Lioness

I recently read a blog by Lisa Bevere about a lion or lioness’ ability to roar. In her post, she says that even though they have this great ability, the lion or lioness is strategic on how they use their voice.  In the wild, if they use it too often, their dinner might run off, their hiding spot might be compromised or their cubs might become endangered. Instead, they are wise with how they use it and when they use it, ensuring that it is only for their greatest advantage.

My family recently went to the National Zoo, in Washington, DC. That day a lioness decided to use her voice. It was powerful! It was beautiful! Literally, a huge crowd drew near, because to hear her speak was absolutely incredible.

I have had the urge to start writing and sharing about the thoughts and passions God has placed on my heart. And as many of you might relate, I have come up with about a million reasons why I shouldn’t. But God reminded me of  something Chris Hodges’ said in his book, Four Cups- many people never fulfill their God given potential because they allow their fears to be greater than their gifts. So I decided I needed to step out and see where faith would take me.

Many people never fulfill their God given potential because they allow their fears to be greater than their gifts. – Chris Hodges

God has been opening my eyes about the lack of a woman’s perspective on faith. Yes, there are tons of blogs, Bible studies, and resources out there for women. I think many of them are great. Honestly, I am so grateful for the ways they have influenced my life and how they have challenged my faith. Let me state the obvious, though: a lot of these teachings are telling women how to be great women of faith. While, I do think it is important for women and men to have specific teaching on being women and men of faith, I’m not only looking for how to be a woman of faith. What I am really longing for is teaching on faith from a woman’s perspective.

That is a subtle difference, but an important one.

I’m not only looking for how to be a woman of faith. What I am really longing for is teaching on faith from a woman’s perspective.

Ever since I felt this void, I have been trying to put it into words. One day, I came across a short biography of Mother Teresa.

If you don’t know her story, Mother Teresa was so compelled by her faith, she moved to India. While she was the head master at a school there, Jesus called her to go to the poor and the sick. She listened to what God spoke to her; and as a result, her faith deeply impacted the world.

It was contagious. It called people to Jesus. It called the world to the forgotten and it has since left a beautiful legacy.  As I read it, I thought, This is a lioness roaring.

She roared, and the world listened. Her example and teaching did not just impact women’s faith. Mother Teresa’s faith caused the entire world, including the Church, to stop, to listen and to change.

Mother Teresa’s faith caused the entire world, including the Church, to stop, to listen and to change.

My husband, Brandon, and I have been dialoguing quite a bit about this idea of perspectives on faith and we have come to this realization: we can listen to the exact same conversation and walk away hearing two different things. For example, we can read a passage of Scripture or hear a teaching, yet we both hone in on different parts of Truth to be gleaned. Neither of us are wrong; we just listen differently.

This past year, we have watched God draw us closer together in our call as a couple. Of course, we have partnered our entire marriage in how we serve the body of Christ. But God has been speaking about how we need to listen and share our faith together, with more intentionality. I need Brandon’s perspective on faith in order to grow into all God intends me to be, and in the same way, he needs my perspective in order to grow. It is part of how we experience the life Jesus came to restore, bringing us back into communion with God.

Both Christian men and women are called to live lives of faith that encourage and inspire greater faith in one another.

Both Christian men and women are called to live lives of faith that encourage and inspire greater faith in one another.

Maybe you are like us and you are realizing your faith is lacking a perspective from both men and women. Maybe you have been sensing the nudge of God, calling you to step out past your fears. Maybe you have a perspective to share.

Today, I am choosing my time to roar. Today, I am choosing to let my faith to be greater than my fears. Today, join us as we begin our journey sharing on faith from two perspectives.

The righteous are bold as a lion.- Proverbs 28:1