Turning Your Ashes into Beauty... Being a Woman of Strength

by Debra Ann Elliott
(Birmingham, AL, USA)

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. Psalm 18:32 NIV


Last month we discovered the characteristics of becoming a woman of compassion. In this column I am going to talk to you about the makeup of a woman of strength.

A woman of strength is courageous.

God commands of us in Joshua 1:9 to be strong and courageous; not to be afraid or dismayed. He tells us He is with us always.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." NIV

It takes courage to have been where you were and that courage comes from the "fire" you have gone through.

A woman of strength had dignity.

God tells us in Proverbs 31:25 we are clothed with strength and dignity.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV

You can hold your head high. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You can "laugh" at the days to come.

A woman of strength has power.

He gives strength to the weary and increases our power. Isaiah 40:29 NIV

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Isaiah chapter 40 is God's best laid plan for us to increase our power and renew our strength.

When we are weary; He gives us strength and increases our power. He renews our strength because we have hope. He gives us the ability to soar on wings like eagles to lead the weary and heal the broken.

God sees a woman of strength burning deep within the embers of your ashes. He wants your beauty to emerge. You can be courageous, dignified, and powerful. You can be a woman of strength!

I have grown in my strength just by sharing my thoughts with you.

YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN OF STRENGTH!

In my next column I am going to talk about becoming a woman of wisdom.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts on the topic of God's plan for you on how YOU need to become a woman of wisdom.

I look forward to your thoughts as well. I would love to hear from you on where you are in your walk out of the ashes and into beauty.

Be blessed,
Debra