WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

                                  
I grew up in an environment where men were the “alpha and omega” in all things and ladies were relegated just to occupy the last seat without having a say or whatsoever they have to say as a lady is seen as null and void which can’t be used for anything meaningful. It was a norm and cultural belief that the society held unto passionately that women generally must find their identity through men. I know and have seen a lot of women dying in silence going through this, single ladies and married alike. It personally killed a lot of things in me if not for people God sent my way later. WOMAN OF INFLUENCE
Some parents even up till today that we think things have changed still don’t see their daughters as having anything meaningful to say or offer when it comes to some issues they see as critical while even the youngest son is allowed to contribute. Wives have been considered to have little or no say in matters that concerns their own children. All these were and are still made to believe is a normal Africa man’s mentality.
 Taking a clue from our own manual as believers, the bible in the book of Genesis 1:27 says “…in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” You were created in God’s likeness and image, so as a lady don’t allow anyone to deprive you of your legitimate rights. Being an image of God, you are meant to function in all ways just as God; In John 14:12, He says greater work than He did you must do and this can be accomplished through the spirit of God in you Luke 17:21, when you think you are weak or incapable, just employ his spirit in you and strength will flow. God was courageous, brave, wise, generous, empathetic not only does he sympathizes, compassionate and His deeds cut across; you as a lady must be like Him because you were naturally created with all these so they must naturally flow in you, your deeds and ways of life. Take your place in all things woman. As a woman you are not ordinary but on a special assignment which is even in you.

 W – Warriors
 O – On divine
 M – Mission
  A – All over
 N – Nations
Women from time immemorial were created to lead through with the heart of submission. No woman is a second class grade don’t allow anyone to relegate you. Be bold to express yourself anywhere.WOMAN F INFLUENCE
The most unpleasant thing about this menace is its prevalence even in our churches. You see such churches back their claims up with scriptures like 1 Corinthians 14: 34 and 1 Timothy 2: 11-12, what a serious misinterpretation of the bible but it is my prayer that the holy spirit will give us the right understanding of the word of God.

Another one is 1 Peter 3: 7. In the same way, you husbands must give honour to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered (NIJ).WOMAN OF INFLUENCE
Now my concern here is the underlined phrases “she may be weaker than you are.” Some ladies have allowed that word to be their reason for taking just anything. Going by the way of comparison, the weaker vessel in that statement is an indication that there is a weak vessel. This shows that the man that is expected to deal with the woman as a weaker vessel is also in himself weak and should manage the weaker because he has an edge over the weaker being weak. Your strength as a woman lies in that weaker vessel which is not physical but an inner power called influence which is the effect God has given you on things, the power to sway and a special advantage.
Examples of women in the bible who did extraordinarily well;
Deborah, who used her strength in leading the Israelites; a warrior who went to the battle (Judges 4 and 5). She fought sisera’s army with Barak. She is also a prophetess of God with a clear difference. She had the determination that her voice will be heard even amidst men fold and it was so. No wonder even her husband(Lapidoth) was no where to be found because she was determined to make a difference.

The Daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27: 1-11, being only ladies their father had at his point of death, going by the way of tradition they were not supposed to get any inheritance but they fought it out with wisdom and Moses through God heard their plea and God reverted the decree and it affected generations after them.
In the new testament we have Anna, a distinguished prophetess even in the midst of men. Luke 2: 36-38
Like that saying “what a man can do, a woman can do even better”. I want to say with the strength of God in your weakness as a lady, it is possible because another thing you have which is strength of heart you possess is called resilience. Your strength as a woman lies in your being a weaker vessel to complement the weak vessel – THE MAN (MALE); so that you can both fulfill God’s mandate.
You are a world builder, a creator, you have an in-built persuasive power and you are created to deal with everyone in compassion. So woman arise take your place, fulfill your purpose on earth and make the world a better place.

Written by Bisi Oludare
 Bisi Oludare has a passion and ministry in the area of family life. She is a graduate of the First Premier Marriage Institute – The College of Marital Success where she obtained a Postgraduate Certificate as a qualified Chartered Counselor. She is a graduate of the School of Disciples and also attended the Word of Faith Bible Institute. She is a graduate of Biochemistry from LAUTECH and also holds a Masters Degree in Pharmacology from UNILAG but called to build homes through the power in the word of God.

She can be reached through Twitter: @bisioludare
Facebook: Bisi Oludare