Woman Enough

 

Minister, Wife, Teacher, Friend, Songwriter, Christian, Mother, Worship Leader, Director of Worship Arts, CEO, Mentor, Project Director, Evangelist, Christian Artist, etc... These are some of the many titles that I possess.   Out of all of the titles in life that people use to address me the one that seems to be overlooked, yet so vividly present is WOMAN. Before I could do any of the things people associate with my identity, I was created a woman uniquely bearing the image of God. However, for this to be such an intimate part of my identity it is often overlooked, taken advantage of, or even belittled and the saddest part is that these actions happen within the Christian community. 

 

It often amazes me that I can say something profound and within moments a male counterpart can share the same thing and voila -the light bulb appears and we have just witnessed a brilliant idea. Lately, I started to wonder how many women, especially women of color, may feel this way. More specifically, those who work in ministry. It saddens me that in the 21st Century women’s voices still aren’t as valued as their male counterparts. Now, let’s be clear, this is not a male bashing article, or even an attempt, to try and prove that women are better than men in any way. What I am aiming to share is an encouraging word to women who are in ministry, that you are enough. Also, to help others understand that women have been and always will be a tremendous asset to the kingdom of God and the world. 

 

 

In a world where images are shaped by popular culture and our God-given femininity is overlooked and misunderstood, I want to take the time to encourage women that are working within systems and structures that do not fully value who they are. I want you to know that I see you and I stand in solidarity with you. I want to encourage you to be confident in the fact that you don’t have to be like anyone else in order to get the job done. You don’t have to lead like men to lead well. You have great abilities that are unique and I choose to celebrate those today. 

I celebrate resilient women.  I see you who fight through severe circumstances with grace, skill, and the ability to be “flawless,” while doing it. I have witnessed women fight for equality, fight for justice, fight for their families, fight for many notable causes; not only being strong for themselves but finding innovative ways to share that strength with others. I see you and I am proud of you! 

 

I’ve observed amongst women the ability to see beyond what is presented and cultivate things that cannot be seen. I have seen us struggle yet thrive in supporting visionaries who know what they want but have no clue on how to accomplish it. The ability to bring life into this world by supporting a project, pushing people into purpose, or even physically giving birth is a gift. I have witnessed women bring forth offspring with such strength that it amazes me. Proverbs 14: 1 says, “A wise woman builds her house, and a foolish woman with her own hands tears it down.”(NLT) I am thankful for the many women that accomplish this in their own homes as well as in the house of the Lord. 

 

I celebrate the women in my life and yours that are strong in prayer.

I celebrate the women in my life and yours that are strong in prayer. Their consistency in prayer as women of faith has blessed many that have come into contact with them. I have recognized and engaged in prayers of healing, deliverance, comfort, and warfare. I have noticed that women have a gentle ability to hear and discern God’s heart for His people and release that through prayer. Praying, His will for those that will receive. I’ve found that there is nothing like a praying woman. 

 

With that said, sisters in the Lord, continue to love, continue to nurture, continue in resilence and boldness, continue your work, continue to fight for justice and to confront evil workers of iniquity. And, just in case no one has told you in a while, I want your to know you are seen by others and loved by God. You are woman enough! 

 

Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash