When I wrote Waiting and Hoping – Part 1, it connected with quite a few women. I discovered that as women (perhaps women of a certain age), we share a common “ailment.” Change, and some resulting internal upheaval has come to us (whether that is in ministry, family, relationships, career…) and we have arrived at a place of questioning: “What now? What next? What can I offer? Is there more for me? When?”
The questions are good – because during this time of waiting-abiding-questioning-hoping, we are becoming attuned to the deeper longings of our hearts.
- We want a life that still has value and purpose.
- We are even more aware of our need for real spiritual transformation.
- We are looking to develop more loving relationship with God and with others.
In the 70’s, Helen Reddy wrote and sang this song, “I am Woman, Hear Me Roar.” The words “I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman” connected with the women of the day who were looking for liberation and validation. As a teenager, I really liked the song. Then, as a young woman and mother, through various occupations and interests, I searched to discover my place and significance in the world. Now, as a more mature, spiritually focused woman, I am looking for a better truth of who I am.
The kind of internal truth that anchors me, and at the same time, allows me to fly.
So, I am starting a list below. I am asking God to search my heart and bring to the surface those spiritual longings and aspirations that are pleasing to Him – the ones that He wants to bless and develop. The ones that will reflect his light and glory into this sometimes dark and confusing world. These are the truths that will direct my focus to what is of real value and worth and guide the path that I am on in this part of my life. These are the truths that empower us, because they are empowered by God.
But I don’t want this just to be my list. I want you to add to this list. I want this to be our list – and our prayer. Perhaps you cannot relate to everything on this list. That’s okay. God loves the woman that you are at this moment and the stirrings in your own heart are unique to you. They are the ones that God listens to.
I am Woman…
I am a woman of faith
- Eager to grow in my understanding and experience of God
- My often selfish heart needs to be softer and more giving towards others
- So aware of my weakness and failures, thus dependent on the grace of a faithful Father who uses my weakness as a vessel of his strength
- Where I have tended to look from eyes of judgement, I see more clearly now with eyes of compassion and mercy
- Despising the accolades of the world as insignificant in comparison to “Well done, good and faithful servant” from the One that matters
I am a woman of Love
- Knowing that what the world really does need more of is love
- Longing to love from a deeper place – moving from duty to devotion – from religion to relationship – from flesh to spirit
- Realizing that my love is imperfect and far from the “all-ness” of heart, soul, mind and strength that Jesus calls me to…
- Embracing the power of love in 1 Corinthians 13 that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things…and love does not fail
- rejecting jealousy and envy, to seek unity
I am a woman of Truth and Light
- Seeker of wisdom that comes from a humble heart bowed before the God of the Universe
- Looking to discover the realities of God’s promises to me
“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Cor. 4:6-7
I am a woman of beauty
- Unique in appearance and talent, but united with others as one bride to the lover of our souls
- Believing that real beauty comes from within: “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” (1 Peter 3:4)
- Rejecting the false values of the world that make us feel inadequate and ‘less than’
I am a Kingdom dweller while being a world sojourner
- Recognizing that all that glitters in the world is not gold, so I am looking for what is of real value
I am a woman in whom the Spirit of God dwells, bearing the fruit of His presence (Galatians 5:22-23)
- And this is where I leave it up to you, dear friends. Help me finish this. Share in the comments section what it means to you to be a woman of peace, or joy, or patience, etc (see scripture above)… not because you have already attained perfection, but because you press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed you. (Phil 3:12 NLT)
- Or, perhaps you have another spiritual longing/aspiration that is on your heart. Please share.
An Encouragement
Are you overwhelmed?
Don’t be.
Because as I offer these longings as a prayer, I hear his gentle voice whispering into my heart. God promises to give me the desires of my heart and right now is a time in my life when He is reaching out to me and He is carefully tending the garden of my heart to encourage these tender fledgling desires to grow – and as they grow, they will find their fulfillment.
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Phil 2:13
A new friend of mine wrote this (link below):
“It’s in being filled with divine grace, we hear the rivers of our soul’s longing, the voice of God’s call, and where we wait for God’s spring to bloom.” (HolyVacationQueen)
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
In my readings God is reminding me that just as ‘In the beginning God created…” He is also Creator of my ‘new beginnings, new identity markers, new transformations, new perspective of my spiritual walk, new discovery of being open to the Holy Spirit’s revelation of being recreated in Christ. Even necessary beginnings.
I love the freshness of this. It makes me think of the new growth of spring – of the fragrance of flowers – the anticipation of growth.
Creator God – I love how you have expressed this. In the beginning God created is true – but he is still Creator and his creative work continues – in us! You have expressed this so well. Thank you, Kay.