Read, Think, Grow: A Woman of Influence
January 24, 2011 | Books, Faith: Knowing Christ, Feelings: Intentional freedom
In A Woman of Influence, one of author and speaker Carol Kent’s classic books, she says that to become a woman of influence, that you spend time alone with God, that you walk and talk with people, that you show compassion, and practice unconditional love.
But it is this point that captured my attention. To become a woman of influence, you:
- Cast the vision of what Jesus can do through the life of a woman who is willing to believe the potential she has through Him.
What does that look like?
To become a woman of influence we start seeing people the way Jesus first saw us. This is so different than the way others see us, so different than the way we see ourselves.
Years ago I prayed for a heart to see humanity the way Jesus did. I was working with teens then, and I remember sitting beside a young guy in a service. He was tough on the exterior. Dark hair. Dark clothes. Bruised. Scarred. As we sat and prayed, I saw the scars marching up and down on his arm. Scars from needles. Scars from self injury. When I placed my hands on his scars, he began to weep. Those scars meant he had tried on his own to battle his demons, but was losing the battle. And yet my God, His God, could heal him to the marrow of his soul.
What was the potential of this young man in the hands of Jehovah Rapha, the Lord that healeth thee?
I am not big enough to fix addiction. Never will be, but as we prayed together, what a privilege to cast the vision of who Jesus is, and what this young man meant to Him, according to scripture.
There are obvious wounds that all can see, but God sees the heart of every person, but do we? There is potential in every person, but do we only see the obvious and miss what lies inside, waiting to emerge?
It’s key to remember we can’t fix anyone, nor are most people looking to be “fixed”. God alone sees the true potential.
Our role is to ask God to change us, to see the good and the potential in others as we pray, as we share our story, and as we believe in the power of a God who still transforms.
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Thanks for the reminder today! Truly seeing others the way Jesus does changes everything … but how easy it is to view others through our eyes, especially those that hurt or annoy us!
January 24th, 2011 at 10:53 amWhat a great reminder. Thank You, LORD.
January 24th, 2011 at 12:07 pmWow! I have been struggling with some activities that my daughter is choosing to pursue that are ungodly. I haven’t been able to get past seeing only “those things” and not who she really is. The key about remembering that I can’t fix her is crucial to my not holding bitterness and unforgiveness toward her has been helpful. God alone sees what is going on inside of her head and heart and what ways He is working. I had even lost faith that she could change. It has been a struggle for me spiritually. I know unforgiveness and bitterness can cause a person to rot away and I DO NOT want to be one who does so. Thank you for the insight and helpful words.
January 24th, 2011 at 12:09 pmYour personal email to a previous comment of mine meant the world to me. Thank you for your ear and advice.
I awarded you a Versatile Blog award on my blog. I imagine you are too busy for that sort of thing, but I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your blog!
http://insaneinthemombrain-zekesmom10.blogspot.com/2011/01/versatile-blogger-award.html
January 24th, 2011 at 7:04 pmI found you through Proverbs 31… I’m so glad I stopped by. What a blessing your site is!
Thank you for this great post an the reminder. I volunteer with a ministry called Courage To Be You and I have the opprtunity to work with other volunteers, helping them to find places to serve. I needed to read this today; I want to encourage others by always seeing them through the eyes of Jesus and help them see their own potential.
I want to look at my kids and husband that way too, and instead of asking God to change things in them, ask Him to change me…
January 25th, 2011 at 8:20 pm