Girlfriends, this was meant to be a short post. Sort of like the type of conversation you have with your teenager when you have three or four minutes of attention to change the course of their life (okay, their day). As it turns out, each section is short and sweet; likened to the teenage conversation. But the whole post turned out to be long.
In an effort not to clog up your brain or your day, this post is split in two. Today’s post shares 5 Things Strong Women Don’t Believe. Next week will share 5 Things Strong Women Don’t Do.
This two part series isn’t about self care, although I love the topic of caring for your body, mind and soul. Think of this as good medicine. It’s a check up for where you are at with your beliefs about yourself and how you may be limiting yourself as a woman of God.
If you get stuck on a statement, reach out to a friend to discuss. Google verses on God’s truth in that area. Take a small step towards growth. Remember, small steps are worthy and honorable.
If you find that you “scored” well in all areas, give it a day or two and revisit the list.
I find that we sometimes don’t acknowledge a growth area because we need new eyes to see first. This recently happened to me when it came to some cantankerous thoughts I was having. Who knew that it was time for a check up in the area of comparison? (That topic is in part two of this post).
I am going to begin and end with Joshua 1:9.
God’s withness will give you everything you need to be a strong, faithful woman of God.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
1. I am Not A Leader
You may not see yourself as a leader. There are hundreds of reasons why you may not. The culture you were raised in. Your religious upbringing. The limiting label someone of authority placed on you. Maybe you just feel like the space you can fill is predetermined or your voice is stuck in a sound proof room.
Let’s look face to face, eye to eye, and speak truth to one another.
By design, you are an Ezer. Yes, this is the Hebrew word that God chose when He created the first woman in Genesis 2:18.
The Hebrew definition of Ezer is to rescue, to save and to be strong. Ezer is a warrior who has the capacity to defend, protect, surround and cherish. She is both proactive and vulnerable.
There is no doubt in my mind that you can relate to one or more of these words. You have probably lived out most of these words in your lifetime thus far.
You were created to be a leader and you are leading well now. Think of yourself as a leader.
Allow your intended design of Ezer and the multitude of women who have gone before you to help you redefine yourself as a woman and lead in the way God is whispering you to lead.
2. I am Disqualified in Some Way
Do you believe you are ineligible for a role or activity because of a past mistake or failure? Or maybe you’ve ruled something out because of your race, gender, education, status or wealth?
Some of the answers to these questions are hard. Personally, I feel shame about my shortcomings; especially when the circumstance, past mistake or characteristic is beyond my control.
How do we recover from disqualifying ourselves?
Christine Caine talks about her birth mom giving her up without even a name. The hospital assigned her a number. When she learned her story for the first time, she shares that she felt unknown, unnamed and unwanted.
Disqualification results in the same feelings about ourselves.
Christine goes on to say that she had a choice to remain unknown, unnamed and unwanted or believe what God says about her.
When there is a fight between your heart and your head, experience has taught me that the best thing to do is pick up your Bible and remind yourself of what God says. – Christine Caine
Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called you by name. You’re mine. When you are in over your head, I will be with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re in a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end . . . I paid a huge price for you . . . That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell the whole world to get you back, trade creation just for you.
Isaiah 43: 1-6
There is no doubt in my mind that, when we rule ourselves out before the journey ever begins, we are shutting the door to redemption, love, healing and adventure.
3. I am Too Busy to Impact My World
Many of you have described the last six months with words like:
Flexibility. Healing. Less control. Togetherness. Simplify. Cohesive. Thankful. Healthy.
Slow down was mandated. Busy will return with a vengeance.
Now that you can see with new eyes the outcome of slowing down, there is no excuse for Too Busy.
Even with the roles, demands and responsibilities of family, work, home, community and church, you now know the value of staying still. As busy returns, cling to quiet, still hours. This is the time and space where God exponentially speaks life into you. This is the supernatural power that leads you to impact your world for good.
4. My Weaknesses Define Me
When it comes to weaknesses, my oldest tells me, “God can do something with nothing.”
Ann Voskamp says, “What you always need most is need.”
“Weakness is God’s opportunity to do a new thing,” says me.
Practically speaking, weakness is your opportunity for growth. There is a lot to be said about taking steps to grow in your weak areas. Some of your greatest moments or memories may be the intersection point of growth and the supernatural power of God working in your weakness. Your weakness is just one part of your journey. Let’s not negatively amplify what God intends to masterfully use for your glory, His glory and for the glory of others.
5. I am Not Good Enough
Do you believe you are unsuitable because there is just something about you that’s not good enough?
Not good enough permeates our perspective, literally, on everything. It’s like a distorting lens we see life through. It also falls on the list of things we don’t like to talk about or admit out loud. Ugh.
For me, the more challenging life becomes, the more I am sure I am not good enough to achieve it, accomplish it or do it well.
Frankly, we will remain stuck if we continue to move in the space where it is up to us.
We can’t do this life without help from others or the Holy Spirit. Some of us are really good at some things, but none of us arrive without help and practice.
Whatever you are sure you are not good enough for, create a reasonable plan to try it out. Whether it’s a skill or job or new friendship or relationship, get advise from an expert. Remain humble. Grab a friend if you can. Try and fail and try again. That’s the model. You are good enough.
I leave you with where we began. Tune in next week for Part Two: Five Things Strong Women Don’t Do.
God’s withness will give you everything you need to be a strong, faithful woman of God.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
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