It’s Women’s History Month, Sisters. And for many of us, March rolls right on by without a second thought of the significance of these 31 days. To be clear, no one month designation could ever encompass the impact of women biblically, historically, or in our contemporary times.
However, this annual declared month in the U.S. is a simple reminder for each of us to be intentional about nurturing our connection(s) with other women. We get to reflect on the journeys of women across all generations and cultures that have come before us. We get to acknowledge the great women doing small and mighty things right now, and of course, sew biblical wisdom into the next generation so that they too have the courage and confidence to know who they are when the world says otherwise.
Food for Thought
Would you agree that many of us compare ourselves to other women? No? So, it’s just me who has done that? Well, if you have never pondered having someone else’s life or resources… “just keep living.” At some point, we will run into the thief of comparison, and when that moment comes, we will want to know who we are in Christ (Psalms 139:13-14). Otherwise, my Sisters, we will find ourselves trying on everyone else’s style and never our own. Or we will become a thief of our sister’s peace because we can’t bring ourselves to be happy to see her blessed. What’s even more unfortunate is when we begin failing because we are trying to do what they were gifted and graced to do instead of stepping into our own spiritual giftings (Matthew 25:14), and we ultimately find ourselves simply unfulfilled.
It is critical to note that admiring our sister and telling her so by supporting, complementing, modeling her example as she imitates Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2), and advocating for her is not the same as comparing ourselves to her. The evidence of comparison is when we and/or others cannot see Christ in our ways, words, heart posture, or actions (James 3:13-16). The Apostle Paul also tells us:
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others” Philippians 2:2-4.
What can we do?
Be intentional about learning and listening.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance before every encounter with another woman—you never know what she is going through.
Be curious. Ask questions about what we want to know so that our responses can be a blessing rather than a stumbling block. We should not assume that we know what a sister thinks, feels, experiences or what she’s been through.
Be humble enough to put preconceived notions aside and listen to her. History is passed down through learning, and we can’t learn if we don’t ask or share. Respect a sister’s choice not to respond; there is no need to take it personal as we also have a choice to share our own story or not.
Women have been transformational for generations because we have supported one another, collaborated, united for common causes, and loved one another deeply. Putting our differences aside is imperative to creating monumental change. As Daughters of the Most High King, to honor our Father, we must pick up our own crowns that behold beauty and responsibility because if we don’t, our sisters and children who follow behind will lose sight of what it looks like to pick up their own crowns as well.
