I have to ask why we keep honoring STRONG women? Yes, it sounds good but there is a serious cost in choosing strength over acknowledging the cost and the pain. That means we mask it, don't deal with it, and carry it when we need healing and a break from whatever we're being strong about! We continue at the expense of our health - mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Oh, and the opposite of strong is not weak! It's surrendered to God so He can carry what we can't and shouldn't. It's a realization that we don't have to try to reach an unrealistic and unsustainable standard set by man, not God. We don't have to take on what we truly can't and shouldn't carry, what beats us down and tires us out.
Ultimately, it's embracing who we are in Christ and focusing on pleasing an audience of One, our Abba Father that shows real strength. Being strong in the world's eyes should not be a goal we seek. Being strong and empowered by Jesus is all we need.
Being identified as a strong woman is a title I've laid down and don't want or aspire to. Instead, this is where I'm parked:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
(Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)
Will you join me there?
Our strength will always be found in Christ. Seeking it anywhere else will deplete us. Instead allow Jesus to strengthen and empower you. His strength never loses its power and is always available to us.
"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]." (Philippians 4:13 AMPC)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated From the Vault of LWM)
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