Today, on my birthday, I was told “God’s greatest gift lives within you”. I am currently pregnant with my first child, a baby girl. Although there are many years between us, there are so many things I would like her to know, to experience, to run with through life. So, below are the desires I have for my daughter:
Know you are loved. Not only by your father and me, but by the Creator of the Universe. You were placed on this earth for a purpose, a destiny, a Heavenly call. You are known by the One who spoke the world into existence, who told the mountains to rise, the valleys to go deep, the oceans to wave, the trees to sway, and the sun the shine. Your name is always on His mind.
Know you are worthy. The world may tell you you aren’t “enough”; pretty enough, smart enough, talented enough, but your Father believed you were more than enough for Him to give His most precious gift. He gave it all for you, He sacrificed His heart so you could spend eternity with Him. So, no matter what the world may tell you, know you, simply you, were worth the Son sacrificing Himself so you may live.
Know you are meant to be. The Lord is forming you in my womb. He knows you personally, individually, far better than I will ever know you. He knows your skills, flaws, talents, abilities, and He will use you to make a difference. You were born for this time and this season to do wonderful things. Let the Word guide you along His mighty path.
Know what you deserve. There will be opportunities throughout life for you to “settle”. Settle for a job, a lifestyle, a career path, a man…never settle. You were created for the best, born with a destiny before you. Know your hearts pure desires are meant to be fulfilled, so never let anyone tell you that your expectations are too high. Shoot for the moon and expect to land on it.
Know life is long. You will have highs and lows, great accomplishments and great failures. But, the race is long and there is always another baton to carry. Learn from the failures, allow them to teach you, train you, and better you, for the race is never finished until the Father calls you home.
Know life is short. Sometimes, it feels like it was yesterday when my mother held me in her arms and sang “He is Jehovah” when I wasn’t feeling well. In a blink, here I am, pregnant with you, greatly anticipating your arrival. Life has gone by fast and only seems to be going faster. Although the days can feel long, the years fly by. Learn and live each day, enjoy every moment, pray through every difficulty, know this life is but a vapor. Allow the Lord to use your time on this earth wisely.
Know you are a mighty woman. You are uniquely feminine, beautifully elegant, graceful, lovely, brave, and strong. You were born in the image of God, a creation made in the likeness of Eve. You are meant to be a warrior like Deborah, an evangelist like Mary, a prophetess like Huldah, relentless like Naomi, obedient like Esthar, unyielding like Jochebed, and courageous like Hannah. You were born to be a Woman Standing.
Know you are an answer to prayer. For years, I have been praying for you. Long before I met your father I began to talk to the Lord about you. I asked for you to be healthy, smart, strong, a leader, and a lover of His Word. I asked for you to know Him and His voice without hesitation. I asked for you to desire to know His word and to follow the path He places before you. I asked for you to never want to please the world, but to always long to please the Savior. I asked for you, and here you are.
Soon, when we meet face to face and I hold you in my arms, I will be able to tell you, “after so many years, here you finally are, my answered prayer”.
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
-1 Samuel 2:1-2
A Woman Standing 