By definition, the word empower means: to invest with power. To equip or supply with an ability; enable (Dictionary, 2013).
By this definition, you would think that “empowerment” is something that happened to you through the teaching, mentorship, or advocacy of another person. But look at how the women below describe their experiences with empowerment.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~Alice Walker
“Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it with use.” ~Ruth Gordon
“There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~Anais Nin
“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” ~Beverly Sills
“You take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.” ~Erica Jong
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” ~Diane Mariechild
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” ~Ayn Rand
“Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
“I do not wish [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” ~Mary Wollstonecraft
“You don’t have to be anti-man to be pro-woman.” ~Jane Galvin Lewis
“It’s hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.” ~Sally Kempton
“Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths.” ~Lois Wyse
“Remove those ‘I want you to like me’ stickers from your forehead and, instead, place them where they truly will do the most good — on your mirror!” ~Susan Jeffers
“Women have to harness their power – it’s absolutely true. It’s just learning not to take the first no. And if you can’t go straight ahead, you go around the corner.” ~Cher
Did you notice that all of these women described empowerment as internal instead of external. A power we develop from within, not through another person’s actions or non-actions. So often, we are waiting for others to empower us in the purpose we feel called to, when the first steps are truly ours to take.
In Jodi Detrick’s new book, The Jesus-Hearted Woman, Jodi used an analogy thats image has stayed in my memory. Jodi said that women will often wait for the elevator when they could take the stairs [author’s translation]. Personally, I think a lot of us are waiting at an elevator that has been out of service for a while and it is time to get going!
I am not advocating that you take the journey to become a women of power alone. But the work should start and continue with you.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I believe that I am a masterpiece, wonderfully and fearfully made in the image of the Creator (Genesis 2, Psalm 139)?
Do I believe that God has had a plan and a purpose my life before He even created the earth, a plan for good and not disaster (Ephesians 4, Jeremiah 29)?
Do I believe that God’s power is perfect in my weakness and I can trust Him in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 12)?
Do I find myself blaming others for not being where I want to be today?
What personal responsibility can I take today towards my own empowerment?
You are hereby invested with POWER. Go for it today!
Col Martin
May 7, 2013Yes, yes, and more yes. If we back away from what God has created us to do and back away from who we are created to be, or wait for “that elevator” which most likely will never come we will not do or be what/who God has meant for us to be for ourselves, for our families, for the world, for the kingdom of God. Let us be em-powered for the joy it will bring to all.