Being real women is often a struggle. It can be easier to keep the frown on our faces that reflects our low spirits, or sometimes it’s even easier to just slap a smile on rather than work through our feelings and let others in and let them know I struggle too. But somehow, we need to be relentless in our pursuit of authenticity, of vulnerability and grow in our ability to let others in.
This thought was originally triggered by an amazing article I read in Darling Magazine* Issue no.3 x Joanna Hyatt . The article is entitled “Daughterhood.” I won’t include the whole quote but one particular passage caught my eye:
“be relentless…learn to forgive…grow into the amazing and beautiful woman you were created to be.”
I want to BE RELENTLESS. In a time where it seems like the same actions keep getting repeated over and over and various things are out of our control, it is important to remember the main goal and to be relentless in pursuing it. It can be so easy to find ourselves in a hole feeling like we’re constantly putting out and expending energy and never being refilled. Hebrews 6:10 says “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
I’ve discovered that at my lowest point, I need to find rest in God, but it’s also in those moments that reaching out to help someone else fills up my tank. Sounds counter intuitive doesn’t it? Think about it for a moment: we are called to be Christ-like in our daily walk, and he gave his life for us. He gave everything. I don’t think it’s too much for us to reach out of our own pain and love someone else. Remembering to be relentless in our walk with others. Not just in our own pursuits, but in our pursuit of loving others. Also realizing that loving others means allowing them to love us! One of the current popular songs in contemporary worship is John Mark McMillan’s “How He Loves.” This song exemplifies and expounds the love of the Father for us “He is jealous for me…He loves us, oh how He loves us…”
Do you ever think about how much we really are loved? We can often feel lonely when we don’t realize how many people are around us that do really love us. Our family, our friends, our congregations at church, our community (including all of the aforementioned people) and most importantly, God. He loves us. What is it that you need to be encouraged to relentlessly pursue? Is it a closer walk with God? Is it enhancing your God-given talents and abilities? Is it reaching out more to others? Is it something as simple as having the courage to get up and stop procrastinating? Letting go of worries? Getting out of debt? Whatever it is, be relentless. Have a relentless spirit to follow your desires.
One last bit from the article:
“I want to leave you with words from a father, a man who has counseled and cared for women of every walk of life–words written specifically for you…
“You are absolutely one of the most wonderful gifts to me in all of life.You are truly unique. No one on earth will ever be just like you, so enjoy discovering who you are and always be true to yourself.
I love you and will always love you no matter what you do, where you go or what you become.You are beautiful. As a woman’s you will always have a beauty about you that no man on earth can match. From your physical form to your feminine heart, you have a beauty that is powerful. Use it well and wisely and you will reap a lifetime of blessings.
Pursue your dreams. Plenty of people will try to stop you along the way. But remember that hard work and perseverance will reward you far more than talent, looks, wealth or status. You will always be my princess, no matter what happens in life…or how old you get.”
When we forget what our purpose is. When we struggle to push past our feelings. When we battle with feelings of insecurity and decide to put up walls…we need to return to this statement: He Loves Us. I encourage you today, wherever you are, whatever circumstances you find yourself in: Be Relentless. Relentlessly pursue His approval, His love, His companionship. He will not let you down.