Journal entry from January 7, 2009... I was blogging back then :). The topic is always relevant so I wanted to share it.
Today, during my quiet time, I am guided to the section of Inner Power in my Checklist for Life for Women by the Thomas Nelson Publishers. I know many women who are really struggling with their situation in life right now. You can probably even add me to that list. I feel I am doing the best that I can with all that I am battling with my health situation (you can refer to my other Facebook notes if you are lost).
Whether you are having relationship, finance, self-esteem, work, school, spiritual, family, or health issues, I want to remind you of your inner strength. We are STRONG in God’s strength and WEAK when we try to do everything in our own strength. We can't do it ALONE! As a human being, you will face weakness. It is only natural to want to give into the flesh, but we have to STAY STRONG in the spirit.
Isn’t it awesome to know that God accepts us for the weak and strong human being we are!? Finding your strength in God is beyond strengthening your mind and keeping physically fit, it is a combination of giving God all of your mind, body, and soul. You can work at it with some quiet time with God at least 30 minutes a day. You can exercise 30 minutes a day, watch an hour long TV show, attend a 2-hour movie or athletic event, be on social media for hours, play Wii and video games…so why not spend 30 minutes with God? You can read your Bible, pray, meditate, listen to praise and worship or sermons, or write. It will change your life and keep you sane! I try and switch it up everyday. It helps stimulate my creativity. ;)
Back to my original thought, I know as a woman I can speak for myself and say that I think we all try to save the world. It is built in us to be caretakers. Here we come trying to tackle every problem with our Wonder Woman or Superwoman cape on. LOL! You are not alone! I tried to do it, too! I had to be hospitalized two times to get what God was trying to tell me all these years. I blog about my life experiences, because I don't want you to learn this lesson the way I did.
Why is it that we take care of everyone else except ourselves? Many times, we feel if we pamper ourselves that we are being selfish. It really isn’t…it just means you love yourself enough to reenergize and replenish. Don't forget that the best type of investment is the one in yourself! You have to be good to yourself in order to be good for others. I learned a few years back that if I didn’t take care of myself than I wouldn’t be around to help others. What do you do to recharge your batteries? My challenge to you is to find at least 3 things a month. I would like to say 3 things a week, but I will start with small realistic goals.
Our health suffers and we are stressed all the time, because we are trying to take care of or save everyone in our family and friend circle. We have to give up that control. We have to give it God. There isn’t a better place you can leave it than in God’s hands. Guess what? As much as you beat yourself up, you will not be able to save the whole world or your entire family. You can pray about it and God will handle it. Everything will work out according to God’s plan. The only person who saved everyone was Jesus. Here is a little secret...you don't come close to being Him so don't try :)!
I am reminded in the Checklist for Life for Women that God doesn’t need women who are doormats nor dominators nor intimidators. There is a quiet strength you gain from knowing who you are in God. It comes from your character, wisdom, and purpose. Margaret Thatcher said, “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people, you aren’t.”
How can you be a woman of strength and power? You can work on your physical strength and fitness by honoring your body and taking care of it. You can stand up for your moral and values during times of adversity and honor your heart. You can share your gifts and talents with the world and honor your relationship with God.
“Because of an emphasis on strong men, we sometimes overlook the mighty women in the Bible, but they are there: Priscilla, Phoebe, and Sarah. Or Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Esther, and Abigail. These were not quiet retiring ladies who never let their thoughts be known. They did not wait to respond to action; they created the action.” –Barbara Cook
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness: nothing so gentle as strength.” -Saint Francis de Sales
Things to Remember from the Bible:
She grinds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. –Proverbs 31:17
The Lord said, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. –Ephesians 6:10
Less is more and more is less. One righteous will outclass fifty wicked, for the wicked are moral weaklings but the righteous are God-strong. –Psalm 37:16-17
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. –Philippians 4:13
As your days, so shall your strength be. –Deuteronomy 33:5
Endurance develops strength of character in us. –Romans 5:4
God Bless You!
“Cherish Every Moment and Leave This World Better Than You Found It!”
Your Certified Life Coach & Inspirational Speaker,
Evelina Solis
President & Founder, Sol2Soul
MySol2Soul.com
Evelina@MySol2Soul.com
