Have you ever felt somewhat less because you are a woman? Like there is this cosmic double standard and for some reason you were dealt the wrong chromosomal deck of cards. For much of my life I hated being a girl. Girls were demeaned, mistreated, and didn’t seem to reap any benefits in life. I didn’t understand why men could do certain things but if a woman did them she was persecuted or called certain names (female dog). I didn’t understand that every woman I was around seemed to be getting the short end of the stick.
I didn’t realize that fighting my design was only making that feeling worse and that fulfillment came when I submitted to God’s design for me and actually started to embrace and enjoy being a woman! I also didn’t realize that the Bible held so much power and truth for women and set them up to be powerful. Although we may be physically weaker than men and live our life in more emotional hemispheres, we were gifted and designed with immense power and beauty. Just because your power and strength looks different doesn’t make it any less powerful. Hear me when I say this. STOP MINIMIZING your strength. Stop being afraid of it and viewing yourself as menial. Stop doubting yourself and wasting time in fear. You are called my friend. You are a very unique treasure and if you are in HIM you are a totally NEW creation. That should excite you! He makes us knew every day!
Now, when I say “your power” I am referring to the God given strength and gifts that are inside your spirit. They are freely given to you and are yours. Thinking you operate in your own strength or have done anything to deserve what he gives is dangerous, prideful, and will set you up for a fall. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way on that one. God loves his daughters and blesses them abundantly. It is ONLY through him that I am the person you see today. And he still has plenty of work to do on me and on you. Embracing your power doesn’t mean you are boastful, proud, or think the superior gender. It just means you understand what you’re capable of. When you know who you are then you know what to do.
So let’s look at a few things that are unique to women and start embracing it. I hope these mentions can offer you a little bit of perspective on what you have been equipped to handle and may give you a boost of confidence.
1.Pregnancy and Childbirth
Wow. This one totally amazes me and I find it interesting how nonchalant women can be as if this is no big deal. Listen, you have carried another human being around inside your body for 9months, birthed it, and then nursed it! Hellllloooo! That is a complete miracle and you got through it. God gave you that ability and strength. I’ve heard the horror stories and also the complete joys. If you’ve birthed a child then nothing should be a big deal to you. Box jumps, burpees, lifting weights, eating right, etc. Whatever you deem as “hard” fails in comparison. No big deal. Your attitude should be one of “What’s Next? I’m ready.”
2.That Time of The Month
Ok I know this is gross and kind of funny but think about it. Again this is a reminder of the GOD given ability to deal with pain and inconvenience. God has equipped his daughters with strength to overcome. Yes you bleed each month and live. That should empower you!
3.Bringers of Beauty
I firmly believe that God put in each of us a unique way to bring a certain type of beauty into our atmospheres. For some it’s decorating, for others cooking, singing, flower arranging, knitting, encouragement or fashion. It may even be that you’re the best IRONER in the world! Or children’s storybook reader! There is nothing small and menial about that! Each woman delivers a form of beauty in their own way. Look for the way you deliver yours. That’s from God. It will be natural for you and it will always be pure. Stop minimizing it and being unappreciative of it. Use it and thank God for it.
These are just a few ways that God has put his power in us. The world will tell you they are small and no big deal but they are not. I challenge you to look for your unique strengths and ways you deliver beauty this weekend.
Bringing It,
Lindsey Nadler
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