by Sister Chiquita Evans

When we as women celebrate ourselves the first thing that comes to mind is what we do for our exterior. Getting our hair done, nails done or putting on our favorite outfit are things we do to enhance our outer appearance. Going to the spa, trying the latest age-defying treatment or just enjoying a day of shopping are also ways we attempt to give ourselves a boost of confidence and lift our spirits. There is nothing wrong with doing those things that make you feel good about yourself and enhancing your outer appearance, but we must go deeper. 

In a world that sensationalizes the superficial, the challenge becomes how to stay aligned with how God sees you and how you see yourself. God loves you women of God! After all, He sent His son by way of a woman and He paid the ultimate price for our sins when we didn't deserve it. The Bible tells us that, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). The main tactic of the enemy is to make you think that God does not love you and that you are not worthy. Some of his biggest areas of attack on women are in our minds, emotions and self esteem. Not to mention, jealousy, insecure about our body structure (i.e., hips too big, legs too small, etc.), depression, and a constant feeling of inadequacy plague many women. Too many times we look at the world's distorted definition of success and beauty. Then we feel that if we do not measure up to that standard we are a failure. This could not be further from the truth. God's love is not predicated on your appearance or status; and there is nothing that we can do to stop Him from loving us. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). Everything you need is found in the love of God and it's the assurance in Him that will bring about an inner glow that will exude from the inside out.

Several years ago, I lost a significant amount of weight. It was amazing that although everyone else recognized it, I had a hard time accepting the compliments because I could not see it. The weight loss itself just changed my body but it did not change how I viewed myself. Being completely honest, I had to admit the root issue was that I really was not sure if God really loved me, nor did I feel worthy of anything good happening in my life. I realized it was something that I'd struggled with my entire life and it manifested itself in multiple ways. I sought God for answers and through the ministry of His unconditional love and the renewing of my mind in the word, that area of my life has been transformed. "How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings" (Psalms 36:7). I can stand today and say that I know God loves me and that is the source of my confidence - "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (I John 4:9-10)

Your worth is in Christ and if you allow that to resonate in your spirit it will change your life. Emotional issues, low self esteem and every other issue that comes attached to them can be turned around and become the testimony of how you overcame. Women of Excellence, celebrate your worth in Christ because you are His beloved! 

In closing, I want to leave you with these encouraging words:

"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;

You formed me in my mother's womb.

I thank you, High God-you're breathtaking!

Body and soul, I am marvelously made!

I worship in adoration-what a creation!

You know me inside and out,

You know every bone in my body;

You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,

How I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;

All the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day."

(Psalm 139:13-16)

Celebrate your worth in Christ!

Reclaiming, Reviving and Restoring the family 

in Total Prosperity 2013!

ARE YOU A WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST?

Here are the answers to last month's bible questions:

1)      c. the Chief Priest and Pharisees (Matthew 27:62) 

2)     a. Mary Magdalene (Matthew 28:1)

3)      b. An angel (Matthew 28:6)

4)      a. They didn't believe it (Luke 24:11)

5)      a. Because they had been paid (Matthew 28:12-13)

6)      b. Galilee (Mark 16:7)

Click HERE to get last month's article with questions.  

First Lady Ollie Reeves WOP Prayer Breakfast 

Support Lady O as she speaks at the 5th "Women of Purpose" Prayer Breakfast Saturday, April 13, 2013 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at True Joy Ministries, 690 S. Philadelphia Blvd Ste 500, Aberdeen MD 21001.  Cost is $25.00 Purchase your ticket at www.trujoyministries.org and click on the Donation image (indicate in the memo "WOP Breakfast"). 

RLCDC Scholarship Application Deadline

Scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 will be awarded to high school seniors. Download applications at www.RLCDC.org. The deadline for all applications is May 1.

New Dimensions Summer Camp 

Parents it's time for engaging safe activities for the kids this summer at New Dimensions all-day Summer Camp for children up to age 11. This will be one of our most exciting camps ever as we "Set Sail on Global Exploration" and explore the continents through food, music, games science, math, stories and so much more. Our campers will enjoy fieldtrips and swimming weekly. Contact Kim Hammond at 703-497-6116 for rates and registration information. Download flyer.