Right now, everyone is talking about Christian women and our permitted roles in the church and society. With all of the recent news and trending content on social media, it is a tough time to be a Christian woman.

I’ve read many of the comments on social media and they are heartbreaking. Many women, who feel called into ministry, feel condemned and judged by certain religious institutions.

I want to remind you of an important verse in the Bible that reminds us of our freedom as Christians. When God calls us to take on a certain role or position, it isn’t up to the world to define what that means. In the end, we answer to God and not man.

I went through something similar when I ran for office. I was repeatedly told, as a woman, that my place was in the home. It shocked and surprised me to be on the receiving end of these types of comments. There were plenty of them directed at me and my family. I was judged solely for my gender and my qualifications were deemed irrelevant. These kinds of comments and judgements were often given to me by other Christians, which was even more discouraging.

In the face of a very difficult run, God brought me through that experience. When important political people constantly shut doors in my face, I kept moving forward. Even when people told me I should join the PTA or Junior League instead, I kept pressing forward. When I was told I was a selfish mom for running, I kept my focus on God. It wasn’t an easy time, but I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to get to know God in an entirely new way. I didn’t let the situation change me, instead, I brought change to the situation and showed a Godly example at every opportunity.

It’s easy to be a Christian when everything is comfortable. However, as Christians, we are often called to leave our comfort zones. Christian women can bring all kinds of unique skills and experiences to the world, especially, in ministry. There are many hurt women out there who only want to talk to other women. Many struggling new mothers want to hear Godly advice from other women who’ve been in the trenches. There is a great demand, and God has powerfully equipped many women to meet it.

Most of the time, the world doesn’t understand what God calls us to do, and that’s totally okay. In the end, when I stand before God, I want to have lived a life that followed His lead. I hope all Christian women will follow God’s calling for their lives. Sometimes, a step out in faith may run counter to everyone else’s opinion. As long as you stay in prayer, read your Bible and keep your eyes on God, you can do it. Please don’t let anyone discourage you from your calling.

During my challenging time, I often listened to Lisa Bevere. She put out an insightful article on the topic of women in ministry. I encourage you to check it out—The Great Commission is Your Permission

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I can’t tell you how many times in my life someone has told me I’m not qualified to do something. Whether it was my run for Congress, or just doing anything big in general, there are always people willing to give their opinion.

When God tells us to do something, qualifications do not matter. I have a bunch of degrees and work experience, and yet, God is the only qualification that counts.

God has put me in rooms and situations where it was blatantly evident He was the one who sent me the invitation. I’ve gotten up on stages and made speeches in spite of being told a woman doesn’t belong in politics. Even though it was hard, with God by my side, I got up and did those things anyway. When God calls us to do something, we can freely enter any room and do anything, regardless of the opinion of others.

When I was younger, I let the negative comments get to me. I gave value to people who didn’t warrant it. I based my self worth on the feedback and input of people I can no longer remember. Isn’t that funny? We put so much importance on what other people think, and we let it hold us back.

When you are a Christian, you don’t need any qualifications to do what you are called to do in this life. God has given all of us unique talents and abilities.

If you think about David, he was the last person on earth that society thought was fit to defeat Goliath. They laughed at him and acted like he didn’t matter. However, David was the true giant in the story. Against all odds, he rose up and defeated a monster of a man with the most rudimentary of tools.

Don’t let other people hold you back. You only need the approval of God to do big things. Don’t give license to people who don’t matter in the big picture of God’s plan.

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I was recently in someone’s office and saw numerous awards with the title “Woman of Distinction.” The sight made me start thinking about the meaning behind this award winning title.

Are you a woman of distinction? If you are a believer, then by nature you are of distinction to God. It may be counter culture, but in the eyes of the world, I wouldn’t value this title. Distinction is a very subjective word. It can have a different meaning to a variety of organizations or people. Those meanings might not align with God’s purpose or vision for my life.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

To be distinct means to be different and to stand out. There is no better place to be distinct than in leadership. You can lead others by your example. You may be surprised, but people are always watching. You never know who you will inspire. Whether it’s as a volunteer, at home or in the workplace, you can set a Godly example for others. There are so many ways to exhibit this type of leadership. God has given each of us the unique ability to live by example. Here are just a few ways you can show others what you are all about. You can be an ethical person in an unethical environment. You can speak the truth when others make regular false claims. You can be kind toward others even when they are unkind to you. You can help the less fortunate. You can dedicate your time to doing good.

To me, a woman of distinction is one who puts others before herself. She is steadfast in her faith and dedication to doing good. She puts God first. She has integrity and a forthright character. Regardless of how the world changes around her, she remains the same.

How are you a woman of distinction?

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I don’t buy into this narrative. There are plenty of people who put in the necessary time and effort and don’t make it to the top.

To me, a successful person is someone who still shows up. She shows up when there isn’t anything in it for her. She is there for the people who need her. She gives back, even when it is hard.

There are so many women who keep our communities, families and companies glued together. They lead by example. They put in the same, if not more than, the amount of effort and dedication as the people who make it to the top.

Why do we value those who make it big? Why not give that type of consideration and recognition to the people in our lives who are “top” to us. Why not see yourself as a success by standards other than your bank account?

From a young age, we learn that success is based on income. This is a really shallow translation. There are so many other ways to judge success.

Think about the people in your life that you can always count on. What about the people who are closest and most important to you? Those individuals are the real success stories.

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12

I don’t know about you, but I would rather those closest to me think I am a success than the people online who judge me by unattainable worldly standards.

I want to be a successful, authentic person to the people in my life. As I get older, I’m starting to realize that when it comes to judging success, money is not even on the list.

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Nowadays, there are so many voices out there telling women who they are meant to be and what they must do with their lives. A lot of people have a lot of opinions. If you spend any amount of time on social media, you will see that there are plenty of very loud voices offering their thoughts about a woman’s role in society. If you feel a calling on your life, it’s important to look to God and not social media.

It is very narrow minded for anyone to say that God doesn’t think a woman has a place out in front, leading others. The Bible is full of women who played important roles. If you are confused or unsure about your calling, consider going straight to God. By doing so, you can get your direction from the source.

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