by Tini Tadeo-Castillo
Many women have defined and measured themselves according to the standards of the world--through accomplishments, possessions, relationships and outer beauty. Many of us have become slaves to the these standards, concerned about how others perceive us rather than how God does. We want strength but search for it in the wrong places. False strength leads to anxiety, stress and worry.
A married woman who is strong is not strong-willed but has a strength that is flexible, willing to yield, bend and surrender to the authority of her husband when necessary. A mother with this kind of strength is concerned about her children but is not freaked out because she grounds them in His Word and is therefore certain that their lives are secure and wrapped in God's love and control. A strong single woman is not pressured by time nor people because she knows that God has grand and awesome plans for her future. All such strength comes from the Lord and not from herself. This strength does not fear losing control because it is empowered by the Lord. And because such power is from God, she can laugh in the here and now and smile assured of the days to come, looking forward to the future with sheer joy.
Many women have defined and measured themselves according to the standards of the world--through accomplishments, possessions, relationships and outer beauty. Many of us have become slaves to the these standards, concerned about how others perceive us rather than how God does. We want strength but search for it in the wrong places. False strength leads to anxiety, stress and worry.
A married woman who is strong is not strong-willed but has a strength that is flexible, willing to yield, bend and surrender to the authority of her husband when necessary. A mother with this kind of strength is concerned about her children but is not freaked out because she grounds them in His Word and is therefore certain that their lives are secure and wrapped in God's love and control. A strong single woman is not pressured by time nor people because she knows that God has grand and awesome plans for her future. All such strength comes from the Lord and not from herself. This strength does not fear losing control because it is empowered by the Lord. And because such power is from God, she can laugh in the here and now and smile assured of the days to come, looking forward to the future with sheer joy.