They ask you what do you want to do when you grow up? We respond with a career, a practical next step, then justification for our answer.
When did we stop dreaming? When did we start answering based on cultural expectancies? When did we start seeing what we want to be someday as more important than who we want to be?
I've worked in many jobs since graduating college. I've worked in several American states, and several foreign countries. I've had some quite high adventures and also a few heartbreaking lessons. But one thing I know without a doubt now, is how to answer this infamous question: What do you want to be someday?
What do I want to be? Me? Courtney? What I want to be is easy, because it's not what, it's who. Who I want to be is a woman of God; focused on loving Him and then loving others. Sight of priority for self absent.
And this woman is:
wise..... not quick to let her immature knee-jerk thought come barreling out of her mouth rolling over people like pins in a bowling game.
humble... quick to recognize her error, even quicker to ask forgiveness, and call upon the Holy Spirit to renew her heart, cleansing her with the blood of the lamb.
courageous... unwilling to let the fear of future kids, careers, or locations intimidate her. Rather, she boldly proclaims Jesus power and name as sure as her blood coarsing in her veins.
Generous... by nature, defaulting to an others-centered life laying no claim to selfish ambition. Fleshly desires crucified on the cross.
Hopeful... who speaks life into her husband, her children, her home, her life present, past and future. Who uses words with intentionality to love and create light among those wandering in darkness.
Healthy... who prioritizes her fitness and nutrition. Giving life to her passion of showing women, children & families how to honor God in the mundane of a personal lifestyle.
Integrity... who honors and eliminates her financial debts. Standing true and firm to her commitments regardless of the tempestuous sea she swims against to achieve this.
Honoring... who cherishes her husband in word and deed. Bringing him joy through her faithfulness and respects his leadership as head of the house. Walking with him as his helpmate in his career, friendships, evangelism, decisions and daily purpose.
Prayerful... who finds her place quickly with the Father as she speaks freely of her thoughts, fears, joys, struggles, temptations and heartaches. Laying bare before her Creator the cares of her heart knowing full well his love is captivated by knowing her in this way.
Faith-filled... who looks and trusts God to write redemption in her story and in the stories of those around her. Breathing existence of hope where bleakness controls.
A Woman of God.
That is who I want to be. Who I want to be known as. And never more clearly have I seen how easily I fail to be this woman, but never more clearly has it been spelled out for me... Scripture is clear.
Life is simple, truly. As a Christina, I have one calling, and two purposes.
One calling: pursue righteousness.
My two purposes: to be a woman after God's own heart, and to devote my life relentlessly loving and caring for God and for others.
Be a woman who stands up to culture, and boldly lives out her divine calling without the need to apologize or justify. It's your life- live in color! Boldly! Give full energy to being this woman, and God will be pleased. It's about eternity, not the latest fashion trends, the quickest workouts, newest fad diet or how many followers we have on Instagram.
We are a people born with a calling, both with a purpose. You don't have to find the answer to the question of what to do with your life- it's already been ordained.
Love God, love others. Let life flow abundantly from your Creator.
xoxo, Court
