Click here to play today’s new podcast episode
“And coming in, he said to her, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’”
Luke 1:28
Mary inspired me throughout my adult life. A woman, living faithfully in a tiny, obscure village, inside the walls of her own home, unnoticed by others found favor with God. Before the angel came to her, she had already practiced faith in her mundane moments of life. She engaged her thoughts in the words of God as shown through the magnificat, her pronouncement when she saw Elizabeth. She had already devoted herself to God as a servant. (“Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.”)
It is not from a place of worldly influence, or accomplishment that a godly woman caught the attention of God, but from an authentic place of humble worship of her creator, a place of serving faithfully in the normal moments of life. God saw a heart willing to love, follow, respond to Him.
It is not our works that will impress our Heavenly Father, but a heart that seeks Him. We will never be perfect in our works, but we can be devoted to grow, to love, to respond, to learn from His heart and ways. I had seen the Holy Spirit working in our home and lives because of His ways, love, response to our love for Him, desire to follow Him day after day, over years.
“Learning, understanding that every woman has potential to embrace her own story, to become queen over her own domain, to work hard to leave a legacy of wisdom, love, gratitude, grace emerged in my heart as I walked through parks and meadows of Oxford and wrote in my journal. Women, I believe, through God’s design and strength, are amazing creatures. They have the ability to civilize the world. They can influence the development and character of the next generation of adults by pouring out love, consistently training, teaching, modeling faith, virtue to the next generation. At they persevere through life’s trials and challenges, they model the way to live life wisely, resiliently. The book of Proverbs hails the value of such women, “her worth is far above jewels.” (From my latest book, Well Lived)
Join me on my podcast for more encouragement. Get your copy of Well Lived for heartfelt inspiration.
