Sunday, July 12, 2009

Warrior Girl

I'm a fairly girlie-girl. . . .I wear skirts, a little make-up, love pedicures, absolutely love my precious friendships with other women, girls nights out are my favorite, chick flicks are adorable. . ok, you get the picture.

however, I'm also a very strong personality. . had you noticed that already? =) I am loud, sarcastic and feel like I'm a bit overwhelming at times.

I also LOVE war movies, any action based thriller and, of course, 24. . .not because I want Jack Bauer to rescue me. . .but because I want to be him! haha

This contradiction of who I am feels like just that. . .a contradiction. I feel like I don't fit in as a girl in some ways. The strength of my personality and my desire to be involved in things a bit over my head (just ask the HopeChest guys and Russ) make me feel like not the quiet, meek, demur woman that I'm "supposed" to be.

Here's where freedom has come for me. . .I LOVE BETH MOORE!

We've been doing the Esther study lately and she keeps coming back to one concept that keeps hitting me over the head. "Warrior Women".

She explained that in Prov. 31 (the perfect woman chapter that hangs over our heads!) the same word is used for this precious mama that is used for GIDEON. Yep, the warrior hero, Giddeon.

Oh how that frees me. Women ARE called to be a part of the fight! Just look at Esther. . she didn't just sit around during injustice. God used her!

So often, when I am learning about the injustice in this world, I want to DO something. I want to "get in the game" I want to be a part of the "fight" I want to be on the front lines of "battle"

I used to struggle with that. . .not anymore. That IS a part of me. God made me to be used in HIS battle. He allows ME to be on the frontlines. . .both in the physical sense as He is granting me the privilege of helping HopeChest and in the spiritual sense as I get to unite with other believers in fighting the spiritual battle through prayer and intercession for the oppressed. We get to be involved!

Does that thrill any of the rest of you? For me, as a woman who's wondered if I'm some sort of weird freak. . .it's thrilling and freeing. I can be completely a girl and completely a warrior all at the same time!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes, it is thrilling and freeing. Love that Esther study!

J Gutwein said...

I definitely understand this post... I may even refer to it on my blog if that is okay. Thanks. Love, J (web.me.com/lgutwein).

aheeley said...

Wow, you just summed me up to a T. Maybe that is why God brought us together. I have felt out of place for a long time but in the last 9-12 months come to accept that this is who God hardwired me to be. I am thankful for it and for women like you that God has graciously brought into my life in affirmation!!!

Love you!

Diane Larson said...

Brandi,
I need to do this study. I have always struggled with the fact that I am not meek or even graceful most of the time. I always joke that I got too much testosterone!

Kim said...

It's funny, as I was reading this post I thought about the Proverbs 31 woman. She was very strong in many ways, a business woman yet very gentle when dealing with people. I actually think you are the perfect balance! To be all strong could make for a hard-hearted person. To be all girly usually means no-spine. You stand up for justice and are willing to face adversity head-on. But you also have great compassion and gentleness in how you deal with people. More women could stand to be like you:)

Amber S. said...

Yes, that analogy to Gideon in our study meant a lot to me as well. Great thoughts on it my warrior friend!

Valarie Daly said...

Hey Brandi-I'll be that freak with you :-) I often struggle with "is something wrong with me because I don't act like that girlie girl?" I know part of it is GOD doing work within my heart over certain things BUT I also believe this is how my heavenly daddy created me. So I continue to allow GOD to show me the areas that HE wants me to work on and change, and then accept, not apologize for the gifts/strengths that have come from him that HE wants to use to spread HIS love and further HIS kingdom. You are changing childrens life one village at a time-love ya!

Sandra said...

Brandi,
I love your post! For me, I think it is the mothering instict coming out. I hate to see another being pushed around or neglected. It gets a fire going under me. I think the poster, Kim, described you just right!

Erin Moore said...

We need "Warrior Girl" t-shirts, don't we?

It's such an honor to serve with you my sister! When God calls us to be warriors for His cause and His people, what are we suppose to do? :-)

Just heedin' the call!

Unknown said...

I need to start this study too, but I could have told you that you were a Warrior Girl!

Erica said...

I get this post on so many levels. So much that I'm struggling with this very thing at this very moment. I'm exactly wired this way and frankly I do feel like a freak. So glad I'm not alone.

Wendi said...

fantastic! me too! amen! gotcha covered! :-) Our sermon on Sunday was about Gideon - timely comparison...

Kdubs said...

oh my goodness, i love this.

Anonymous said...

As a Warrior, the first thing I would like to say is welcome aboard. I have long felt that women are stronger than men and I look forward co-laboring with you. A few things I want to share as you enter the battle...1. A Warrior should never do battle alone; 2. A Warrior should be confident AND humble; 3. A Warrior should rely wholly on God; 4. A Warrior should ALWAYS seek to be merciful first.
I consider it a privilege to be connected to such a powerful Warrior Girl - see you on the battlefield.