nurturing life

I often find in receiving thoughts from others about femininity that even if what they say is right and good and true, that something seems to fall flat. Something leaves me longing for more.

I realize that it is impossible to fully present every side, every scenario and every exception. But maybe this is part of what unsettles me. If thoughts are shared in a way that seem to claim a complete picture, without leaving room for the mystery and awe of a human being created in the image of God, then maybe (just maybe) this is what leaves me lacking.

If God Himself is the mystery made known that we see in part now but will one day see fully, and if every human being bears His image, then I believe there must be an element in each of us that uniquely displays this aspect of His character. And I would even say that I believe that men and women uniquely display this character (even as each person uniquely displays it), to the glory of our great God Who is completely other and holy and higher.

So all of this is to say, that what I am about to share has simply been a pondering of my heart these last few months. But it is not meant to be a complete picture or to satisfy every longing that there must be more. Maybe it will only create more longing... For our true home... For the day the children of God will know fully as we are fully known.

I believe there is something unique in the heart of a woman that desires to nurture life. That we are created to thrive when nurturing life in those around us.

And here is the glorious thing about it: I see women in all seasons of life and diverse contexts thriving while nurturing the lives of those around them. Obviously a mother literally nurtures the life of her young baby, her very body creating the nourishment and growth of that life. But I see women married, not married, with children, without children, younger, older, and in various stages of working...all thriving when they create space to nurture life.

And hear this so tenderly, but having a presence that nurtures life is not about getting a gold star to make it to the next level, the next season of life. Comparison of how we nurture or in what contexts or in what season of life, must have no place in our hearts, our minds, our talk.

We do not walk in greater and greater fullness of who we are in Christ so that He will give us anything in particular. We do it because it truly is our greatest joy. We do it because it brings Him greatest glory.

So ladies, let me exhort you, create space in your life to nurture life in those around you. Create the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical space to do it! In whatever context the Lord has already placed you, whether it’s at work, at home, at church, in your community. He has placed you. Rest in this sweet confidence.