This post could have easily been titled A Tale of Two Women. For those of you just joining us today, welcome. For those returning - welcome back! 😊
I am sure you have all experienced a woman like this - almost unconsciously, they spill out their words, their posture, their energy, their very essence - in an unhealthy grab for validation. If you have a story to share, theirs has to be better. They tend to takeover the bulk of the conversation with you, and especially in a group. They own the energy in the room because they have drained it from most everyone. They can monologue for the better part of an hours' conversation...on almost one breath. They talk down others while they talk themselves up...all because, they don't know who they are. Or whose they are. A child, not just of their parents, but of their Creator. They are most definitely not comfortable...in their own skin.
In contrast, you may find yourself in proximity of another kind of woman - a SHE who knows who HE is, and that SHE is HIS. She can walk into a room, ease her way into conversation by taking a genuine interest in the woman or women in front of her. She is generous with her words toward others, and her time with others as well. She will commonly steer the dialogue away from herself until more directly asked for her story or opinion, and yet, opens up with an ease and humility of spirit when called upon. She is a woman that does not aim for the spotlight, but aims for your heart with small doses of grace. SHE...IS...comfortable in her own skin, cuz, while admittedly imperfect, SHE knows she is perfectly loved, and shares that love with you and others.
It is a study in contrasts to be sure. One hungers for attention, and one happily gives it away. One has to stay late at the party, while one can go home early and not miss a beat. SHE can prop her legs up on an ottoman (or a car dashboard) and in quiet and contentment take her sip of coffee and drink of the presence of the Lord. While the other goes home exhausted of soul, and struggles for sleep.
To be perfectly candid, I am sure I have been both of these women. Who hasn't struggled with the tension between desperate grabs for attention, and wanting to give that attention away? We are all human. All imperfect. Yet, we ARE perfectly loved. And to the extent that we rest in that perfect love, determines our ability to rest - to be at peace, with ourselves.
Do you struggle with this? HAVE you struggled with this? Whether it be with men or women, if we are honest, I think we have all desired the spotlight in some way, shape or form.
At the end of the day, the thing we have to ask ourselves, is what kind of SHE do we want to be? God - your creator, has plenty to say about this. For now, I'll just draw out a few passages.
A woman who fears reveres the Lord will be praised. - Proverbs 31:30
Did you catch that? "Will be praised."
Interesting. And additionally...
(Humility)...is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. - Proverbs 22:4
Let's keep going.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. - Philippians 2:3
Next...
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. - Matthew 23:12
And finally...
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. - 1 Peter 3:3-4
These are just a few selections - I could go on, but I think we all get the point. If we want what we want, this is the path. If we want to get comfortable in our own skin, we have to know WHO provided it for us and made it fit for us.
In order for you to TRULY do you - the REAL you - you have to do humility.
In order for me to truly BE me...I have to be reverent...toward the one who knows me better than I know myself.
In order for us to LOVE ourselves...and love others more perfectly, we HAVE to know the source of all love, to be able to draw from that perfect well. There is a tale of two women dear friends...which SHE will YOU be?
Let SHE...be YOU...and may YOU flourish!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PS - Feel free to leave a comment in our comment section. I look forward to connecting with you!
Comments