Every person we pass every day, whether on the street or in the subway, in the checkout line or carpool line, possesses an incredible story, often mixed with beauty and pain. I see you, sister. Some days, it can be as simple as that.
Women who clearly feel good in their own skin have a light that shines from within.
In addition to trainers and buddies, we have an additional support system on which I have relied, Jesus Christ. When the changes we make are anchored in the will of God and when our love for God becomes the driving force in our lives, we discover the ultimate trainer is with us, cheering us on.
While it’s true that peace, joy, and love are gifts that God loves to give His children, He never promises that our lives will be problem-free.
Joy isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness is totally dependent on external circumstances. If things go well, we are happy. If things don’t go well, those happy feelings end. Joy comes from something deeper and more significant. It is not dependent on circumstances, but is a consistent, unsinkable response to what Christ has done for us, instead of what is currently happening to us.
The truth in God’s Word isn’t always easy to digest. It doesn’t always feel good to live like He’s called us to live. Sometimes we feel beat up and bruised as we seek to swim upstream against the culture and live out His plan, but He stretches us in ways that are ultimately for our good.
If it’s not nice, don’t say it! You’ll be sparing the listener and yourself the embarrassment of saying something offensive or hurtful.
We control how we behave and how we think, and that’s about it! Yes, we can handle those things to the best of our ability. Anything outside of that? Let it go.
It’s not about instant gratification; it’s about long-term success that offers a life of freedom from strongholds that have gripped us for years.
An empowered woman believes she can do anything because her own strength, courage, boldness, and drive are enough. An in-powered woman believes she can do anything because God is enough.
Being ambitious women means we are hardworking women, willing to go and serve and sacrifice to turn big dreams into reality. Holy ambition, to me, is the face of kindness at work.
Faith is like a muscle. It atrophies if you don’t exercise it. Will you be in circumstances that test what you’re made of? Of course! Will it change you? Absolutely.
Breathing helps me quiet the other voices so I can hear God speaking peace and assurance.
I don’t try to fight how I feel, because emotions aren’t right or wrong; they are value neutral. It’s how we behave that is right or wrong.
We don’t have to only be friends with like-minded people. We simply need to be kind to all people regardless of whether we agree with them. We’re all made in the image of God – no exceptions. And Jesus was kind to all – no exceptions. Who are we to think we can act differently?
Today tolerance has replaced good manners as the ultimate value to be taught and practiced. There’s a cultural mandate in America that we will tolerate any and all belief systems and modes of behavior. But have you ever thought about that word tolerate? It’s a pretty low bar to clear. I can tolerate the sound of fingernails scraping the chalkboard, but it doesn’t mean I like it or respect it.
I believe that true classiness comes from the heart, in the form of kindness. Because no matter what you’re wearing, what you’re driving, where you’re staying, or how much cash you have in the bank, kindness never goes out of style, and it makes all the difference in the world.
Can you imagine what the world would look like if more of us resolved to live as kind, classy, confident women instead of women “empowered” by the idea that the world owes us something?
Starting a diet or buying a new shade of lipstick won’t put you on a path to freedom. It might make you feel good on the outside, which is a natural part of your womanhood, but the change must begin with the transformation by the Spirit – the renewing of our minds.
I’d like to encourage Christian women to be whatever you want to be and to do so with your ultimate purpose of glorifying God in mind. Wherever you go, just know God will be there too! He has put ambition in your heart for a reason.