The Wonder of Womanhood
Oftentimes
I have felt like I am invisible
and that what I do is insignificant
because of my own insecurities
until
someone highlighted the story of
Tabitha…
Her story tucked inbetween the stories of two great men of God;
Paul and Peter.
Her story a revelation to me and I realised
that I may not be another Joyce Meyer,
who God raised up to be an international speaker
or Heidi Baker who He sent to Africa to transform that part of the world,
or Jackie Pullinger who, under His protection, He led as a single woman,
into the darkness of Hong Kong’s drug dens to bring freedom to those in bondage
or Kathryn Kulman who God used to heal hearts and bodies,
or Mother Theresa who ministered to the outcasts and poor,
or Corrie Ten Boom
who is one of the best forgivers I’ve heard of
besides my son
or one of the many godly women ‘seen’ in the Scriptures …
It’s not that I want to be ‘seen’ by people because I know God sees me
but I want to be useful and fruitful
and if for me that means slicing strawberries
for two smiles and their Mama’s sparkle
-that is more than enough for me
I want to fulfill the destiny God designed for me
and come to the end of my life
echoing
Jesus words
‘it is finished’
knowing that I have completed ALL He called me to do.
ALL the plans and purposes that were spoken
before I was born
with prophetic promises.
Daily,
I remind myself
that I may only be able to sow small seeds
but then I think of an acorn growing into a huge oak tree…
-broad branches bringing shade and shelter.
My Mommy didn’t live long enough for me to get to know her,
but two women who tower tall
as I look over the landscape of my life
is her Mommy, my Oumatjie
and my mother in law,
Tannie Marietjie
who saturated my life with their generosity,
kindness, care and love.
There is an endless list of women
I can mention
with my daughter and granddaughter
right on the top of the list
who water my world
-my adopted mothers and daughter
and so many sisters…
each and everyone
highlighted in my history
working in our worlds
as we shape our communities and countries
one small step at a time
by mothering and grand-mothering;
hearing a heart
by baking a cake
sitting at the side of a sick bed
becoming experts at balancing acts
juggling jobs and homes
doing what God calls us to do
-personally.
Righteous choices ripple through years
showcasing the quiet strength
hidden behind the scenes of our worlds
where we all stand as statues of liberty
firstly freeing ourselves then others
as trailblazers of truth!
—
Brenda.ps23©
Scriptures and References
Proverbs 11 vs 25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Isaiah 61 vs 3
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor”
Acts 9
36 There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (Dorcas -Gazelle, gorgeous in Greek). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.
She was known for her good works and acts of charity. She was a generous person who sewed for others and gave to the needy. She was rich in acts of kindness and charity which she continually did.
[She was probably a widow. She was also called a disciple of Jesus, that is, a follower, one who learned from Him, part of the inner circle in the early church.]
37 About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room.38 But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!”
39 So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. 40 But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.
42 The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa, living with Simon, a tanner of hides.