Equality for women, particularly in the workplace, has always been an important part of my career. As a young female lawyer, one particular experience from many years ago remains vivid in my memory. I was conducting a simple direct examination of my client when the judge abruptly interrupted me, instructing me to “sit down and shut up, young lady; you are finished examining this witness.” The shock of the incident reverberated within me, especially since the case was entirely uncontested and I was simply fulfilling the requirement to make a short record as mandated by statute. Regrettably, this judge’s disrespectful demeanor was not an isolated incident; it was a recurring pattern toward myself and other female attorneys in the early years of my practice. This experience not only ignited within me a sense of determination to rise above, but it also did something far greater.
It renewed my determination to live in the power of GOD.
The “glass ceiling” does not exist with God. In my life, I constantly see Him busting through it. In God’s kingdom, there is no need to beg and claw for equality. He died for us all—male and female. We are ALL created in HIS image and He gives us ALL equal opportunities to achieve greatness for HIS glory!
Tomorrow, people around the world will be celebrating Women’s Equality Day. I am very grateful for all of the people who sacrificed so that I could have the opportunity to practice law as a woman. But, my friend, I am even more grateful that GOD is an EQUAL opportunity GOD! Much of the movement for women’s rights is focused upon WORKPLACE equality, but is our profession REALLY our greatest identity? If we make our profession the most important aspect of our identity, what happens if we lose it? What happens when we retire?
Indeed, God did NOT create us to just attain a professional identity.
Many Christians believe that a woman’s greatest identity is in nurturing children by being a stay at home mom. But is THAT a woman’s greatest source of identity? No. Definitely not. My friend, male or female…
- Our greatest IDENTITY is who we are in Christ—when we’re born again, we have his genetics.
- Our greatest SUCCESS is powerfully manifesting the presence of Jesus.
- Our greatest MISSION is fulfilling the Great Commission!
Male and female—God gives us EQUAL opportunity to have His IDENTITY, great SUCCESS, and a glorious MISSION. That is true equality! We don’t need a pulpit. We don’t need a law degree. We don’t need to be a mother to do it. God made our identity, success, and mission so versatile that they can ALL be accomplished despite our circumstances. Indeed, God has proven this true in my life. Besides having the privilege of raising three children to know God’s Word, my law practice has been the most fertile mission field of my entire Christian life!
God has allowed me to lead more people to Christ in my office than any other place!
Now it’s definitely true that women who choose to stay home with their children have the greatest opportunity for success in bringing their children to know God. The smooth brain of a newborn is ready to be taught. What better information to write into those blank slates than the precious Word of God? Throughout much of history, the highly prized profession of motherhood has been a very powerful influence. Truly, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” (My dad said, “Since the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, God had to give men some special responsibility so they would still feel important!”)😆 Either way, how amazing it is to be in a position to lead children to receive the gift of salvation and to learn how to have a close relationship with God.
By ushering our children into a relationship with God, they will, indeed, discover their full potential.
But, you can’t teach something you don’t know. To learn how to be ALL that God intends you to be—you must KNOW God. You must be born again. You must have a passionate desire to do His will. Then—God will begin to reveal the most remarkable you! You must desire to do His will more than you desire to live your own way. God’s will is always good and acceptable and perfect—-yours and mine is not.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2
Where is the will of God found? God’s Word. If we’re not listening to His universal will as written in His Word, how will we ever recognize His voice for the unique things that are unwritten. In fact, Jesus said that those who do His will have a SPECIAL relationship with Him.
“For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”
Mark 3:35 KJV
My friend, your DNA is irrelevant when it comes to God’s love—Jesus died so ALL could have everlasting life!
The ground is level at the foot of the cross and there are no glass ceilings in GOD’S kingdom.
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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2 Responses
amen
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