It's said that confidence is different than being arrogant, and I 100 percent agree with this statement. However, there's nothing wrong with being confident, or even independent, especially as a woman. Over the past few decades, women have gained so many rights and have been able to have a louder voice. We've gained the right to vote, the right to hold exclusive office positions and many other rights. More recently, it's been made known that an African-American woman will be appearing on our new $20 bill!

In today's society, women are targeted to always be something specific. Be confident, but not too proud of yourself. Be independent, but still submit to any man you interact with. Be happy, but don't be happy with just yourself. In the Bible, God commands men to be the spiritual leader and head of the household. I feel that as a Christian, this is most definitely a commandment that needs to be followed. But, being a respectful woman of God doesn't mean that we can't stand up for ourselves as ladies. Anyone who knows me on any level knows that I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. I believe that women deserve the same opportunities as men (but, no, I'm not a feminist). Women deserve to attend college and pursue a major and career that they wish to grow greatly in. Personally, I'm a social work major and a criminal justice minor. I absolutely have every intent on pursuing my Master's degree. While I know that I will follow God's command and submit to my husband both in the household and spiritually, this won't stop me from focusing on myself. So many times, women are told that they need to grow up, get married and be a mom. But God may not always have this plan for everyone.

For the longest time, I believed this theory. I thought that I could only be happy if I had a boyfriend or was talking to a guy. Now, looking back at these thoughts, I just can't help but laugh. I've learned so much going through my senior year of high school and finishing my first year at college. I know that people may talk and look down on me for being so strong and confident, but I am who I am. I couldn't be more proud of that. My parents couldn't be more proud of that. My family and my friends couldn't be more proud of that. Being a knowledgeable and independent woman doesn't make you stuck up or obnoxious, but it does make you so much stronger, and honey, you're going to go so far in life. So, please know that no matter who knocks you down, you will always be strong enough to pick yourself back up.

Proverbs 31:10-31

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.