Tag: god

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Main Character Faith

reneclark.com

You don’t need to be the main character in everyone’s life – just fully present in the one God gave you. It is hard to be fully present when we are constantly wondering whether we are either “too much” or “not enough.” But when we stop asking permission to take up space in the story God is writing, we can stop chasing approval and start living with purpose.

God writes women into stories of purpose:

There are many Women in the Bible who were Holy & Thriving

Just to name a few…

  1. Women of the New Testament who used their resources to support the ministry of Jesus, like Joanna, Susanna & Mary Magdalene (You can read part of their stories in Luke 8, Luke 24)
  2. Lydia, described as a dealer in purple cloth and highlighted in the book of Acts – an entrepreneur in her day, she probably could have had a thriving Etsy shop in our day (You can read her story in Acts 16)
  3. The Woman at the Well – maybe not thriving before she met Jesus, but once He offered her Living Water, SHE CAME ALIVE! (You can read her story in John 4)
  4. In the Old Testament, the only female judge of Israel, Deborah – an established leader, guiding the nation both spiritually and into military victory! (You can read her story in Judges 4 & 5)
    • Not only a judge but also a prophet
    • Prophesied that a woman would defeat the enemy of Israel
  5. That prophesied woman was Jael, noted in the book of Judges
    • In the the heat of the battle, she welcomed the military commander of the enemy army into her tent, offering a safe place to hide out.
    • But while he was resting, she took a tent peg & a hammer, and she drove it through his temple.
    • And, yes, in case you were wondering, he died.
    • One of the most striking women in the Bible, Jael is praised in scripture as the “most blessed of women.”
    • Brave, strong, bold, strategic – that was Jael
    • You don’t want to miss her story in Judges 4 & 5!

God often works through unlikely people in unexpected ways to accomplish His purpose.

May I encourage you to open your Bible and look for these women?

You may just end up finding the confidence to step into your own story of purpose as the main character.

Blog

Reading Books on Purpose

reneclark.com

People everywhere are looking for purpose.

Moms, specifically, are wondering if they still have a purpose once their kids are grown.

Others of you are restless, hoping there’s greater meaning to your one and only life.

I have the privilege of coaching women and couples in their quest to live their lives on purpose through the ONE LIFE Process. It is a customized, one-on-one experience where I sit with clients for two days to…

  • recover the value of their story,
  • rediscover the goodness of their unique gifting, and
  • discover the wonder of living out their purpose.

Because of this life-giving work, I get to read a lot of great books on purpose!

Here are 5 books on purpose I’ve recommended over and over:

The Dream of You by Jo Saxton

“As the child of Nigerian immigrants in the UK, author and speaker Jo Saxton knows firsthand how quickly the world can cause us to doubt our dreams and question who we are. She understands how easily we can exchange our true child-of-God selves for an identity built on lies, guilt, and brokenness.

In this powerful book, Jo examines Biblical figures and shares her personal story as she invites you to turn to the One who knows you intimately and loves you deeply. He sees all you’ve struggled to hide. He hears the voice inside you that others have silenced. He knows the potential and purpose that no one valued. He longs to redeem the story of your life and set you on the path to reclaim The Dream of You.“

(Listening to this one is a gift as you get to hear the author speak life over you in her beautiful voice.)

Made for This by Jennie Allen

“This unique book/workbook will help you:

  • Stop living afraid and insecure by discovering how God can use your dreams and passions for a greater purpose
  • Identify the threads in your life and how they intentionally weave together
  • Trade control and safety for a life of God-honoring adventure by praying one prayer”

Your One Life by Lance Witt

“This is your one life. Right now. Today. You don’t get a second chance to get it right. No one has ever drifted into a rich and meaningful life. But here’s the good news: as a Christ follower, you have every resource you need to live the rich and satisfying life Jesus promised. Your One Life is a road map to the life you long to live.”

The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner

“Much is said in Christian circles about knowing God. But there cannot be deep knowledge of God without deep knowledge of one’s self. In this profound exploration of Christian identity, psychologist and spiritual director David G. Benner illuminates the spirituality of self-discovery.”

Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons

“Rebekah draws from her own battle with depression and anxiety to share a pathway to establish four life-giving rhythms that quiet inner chaos and make room for you to flourish. By taking time to truly rest, restore, connect, and create, you will discover how to … trade your anxiety for the vibrant life you were meant to live.”

Our calling (or purpose) is the way of being that is both best for us and best for the world. – David G. Benner