The Bricks

 “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.” (Anonymous)

As a minority group, women have fought over the years to get many of the rights I as a white man take for granted (like the right to vote). Over the years I have read about (and viewed in my own biological and non-biological family of strong females) events that should have completely derailed them (and their sanity). Like a “Jill-in-the-Box” toy after awhile they come back stronger than ever as they survive whatever life throws their way. Women help men add meaning to their life with all the challenges that happen. Women, you are important to the happiness of us men .

I believe many women have a unique perspective on almost everything (that unfortunately us men just don’t have). The challenge women run into is to provide their useful advice when God advises them to (and not before in the heat of anger). Women, if the recipient finds both your tone of voice loud and hostile along with your attitude, you’ve wasted your speaking opportunity because it will be resented and soon forgotten. Calm and with a soft voice gets your God message across better. Consider the way God deals with you. (Proverbs 15:1, Psalm 46:10)[i]

Many men handle life with a bold “front door” approach where what needs to be done happens no matter the list of emotional casualties. Many women take the more comfortable talking “back door” approach where the same results happen, but with fewer or no casualties.  The man’s method seem to happen rather fast compared to the women’s method.

But when it comes to the spiritual;  I have always felt the women in my life have a unique connection to God (that I can never have as a man). I truly believe that God sees value in His precious daughters. They are a vital unique part of His kingdom (that can’t be ignored). I believe every female (and male) long to know they are a blessing to others. Kari Jobe relays this important message in her song, “The Blessing. “ As you read the lyrics below consider how important you are to God (and others in your life). You can make a difference.

The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace
The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace

 Chorus

Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen

The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace

Chorus (Twice)

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children

May His presence go before you
And behind you and beside you
All around you and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming and your going
In your weeping and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you

Chorus

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you and beside you
All around you and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming and your going
In your weeping and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you[ii]

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[i] A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, New Revised Standard Version, Anglicized Catholic Edition)

  Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the true God. I am honored among all the nations. I am honored over all the earth. (Psalm 46:10, The Voice)

 

 [ii] Both the topic of this post (women’s equality) and the song (Kari Jobe’s “The Blessing) were suggested by my wife and blog member, Bobbi Kinker.