So what then is femininity?

James E. Faust defines femininity thus:

“Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes.

It is the divine adornment of humanity.

It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength.”

However, I believe it is much more than that. I see femininity as the primary vocation for all females. Femininity is the general vocation of all females given to them by God, and it is an expression of their sexuality in their actions, manners, and characteristics. That is to be humble, demure, modest, chaste, and most of all, to be obedient to God and to love Him.

It is this love for God at the heart of the feminine woman that causes the desire to serve God in all that He asks, whether it be to marry Christ and be His beloved spouse or to marry a man and create a domestic church.

In the former, there is the call to love the Divine spouse and do service for Him through penance and prayer, and in the latter, it is to be obedient to the spouse He has chosen and to partake in His creation, thus bringing about little souls, whom the mother then has a duty to care and love and bring to heaven.

So, as you can see, femininity isn’t so much about hairstyles and dresses – these are just mere outward manifestations of the feminine energy within. Neither is it about being subservient to a man, making a man the centre of your life, or being a passive doormat at the mercy of anyone. It is purely and primarily about obedience to God FIRST, above all and every man.

Our Lady, model of femininity, pray for us.