We Are Valued Daughters
by: Shireen Spencer
My mind often thinks a lot about the kind of woman I wish to be. It is during times when I feel like I am not the mother or wife I should be or when I feel like I am carrying too many balls or when I am measuring myself against another woman. I am sure that you do this as well. This is not always a healthy activity for us. It is at these times that Jesus reminds me whether I feel like it or not or whether others acknowledge my value or not, that the kind of woman I am, is all because of Jesus. Jesus sees me a certain way and calls me things that other people may not. I need to focus on, accept, believe, what Jesus says above all other opinion.
It is sad that we have to have an International Woman’s Day celebrated every year but the reason we do is because we haven’t been seen or appreciated the way we should.
Even amongst ourselves as women. So, I go back to recentre and reposition myself with the one who created me and has a purpose for my life.
In the story in Mark 5:25-34, the woman with the issue of blood had for years been left in shame. Society didn’t hold her in high regard or value. Even as she went to Jesus, although she wanted a touch from him, she didn’t want him to know she was there. She was shamed and unseen. Yet, in a crowd full of people, Jesus calls her out of her shame and renames her- He calls her daughter. This was a lifechanging moment for her. She finally stood tall after 12 years and everyone around her had to see it and accept it. Christ knew her whole story and in the moment of releasing the word “daughter” from His lips, invited her into an intimate relationship that said “you are accepted, you are valued, you are loved.”
This is a lifechanging moment for any of us who dare to accept what Jesus calls us above all others. We may be mistreated, ignored, abused, held back and held down, hidden, but Jesus sees us and calls us out. Whenever we accept His name for us, we can walk tall and everyone notices.
We have much to celebrate as daughters of the King. He celebrates us and that is truly all that matters. Let us join Him in his celebration of us instead of joining others in their unappreciation of us.
When we root ourselves in this position in Him- daughters who are accepted, valued and loved- we can then live out our purpose and calling wherever we have been placed.
When I read through the Proverbs 31:10-31 passage, there is so much female worth and value that is celebrated. Beyond all that she is honoured for- all the things she does, there is all that she is. She is dignified. She is strength. She wears it like clothing. She is wisdom. She is kindness. It flows from her lips. She is blessed. Children testify to that.
Ladies, sisters, friends, “daughters” we are blessed with all that God has put inside us to do and be- all for His glory. No one can change that. Let’s continue to listen to the name(s) He has given us. It keeps us strong in our faith and helps us to leave a legacy to the next generation. When I read 2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded that who we are – what we allow to live in us and through us- gets passed on. Pass on the story of a woman who believed that she was who Jesus said she was. Nothing and no one less.
Rev. Shireen Spencer is a Church of the Nazarene credentialed minister who has served since 2005, working to connect people to God through the Word, Worship and Working Relationships. Shireen has pastored in two different churches working with youth, families and couples; leading worship, choirs and preaching. She is expanding her ministry to work with churches and Christian organizations in the areas of speaking, worship leading, and working with couples. Connect with Shireen www.connect3withshireen.com
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