i’m re-sharing my part in allison’s my story is beautiful series today.
i wanted it to have a place in my archives too – because i really believe the Lord broke down some walls in the process of me writing it.
so here is a little moment of transparency (not uncommon around here) from me to you.
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Be gentle, be soft
spoken, be feminine.
These are things I have heard over, and over, and over again through southern
culture, the media, books, and even Christian literature. That as a woman I am
to strive to be this perfect, humble, self-sacrificing, and kind individual –
which is fair and has a lot of weighted truth to it. We, as women, are called
to reflect the love and nurturing of Christ – to represent the beauty that He
is, the gentleness and compassion that He reflects…but not every woman is gentle.
spoken, be feminine.
These are things I have heard over, and over, and over again through southern
culture, the media, books, and even Christian literature. That as a woman I am
to strive to be this perfect, humble, self-sacrificing, and kind individual –
which is fair and has a lot of weighted truth to it. We, as women, are called
to reflect the love and nurturing of Christ – to represent the beauty that He
is, the gentleness and compassion that He reflects…but not every woman is gentle.
I’ve struggled with this for years – with this feeling like I’m not woman enough.
I don’t always moon over babies.
I’m not always empathetic to the struggles of others.
and I am most definitely NOT gentle.
I am brash, witty, out-spoken, demanding, and a go-getter.
I tell it like it is, sometimes far too harshly than I should (a consistent
character trait I’m working on).
I like dresses and putting on makeup – I also like throwing solid left hooks,
climbing trees, and getting dirty.
I sob during a walk to remember and get amped watching ROCKY movies.
I can make a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies and tie my wrists for boxing
faster than most.
I cry over being rejected.
and I have no problem telling a man to step up and BE a man.
I tell it like it is, sometimes far too harshly than I should (a consistent
character trait I’m working on).
I like dresses and putting on makeup – I also like throwing solid left hooks,
climbing trees, and getting dirty.
I sob during a walk to remember and get amped watching ROCKY movies.
I can make a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies and tie my wrists for boxing
faster than most.
I cry over being rejected.
and I have no problem telling a man to step up and BE a man.
I’m a different breed.
I’m not the average woman.
But truthfully – there is no average.
There is no normal.
No perfect.
No right way to be.
YES – God does give us some direction and encouragement on how to live a
beautiful, fulfilling life as a woman and I strive to be that daily; but He
also uniquely wires us with different characteristics.
So, through all of these years of struggling I have come to
a conclusion:
be who God has created you to be.
Keep seeking refinement and walk through the scriptures and be open for change
(because God is always prompting change and growth in our lives).
But never be someone you weren’t created to be.
Embrace the Lord.
& embrace the characteristics He has
given you.
a conclusion:
be who God has created you to be.
Keep seeking refinement and walk through the scriptures and be open for change
(because God is always prompting change and growth in our lives).
But never be someone you weren’t created to be.
Embrace the Lord.
& embrace the characteristics He has
given you.
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and because i know i’ll get questions 😉
hat | target (similar)
necklace | fedeli
shirt | thrifted
