Thursday, January 22, 2009

It's Tough Being a Woman in a Mean World!

Last night I joined a woman's bible study on the book of Esther written by Beth Moore. There really are no other words to describe this study other than absolutely AMAZING! The entire study is geared towards women and how it's tough to be a woman. Here are just 2 of the most common toughest things about being a woman, as stated by various women around the world... (1) Being too much and not enough at the same time. We are always trying to be something instead of just being who we are. (2) Living among and comparing ourselves to other women. Trying to live up to someone else can create hostility and jealousy in a relationship. As women we should be working together and not fighting with each other. It is because of our own insecurity that we do this and we have to stop! ... It's a 9 week study and I thought I would turn it into a bit of a ministry by sharing my thoughts and what God is teaching me with you. Maybe it will transform your life. Beth Moore is a wonderful writer and an even more incredible speaker. I hope for you women out there it makes you think about your place in this world, just how valuable you really are, and how we can work together & stop being mean to one another!

So, the title, "It's Tough Being a Woman in a Mean World!" Beth Moore really challenged us to think about meanness and the things girls do to each other. She said that meanness perceives a threat - meaning that as girls, we measure ourselves up to someone who we perceive as a threat; someone messing with our territory. But God says in 2 Corinthians 10:12, "We do not dare classify or compare ourselves with some who comment themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." Why then do we do this? God plainly states here to be confident in who you are in Christ. He made us just the way we are, why do we spend so much time comparing ourselves to one another?

Beth also states that meanness catches like a virus. It can be passed down from generation to generation or person to person. When someone is mean to us, that strikes up the meanness in our own hearts. No matter how pure of heart we think we may be, each and every one of us has a mean girl within us. I loved her quote, "Coming in contact with a mean girl will bring out your own mean girl." I don't know about you, but I think that is so true! Thankfully though, meanness is curable! Romans 12:17-21 states, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome with good." Basically, God is saying that he will take care of it all. We don't need to be mean back for we have the love of Christ within us. Just as the old saying goes, "Kill them with kindness!"

Beth ended with a few descriptions about mean girls that I thought were pretty funny and true. Let me know if you agree. Mean girls will let you hang out with them if it's about THEM! Mean girls never take responsibility for their own actions. And, the funniest one of all... Mean girls dress provocatively around other women's men! Beth says to cover up the places that are meant for YOUR husband. :) She is so straight forward and blunt, I love it! I am really excited about this study and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. So, if you've got a mean girl in you, find out why. Identify the threat and ask God to help you overcome it. Remember Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."

Until next time... Much love to you all!

3 comments:

The Welch Family said...

Thanks so much Danielle. I was wanting to do this study, but we are here in Memphis. What a fun way to be in the loop! Thanks
Celeste

mama to many said...

AMEN SISTA!

Caleb & Emily said...

Thanks for posting...sounds so awesome! Great to see you for s'mores last week. xoxoxo, Em