Women

When I think of the life of Jesus, I think of how much he loved others first and cared for others in all circumstances. He loved us so much that He died a brutally painful death on the cross for us (John 3:16). So, the thought of loving myself seems to go against the Christian way of living, right?

So I came into college with as many questions as I had in high school, really asking, you know, where do I fit in? How do I belong? How do I get guys' attention? How do I make other people love me and want me and accept me ... a lot of questions that I feel like a lot of us wrestle with because we all want to be loved. We all want to be known. We all want to feel like we belong

The most vital step of all in discovering and embracing your voice is partnering with the Lord. Ultimately using your voice should glorify Him who graciously gave you that voice, but there must be a connection to understand how and when, and in what context it is to be used.

We have chaotic thought lives. These thoughts often lead to wild emotions, true? Emotions that tell us how to behave. Those behaviors dramatically affect our relationships, continuing that downward spiral we looked at previously. ... Yet we walk around acting as if we have no power over what we allow into our minds.

While each of us may fall into different seasons, we must strive to focus on where God has our family and where He is making provisions in making our homes a safe refuge.

The woman caught in adultery should not be condemned throughout all time with a mistaken identity just because she is a woman used as a trap set for Jesus. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared (John 8:11).

The enemy wants to see us pull away and stop using our gifts to serve the church. Having a limit in place is one way to guard against that while we rest.

We speak the name of Jesus over the situation and trust Him to intercede on our behalf. And we know that whatever the Spirit prays, it is in accordance with the will of God. There is great comfort in this!

The affliction of gender confusion or dysphoria may not be outwardly visible. But overwhelmingly, the women and girls who suffer from it feel every bit as alienated—not only from others but also from themselves. Were Jesus walking among us today, I can’t help but wonder how He would respond to the lonely little girl who feels like she doesn’t fit or to the broken woman trying to heal herself of a soul-deep wound. He would be as He always has been—infinitely kind, tender-hearted, patient, understanding, and deeply moved by her pain. 

It’s essential to not only ask for help but receive the help with appreciation, gladness, and gratitude. 

Sometimes we’re made to feel guilty for recognizing our personal value. It’s deemed a sign of conceit and considered almost evil by some religious leaders who caution against pride. But loving ourselves leads to loving others.

We must resist the pressures of societal beauty standards and find our validation in God's unconditional love. 

Every person has value and deserves your kindness and consideration. When it comes to our closest friendships, we do need to be careful. We want to be sure that we are choosing those who will help us live by the fruits of the spirit. They should inspire joy and kindness in us. Encourage us when we get discouraged. They should show up when we are in need.

Our well-being affects our ability to love and serve others, and by prioritizing our wellness, we become vessels through which God's love and grace can flow to those around us.

When your marriage goes through seasons of hardship or drought, it’s even more important to have a close circle of friends near you in your marriage. And not just any friends, but Christian friends that can encourage you with biblical encouragement full of wisdom and not worldly advice. Jesus, again, is our greatest example that while he loved everyone he met, unbelievers and sinners alike, he spent most of his time with the three disciples closest to him, Peter, James, and John.

Small group Bible studies allow women to grow in community with accountability. It also provides a support system for believers to be vulnerable and honest in the midst of living out what it means to be a Christian.

I want you to take a good, hard look at yourself.  But instead of feeling dissatisfied with what’s looking back at you in the mirror, lovingly accept how God created you.

Eating clean without making food an idol is not an impossible concept. While it might be difficult for many individuals, there are things you can do that can prevent you from making food an idol as you are trying to eat clean.

I'm so grateful I was forced to ask for help a decade ago. And whenever help is offered, to this day, I respond with a resounding, "Yes, please." Accepting help has changed me forever.