Welcome to your monthly inspirational e-newsletter! January took off like a jet streaking across a bright blue sky. Last month W.I.N.E. was given the opportunity to share at a mini-retreat with the Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC), Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, VA. What a fantastic time we had! The women responded with open hearts and left with a renewed mind to seek His face for a better understanding of what it really means to Shine in the Light of His Glory. Women are still testifying of the hope and strength received.

This theme: "Shine in the Light of His Glory," for many of us is a major undertaking considering the challenges we face as women. The hope we have is the confidence our Father has in us as His daughters to go forth and be as salt, seasoning and adding flavor to life. You are the spice of life my sister - you were created to be an influencer. Your light was not designed to be hidden and pushed under a table. The cares of this world would have us to hide out, to surrender, to lie down and give up. But you were created to burn like a torch and to influence the situation. Oh, how many times I have had to remind myself of this very truth.  

Over the past few months we have been sharing nuggets on the Fruit of the Spirit. As we begin to bundle these truths together in the next month let's take a unique look at gentleness in this issue of W.I.N.E.

Gentleness: Calm and Nonthreatening 

The conference opened with a reminder to us as women to approach circumstances with a sense of calm over rushing in and acting in haste. At times we tend to want matters handled quickly so we can move on to the next task. Checking off this list and that list gives some of us a feeling of accomplishment. But my question is at what cost? This may not be the best approach when dealing with people, when handling the heart of your fellow sister.

Think of gentleness as being nonthreatening. While on the surface this sounds weak and passive, from one of my recent studies I gained a greater insight and appreciation for gentleness. Gentleness is the ability to take on an attitude of peace and calm, which comes from a position of authority and strength. Jesus exercised this when on a raging sea by speaking to the turbulent storm, saying "Peace, be still," and the seas were calmed, (Mark 4:39, NKJV). What authority and power, yet exercised with such gentleness and control.

Sometimes we become so focused on what we have deemed important that we are unable to hear our sister's cry due to the noise from our own trumpet section. The noise in my own life makes me less sensitive to hearing you, so I mishandle your heart, leaving you more broken and bruised than before. Exercising true gentleness requires us to rise to a new level of humility and gentleness.

Do you hear your sister's cry? What are you going to do about it, speak to the storm or jump ship? This month let us approach life's challenges with a spirit of gentleness and kindness. For we know, "A kind-hearted woman gains respect," (Prov. 11:16).