As a “PK” – Pastor’s Kid – I have often been told by others that I am destined to become a “first lady” (pastor’s wife), like my mother. Persons have also predicted that I am destined to mother and nurture kids. However, those persons who speculated, would not usually ask me what I wanted.
Society sometimes limits us women, to believe that we can only assume positions not occupied by, or otherwise second best to men. The glass ceiling effect is also seen in the workplace, where certain ideologies which limit the height to which women can progress up the corporate ladder, continue to exist.
Whilst I admire, the examples of godly womanhood shown by Ruth, Esther, Hannah and Mary- the mother of Jesus; I think that non-biblical limits on women should be removed.
Shattering the Ceiling
I remember sharing with a male counterpart that my pastor (my dearly beloved aunt) is a female. This caused a bit of commotion as he was of the belief that women “ought to assist and not lead, because God created men to lead.”
While this is a very sensitive topic in many churches, I believe that women in church and ministry leadership is a practice that should be normalized.
1 John chapter 2, verse 14 says, “I have written unto you/...young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” The term “young men” in this verse is not limited to only men, but also includes women.
Women, though emotional beings, are also strong. Proverbs chapter 31, verse 17 says, “She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”
We women of God possess strength, because we are made in His image and likeness.
You are a Proverbial Girl
There is more to you than meets the eye. You are “...a virtuous woman for (your) price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs chapter 31, verse 10)
Women are great at preparing, planning, providing and seeking investments and business ventures.
Look at for e.g. former United States First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, she is the award recipient of a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album 2020 and Audie Award for Autobiography/Memoir for her articulate inspirational life story titled, ‘Becoming’. She is an example of rising amidst set backs and challenges. She paved and lit her individual path despite her past struggles and the fame of her husband.
Thus, “she goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.” (Proverbs chapter 31, verses 16-18 NLT)
The proverbial girl within you is clothed in strength and dignity. Do not be fearful of future change; seek your materials to produce, outsource and resource what you have within your possession.
Network, shine and outshine whatever holds your talents, dreams and visions captive. You are bigger than this ceiling. So, break it!
Remember to:
1. Seek God first in all your endeavours (St. Matthew chapter 6, verse 33)
2. Speak faithfully and with wisdom (Proverbs chapter 31, verse 26)
3. Show true beauty through the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians chapter 5,
verses 22-23)
4. Stay humble (Isaiah chapter 66, verse 2)
5. Serve the Lord wholeheartedly (St. John 12, verses 25-26).
You have the wisdom to get it done. The world is your domain.
Anneque Bennett is a vying, industrious, persistent and gallant young virtuous woman of God from Jamaica, West Indies. Her dexterity births creativity cocooned by flexibility. She possesses an eye for complexity and a magnitude of focus to complete tasks and assist others in every possible way. She loves to communicate and interact with youths on different levels and share in their experiences and serves as a mentor and youth empowerment leader. She engages heavily in promoting and marketing different products: where she also serves as a host/emcee and at times, public speaker. She finds outdoor very amusing and love to bask in nature as she puts pen to paper. She enjoys road trips, hiking and documenting each moment through fun pictures and videos and her best friend – a purple journal. #Adventure