Becoming a Woman
Last month we emphasized the need to intentionally develop the traits and characteristics in young boys that they will need to have when they are grown men. Today, we turn our attention towards the young ladies within our community and the guidance that is needed to help them grow into strong, wise, capable women.
Steadfastness - No matter what stage of life a lady may find herself to be in, relationships will always be a fluid topic for her to deal with. There will be opportunities to extend forgiveness when hurt by someone. The chance to give difficult but wise advice to someone in need. The possibility to see beyond her friend group and lovingly draw in the lonely outsider. Young girls deal with these topics every day. Let’s be mindful of how our girls are managing their friendships now so that they can have healthy, vibrant relationships later.
Taming the Tongue – Not only do women use almost twice the number of words as men do, but they seem to have a very unique way of bringing joy, encouragement, and comfort into the world. On the other hand, somehow, their words can deflate the soul and extinguish hope more efficiently than they usually realize. We need to teach our young girls that the way they speak to people is powerful and leaves an impact. When all of this goes full circle, the life that gives the most joy usually ends up experiencing the most joy. Some key ingredients to focus on; while removing critique and gossip, help them add grace and compassion.
Knowing Emotions – Most people would agree that, generally speaking, women are more emotional than men. This is not an accusation, just an observation. In all reality, being more emotional is not a bad thing. This very trait is what allows women to be more compassionate, caring, and comforting. On the flip side, emotions can also lead people astray. Sometimes this hinders her from putting up boundaries because she “feels bad” or potentially overreacting to a situation out of “fear” or “worry.” Helping our little girls understand their feelings and then guiding them to act appropriately rather than react emotionally will help shape them into very free, unbound women.
Confident in who they were created to be - No one on earth is everything to everyone, nor should they feel like they need to be. Should we care if someone is smarter, prettier, more wealthy, or athletic? Outside of being able to rejoice and celebrate other individual's strengths and success, the answer is, “no.” Let’s teach our girls to appreciate and express encouragement so that when they get older, they are not intimidated by others nor discouraged by strengths they don’t have. Lastly, rather than doing everything for your little girl, teach them how to do things. Equip and empower them. Give them chances to succeed as well as opportunities to fail. As cute and precious as our little ones are, they may not need as much bubble wrap as we think. A girl who is taught how to contribute to life will live a confident life.
Some Bible verse to read through and consider: 1 Peter 3:3-4, Proverbs 27:6, James 3, Proverbs 25:13, Proverbs 31, Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 21:19, Proverbs 11:16, Ephesians 4:29
Steadfastness - No matter what stage of life a lady may find herself to be in, relationships will always be a fluid topic for her to deal with. There will be opportunities to extend forgiveness when hurt by someone. The chance to give difficult but wise advice to someone in need. The possibility to see beyond her friend group and lovingly draw in the lonely outsider. Young girls deal with these topics every day. Let’s be mindful of how our girls are managing their friendships now so that they can have healthy, vibrant relationships later.
Taming the Tongue – Not only do women use almost twice the number of words as men do, but they seem to have a very unique way of bringing joy, encouragement, and comfort into the world. On the other hand, somehow, their words can deflate the soul and extinguish hope more efficiently than they usually realize. We need to teach our young girls that the way they speak to people is powerful and leaves an impact. When all of this goes full circle, the life that gives the most joy usually ends up experiencing the most joy. Some key ingredients to focus on; while removing critique and gossip, help them add grace and compassion.
Knowing Emotions – Most people would agree that, generally speaking, women are more emotional than men. This is not an accusation, just an observation. In all reality, being more emotional is not a bad thing. This very trait is what allows women to be more compassionate, caring, and comforting. On the flip side, emotions can also lead people astray. Sometimes this hinders her from putting up boundaries because she “feels bad” or potentially overreacting to a situation out of “fear” or “worry.” Helping our little girls understand their feelings and then guiding them to act appropriately rather than react emotionally will help shape them into very free, unbound women.
Confident in who they were created to be - No one on earth is everything to everyone, nor should they feel like they need to be. Should we care if someone is smarter, prettier, more wealthy, or athletic? Outside of being able to rejoice and celebrate other individual's strengths and success, the answer is, “no.” Let’s teach our girls to appreciate and express encouragement so that when they get older, they are not intimidated by others nor discouraged by strengths they don’t have. Lastly, rather than doing everything for your little girl, teach them how to do things. Equip and empower them. Give them chances to succeed as well as opportunities to fail. As cute and precious as our little ones are, they may not need as much bubble wrap as we think. A girl who is taught how to contribute to life will live a confident life.
Some Bible verse to read through and consider: 1 Peter 3:3-4, Proverbs 27:6, James 3, Proverbs 25:13, Proverbs 31, Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 21:19, Proverbs 11:16, Ephesians 4:29
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