Lions and Lionesses - What They Can Teach Us

Have you ever studied lions and lionesses? If not, you should. Their dynamic relationship can teach us much about how we should be in our relationships. I highly recommend the book, "Lioness Arising" by Lisa Bevere. It is an excellent book that explains the details of how a woman should view her role in her own family and world. While it is for women, men could get a lot of good insight out of it as well.

Before we go any further, let's get something out of the way. There are obvious differences between people and lions. So, this post is not meant to compare in every minor detail. For example, lions sleep most of their day away. We can not afford to do the same. The pride is comprised of several lionesses and an alpha male lion. We don't advocate polygamous relationships. You get the general idea. OK, now for the good stuff...

Men and women are quite different. Often times we don't get each other. There are loads of books on the differences between men and women, some of which are quite humorous. But what if we looked at what we have in common instead of focusing on our differences? What if we embraced our differences and utilized them in such a way that we garnered strength from one another for a common good?

For instance, men are strong and powerful. Their natural instinct is to provide and protect. While lionesses hunt and gather food and protect the pride from danger, we have to give the big guy props as well. He does his own share of fighting for dominance to protect the pride from other lions trying to front on his family.

Women are wise and nurturing. Men often times misunderstand and mistake our emotions for weakness. However, our emotions are what set us apart as unique and fierce fighters for what is good and right. This is why we love hard. We have a natural ability and instinct to help and care for others. When we see the need, we spring to action. Because of our emotions, we are always reaching out to others. Lionesses work hard gathering food, protecting the young (even cubs that are not their own), and even her mate. Lionesses work together for the good of the entire pride.

Men are like lions with strength and power. They are warriors. They are strongest with their arms stretched out in defense of what is right. This is how they bring justice.

Women are like lionesses who fiercely stand watch over their territory and pride. They bring life and goodness to their mate and cubs. They are strongest with their arms embracing people who are hurting.

The lion knows he needs the lioness and can not do life without her. He knows she brings him life. Therefore, he does not dominate her, but encourages her, in tenderness, to be all that she can be. The lioness knows this and chooses to do life with him. She willingly helps and supports him, because she knows they are under the same mission (this is the best definition and explanation of submission I have ever heard). They work together side by side, lending their individual strengths to cover the other's weaknesses.

Men and women are allies, not enemies. United and together we fight our common enemy. When we are working together in unity, we take back our dominion and we govern, rule, and reign with Christ. This is how we defeat the enemy and have victory!

• UNITY = DOMINION!

• STRENGTH LENT TO WEAKNESS = POWER!

• HE PROTECTS & PROVIDES = STRENGTH & POWER!

• SHE NURTURES, HELPS, & SUPPORTS = FIERCE LOVE, TENDERNESS, & WISDOM!

• SUBMISSION = UNDER THE SAME MISSION!!!

"This is the picture that the Enemy fears!

Men and Women working together for the cause of Christ!"

~Lisa Bevere