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Room for a New View

An issue ALL women can agree on is our corporate struggle with  identity! How do we stay secure in WHO we are and not live in the constantly-changing world view of beauty? As always,  we have to recognize first IT’S A SPIRITUAL ISSUE.   

1. Our View of God- The challenge is always “Do I believe what the Bible says about God’s Identity or what the world says? Do I believe my ever-changing feelings or what the strong wall of His Word says? These are the questions we women ask ourselves when we struggle. All of us want ideas that work. One of my favorite ideas (that  help!) is called “replacement thinking”. We write out 2-3 verses about WHO God is . (Isaiah 40, Ephesians 1, and Colossians 1 are POWER-packed!) I love to tape verses to your mirror, print out Bible verses on a card to put in my car. We can put the Word in places where we have to see it! I promise, you’ll gradually read it, speak it, and believe it. When the enemy of our souls (who often works through the lies of the world) whispers, “You are not enough! You are not lovable! You’ll never have victory!”, we push back with the unchanging WORD.

2. Our View of ourselves  I love hanging out with younger gals and listen to them chat about fashion! Sure enough, if I go back 15..er…20 years, we all wore the same things! (Remind me to just keep all of my Old Navy clothes!) I’ve lived denim overalls, black chunky shoes, smoky eyeshadow, high-waist jeans (formerly know as “mom jeans”) BIG hair, flat hair..and (I admit it!) crimped hair! You too? In a world where fashion changes in a New York minute, how will I choose to to stay secure in me? What is a healthy “taking care of ourselves” and when does it turn to obsession or vanity? I have to  step outside my emotions and check my thinking with honest questions.

“Why do I feel I need to look like that?”

“Why do I feel I need to buy that to be happy?”

“What am I watching or listening to that feeds my insecurity?”

Half of our battle will always be recognizing our thoughts for what they are (truth or lie) and placing the Word of God right alongside it! Let’s read truth (The book of John), receive truth by faith (The book of Colossians), and perceive truth (The book of Ephesians).

Isn’t it amazing that Jesus cares about defeating evil in the world  AND our personal insecurities? We have no idea how very deep His heart is for daughters. He loves us so very fully and we are chosen to reflect His beauty!

Tristie Fisher

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Tired of drama in your friendships? 4 ways to change it!

There’s nothing in the world like the fun & support of a great group of gal pals!! We women know how love our friends fiercely! Yet, we know that when God gives a gift (like female friendship!) the enemy tries to take it.

The enemy’s will for you is always the same: Distract, Discourage, & Divide. The enemy uses these strategies because they work! He DOES NOT want you to have good & deep friendships. He loves it when God’s people battle!

What’s our strategy when conflict arises or feelings are hurt?

 1. STEP BACK! We all like to think we know what the other person is thinking.  We don’t. Choose to believe the best about your friend

2. In every conflict, LOOK WITHIN first. Ask yourself,”Did I hurt this friend unknowingly?”

3. Choose NOT to be offended! Pride blocks peace! Go low.

3. ASK GOD to pull out any root of bitterness you carry toward a friend(s). Stop rehearsing hurtful things said to you. You CHOOSE freedom!

4. LEARN HOW to fight jealousy. It will always be part of our flesh. When you smell the odor of jealousy creeping up, say to yourself, “God has a great plan for me-He made me gifted & beautiful. I don’t want anyone else’s life-I want mine!” Does this help today? Know that God wants to bless you with rich female friendships centered on Himself! He wants your relationships to radiate the peace of Jesus-based sacrificial love to a lonely world. 

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Did Jesus really mean Matthew 5:43? (Practical ways to love your neighbor!)

I’m practically convinced that the Great Commission could have already been fulfilled IF the church had obeyed the second greatest commandment. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 5:43) What can this look like in our lives?

Loving your neighbor as yourself means you share your faith.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means build others up with your words.
Loving others as yourself means you choose people over wealth.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you pray for people.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you forgive others.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you sacrifice your rights.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you take the lowest chair.

This list can be endless as we seek to integrate and “incarnate” the person of Christ into the world. We integrate the person of Christ into our everyday life by seeing every person as God sees them. Each person is made in the image of God. Jesus reminds me constantly to view each person important and worthy of Spirit-fillled kindness. We “incarnate” by walking in our identity as ambassadors for Christ and reminding ourselves that we represent Jesus to a broken world. If people won’t read the Bible or go to church, you may very well be the ONLY reflection of Jesus they ever see.
Jesus knew what He called us to was (and is!) impossible. “Nice” is not necessarily Christian. Anyone can be “nice”. But, only God’s people can love supernaturally. God desires each person to love people like He does. He initiates, He blesses, and He forgives over and over. He’s the catch-you can’t just decide to love people. You have to get on your knees (metaphorically and maybe literally) to ask God to put His love into you. Then and only then, can a God-empowered love for the world be activated. You need Him to reflect Him. God never gives commands without the promise of His Spirit. I’m praying this is the generation of Christians who not satisfied with nice. I’m praying this generation will allow God to have full access to our hearts so He can love His world through us.