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Monday, January 3, 2011

Women are Warriors

Warrior - the image that comes to mind is that of a brilliantly painted Native American, astride a proud horse, headed into battle. Or maybe a knight clad in shiny armor, riding away to slay the threatening dragon. However, strange as it may seem, recently I have recognized within my own heart, and the heart of other women, the heart of a warrior.

With great weariness one night, I complained in prayer about the amount of time in my life that I have spent struggling to improve relationships, attempting to vanquish evil from my home, and fighting uphill battles against impossible odds so that others can know success. It was a moment of selfishness in my prayer time, a moment of weakness, I confess.

God answered me in two ways: the first with a gentle reminder from scripture. Galatians 6:9, "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." In a strange way I felt relief - obviously God knew that we would grow weary doing good and would need encouragement to persevere.

But the second answer was incredible: I saw that women are made to be warriors. God put within us the heart to knit our family together. We have the vision for unity and peace in our home. God has given us the perseverance to hold tight to our family and friends when they need stability. Women are brave. We leave fear and trembling behind to face down the wolves that come into our home and into our children's hearts.

I thought of women that I know, women that have sacrificed much so that their families could be whole. I thought of Biblical examples of women with warrior hearts - Abigail, Esther, Deborah, and Ruth. I realized that God designed us to desire the best for those closest to us. We see them not as they are, but as God intends them to be. This is not the same as wanting to change our mates or children (a recipe for disaster). This is encouraging, strengthening, loving, and supporting our family in a quest for God's heart.

When the nights are long, and my faith is weak, I want to remember that God designed me to be a warrior.

What woman has been a warrior in your life?

2 comments:

rachel4fotoz said...

Liz has been a warrior for me (and for many others) throughout the years. She's been my prayer warrior, my stretcher bearer, my mentor, my counselor, and my friend. God has richly blessed me by placing her in my life.

Anonymous said...

my mom is definitely the warrior in my life!