The last few chapters of this book focused on being a role model to other women and girls, loving others instead of viewing them as enemies/objects, and looking to God for our ultimate source of security.
Proverbs 31:25 was mentioned throughout the book.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
I find this verse to be extremely powerful. When I am feeling insecure/anxious/frustrated about something it is so easy for me to lose my dignity. If I can stop for a moment and figure out how to maintain my dignity before reacting to situations I think it will be very helpful (both for me and whoever is around me).
The second thing that really stuck out at me this week was the emphasis she made on looking out for other women. She stressed the important role that we have in building up other women -- whether they are friends, daughters, sisters, etc.
One thing that can cause trouble in our relationships with other women is when we feel threatened by (have done hurtful things to us) or competitive with them (not as pretty, skinny, rich, funny, etc.). She suggested that if we find ourselves in this situation instead of stabbing each other back or obsessing about the situation you need to view them as equally broken people with real problems, pain, hopes, dreams, disappointments.
We need to stop....
...the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival.
Galatians 5:21
I think I do that sometimes - focus on the features that someone else has that I wish I had and assume that because they have those things their lives are easier/better/etc. or that they won't like me. I don't think I do this as often as I did when I was younger but it still creeps up from time to time. When I am feeling this way it makes it difficult to get to know the person, because I have made false assumptions about them, plus it leaves me feeling poorly about myself. I think Beth's advice regarding personalizing people was really helpful.
What stuck out to you this week?
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I agree with all you said! I also really liked everything she said about fear. I thought these last few chapters were some of the best!
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