Strength & Essence of Woman
I love this print. One reason is because it was a gift from dear friends of mine, chosen by them with thought. (Though I’m not sure which woman they think I am?!)
The other reason is the clever way in which the imagery evokes thoughts of ‘essence’
I look and see praise, celebration, poise, fun, focus, community…..I imagine you will see other things too.
What is the strength and essence of woman?
So what is the strength and essence of woman? In particular I wonder, what is the strength and essence of a woman of God?
Some would say courage, and point to Esther. A beauty queen turned God’s brave envoy in political, spiritual and social crisis
Others may highlight Sarah, and her patient trust in God to fulfil his promises – against the odds and beyond logic
Much of course is said of Mary, not least her willingness to submit to all that God had chosen for her to be in His kingdom.
Today I wonder, what is your and my strength and essence? As a women seeking, serving and following Jesus Christ, what is at your core?
Here are a few verses to consider, all about Mary – from Luke Ch 1 in the Message version of the Bible.
What an incredible God encounter and calling she experienced .
Read her story through and mull it over in your mind. What clues are there about her strength and essence. As she responds to an incredible calling what can we learn from her?
Holy Spirit, lead us into you as we read and consider your word. Amen
In hearing from the Angel that she was chosen to give birth to Jesus, she said this:
‘Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me just as you say…..
I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him. He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts. He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud. The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold. He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high . It’s exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.’
