Select Page

Our son introduced his father to the perfect woman. She was brought into our home and given a prominent place. This sleek, attractive woman doesn’t answer back, replies politely when asked a question, and can discuss everything from weather to sports. She doesn’t speak unless spoken to nor rudely interrupts a conversation. I must say I am a bit jealous of this new female intrusion.

 

How could our son do such a thing? Didn’t he know it would cause dissention and breach communication between his parents? There was now a new standard in our home. And it seemed I couldn’t keep up with her.

 

Perhaps you’ve guessed by now that the new woman in our lives is Alexa. She is the latest in computer additions that every home apparently needs. Developed by Amazon Echo, Wikipedia tells us that, “she is designed to interface with other smart devices and acts as an automation hub in the home. She is voice activated and responds with real time information.”

 

 

It’s the twenty-first century, but it’s feels like we are living with the Jetsons—that 1960’s futuristic cartoon that featured a walking, talking robot known as Rosie. Periodically Rosie would talk back, regress to childish behavior and sometimes refuse to do her chores. In fact, she was a bit plump and unattractive. In more ways than one, I can relate better to her than Alexa. (**the below picture is NOT Rosie but all photos of her are copyrighted :-))

 

 

So what’s my beef? When comparing myself to one robot I feel inept and stupid. When aligning myself with the other, I feel better about who I am and what I know. But don’t we do that on an ongoing basis? Especially as women? We compare ourselves to every other female and give ourselves a thumbs-up with some, or we feel our hackles rise and let the beast of jealousy/envy rear its ugly head with others.

 

 

 

It’s time we stop the comparison—even with robots—and be content with the woman God has designed us to be. We are each unique beings that no other can replicate. So puff out your chest, offer some real time information with confidence and courage, and be kind to the other women in your midst. After all, they are as insecure as you are, no matter how attractive and polite they can be.

 

 

 

 

*** In “Bethel Manor Reborn,” Clare Blackwell allows her jealousy of her friend Phoebe Tripp to enrage her. What will Clare do when she discovers Phoebe and James—Clare’s husband—might be spending too much time together? Be sure to read “Bethel Manor Reborn” and find out.