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who she is, why she is and what she's supposed to do, she
may be dressed in thrift store specials and be absolutely
gorgeous.
A confident woman is not afraid to be herself. Plain and simple
and beautiful, or flamboyant and fabulous. The key is: she
knows who she is. She understands her purpose, and her gifts.
She knows that there are certain things only she can contribute
to this world, at this time, in this place.
She knows her style. It doesn't matter whether you prefer
zebra stripes and pink fur, or to be cloaked in grays and
subtle greens. Whether you like volleyball or Victorian teas.
Shopping or hiking. Or all of the above. What is most important
is to be you.
That means stretching and stepping out. If you're supposed
to be on the front lines, be there. Don't step back. If you
are blessed with supportive skills, be the best supporter
you can ever be. Expand your skills. Celebrate the talents
and experiences God has blessed you with.
What is your confidence based on?
"All of your real value and worth is built in by design,"
says Denis Waitley in his classic book, Timing is Everything.
"You received it as a precious present when God gave you the
gift of life. That gift--all of what's in you--is really all
the value you'll ever need. It isn't a matter of finding value,
earning value, or proving value. It's a matter of living up
to the value built in at the beginning." When we know our
value in our very bones, it is manifested as self-esteem.
It springs up from within, inspiring us to live into the generous
calling on our lives. Confidence radiates from a deep center--a
knowing that you are valuable. And it is because we know that
we are valuable in God's sight, that we can approach Him with
confidence. It is an attitude, yes, but not one that is based
on our own achievements. It is rooted in self-esteem, yet
our confidence comes from knowing that God is all-powerful,
all-knowing, ever-present, loving and just. Self-confidence
is no confidence at all. To achieve anything or take any action
consistent with God's plan for your life, you must first surrender
your Self, and placing your confidence in God, knowing that
He works all things for good to those who love Him. But that
doesn't mean you don't have the power to act. In fact, we
are called to act in order to reflect God's glory.
A picture of confidence
A confident woman's being speaks louder than her words. Confidence
is not loud or boastful. In fact, it is often gentle, quiet
and always humble. Give me the Jesus kind of confidence any
day: soft-spoken, gentle, compassionate, caring, yet strong.
And inevitably powerful. Someone who has a message to share
with the world; who makes a difference. Now that's confidence!
Speaking confidence
How do you talk about yourself? Are you the first to put yourself
down? Our words have power -- either to build up or break
us down. What you say about yourself, usually becomes true.
Start listening to your self-talk. Do you ever demean yourself
by saying things like, "stupid," "wimp" or "coward?" Stop
immediately and replace it with positive statements. Jesus
was clear about His worth and made emphatic statements about
who He was: I am the Bread of Life. I am the True Vine. I
am the Way and the Truth and the Life.
How do you speak about your body parts? Can you imagine Jesus
complaining about fat toes or big hips or a long chin? He
never said anything negative about himself. He understood
that His body was merely an earthly vessel--something necessary
to function here on earth. Has anyone ever said anything that
hurt you deeply? Bring these hurtful words to the cross, to
Jesus. He wants us to be confident and whole, not scarred.
Clothes and confidence
Confidence is not clothes or a haircut or expensive jewelry,
it's an attitude. At the same time, something that makes you
feel fabulous, may do wonders as an accessory to your confidence.
Look at yourself
What do you communicate to the world, even when you're not
saying a word? What does your posture, and the way you present
yourself declare to those who see you?
Now, look inside. Ask Jesus to clear away any cobwebs, whether
sin, hurt or misunderstandings.
Living confidently
When do you most feel like that woman God created you to be?
Capture that feeling, bottle it, preserve it. And whenever
you need a reminder, dab a few moments confidently on your
wrists.
Not everyone feels confident all the time. When in need, act
your way into feeling. Chin up, shoulders back, tummy tucked.
Now breathe in... And smile. Imagine yourself as a princess--wearing
an exquisite gown, with a precious crown placed on your head.
That's who you are, after all. You are a daughter of the King.
Now act it.
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