It's Tough being a women - Scenario #2

 Scenario #2  It's tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment. 

Ester spent almost 4 years being 'prepared' for her King.  6 months of this treatment and  6 months of that. 

While this took place, what was Mordecai doing?  I can see him walking past the gate or place where the young girls  were being 'walked' and as he saw his cousin, I am positive he prayed for her and spoke to her when he could. 

One of the key concepts that Beth Moore states within this week's work is:  

You can't amputate your history from your destiny.  

What a profound statement. 

Everything is our past can be forgiven and 'washed clean' in the eyes of Our Lord, and yet....we can't run from it. 

Part of my past -- part of the past for most women --- is their self image. 

 Perhaps on the way left ---- If they were raised by a mother and father that fostered a strong self - image, those women are  probably pretty self- assured and confident. 

 Perhaps on the way right ----If they were raised by a mother and father too busy to notice much and they themselves were hurting, then probably those women are very damaged, hurt, or even walking around today with a self-image that is worth nothing. 

That is the perspective -- from one side to the other -- and where you fall, maybe be somewhere in the middle or far left or far right of that line. 

However, no matter what 'life' was spoken into you or not --  God has created you in HIS image and HE does not make junk. 

Finding our identity in Christ  and knowing that we are blessed, accepted, adopted, chosen, forgiven, and redeemed is one of the MOST liberating revelations  --- and it should be a goal for every woman.  

I know that as I raised my daughter, there were actions and behaviors that I know I wanted to foster.  And there was the 'stuff' that my parents did-- that I was NOT going to repeat and yet.... in some of those quiet moments, I found myself saying...."oh my goodness, I have become my parents!".  



This does not only go for 'women'....when I think of my children, I think of my son as well.  And I think of the students that walk into my room every morning - believing that God has given me these children for HIS purpose!

Back in the day of Ester, Beauty was something you DID.   Has that changed too much? 

Back in the day of Ester, Mordecai spoke into his cousin that he was given charge of.  Has that changed too much? 

Whom do you speak life into? 

Beth reminded us of three verses she has posted near her quiet time table.  She stated she does not have to read them daily, but some days she does.  She may read them every few days, but then may be able to just glance at them for a reminder...either way ---

When she shared this story, it struck hard.  When I did this study 6 years ago,  it gave me such a release to believe that - 'EVEN she, a famous bible scholar and woman of God had insecurities'.  Therefore she wrote a book and did a study, "So Long Insecurity, YOU have been a bad friend to me".  I highly recommend this book if there is any hint of insecurity.  As I said, knowing my identity in Christ is life changing. 


What are those verses?   Here:  

Song of Soloman 7.6

⁶ How beautiful and pleasant you are,
    O loved one, with all your delights!^[a]

 Coll 2.10  ¹⁰ And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

And Psalm 90.17 ⁷ And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

So....  if you are reading this tonight, and the Holy Spirit is comforting you with these words and yet, you know -- that you don't understand your identity in Christ....

Then I highly suggest Beth Moore's book, and seek a mentor to help you see and understand that YOU can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.  Beauty may still be a treatment that we 'do'...but true beauty is from within.  

True beauty is walking with God, as when that happens -- the fruits of the spirit are evident.  

If you are allowing your destiny  to be amputated your history  -- I encourage you again to seek a mentor and begin to pray to  re attach that amputated part!!  

And if by chance you don't believe you are beautiful, get 3 index cards and WRITE those verses down that Beth Moore has on her quiet time table.  And then memorize them and recite them daily -- until you believe it.  

amen