Whispers of Empowerment:
Unveiling the Quiet Power of Subtlety and Humility in Women,
Inspired by Our Blessed Virgin Mary.
I recently watched the movie “BARBIE” with my best friend, her sister, and our kids. Before reading any reviews or spoilers beforehand, I didn’t expect much, just hoping for a chance to relax while the kids enjoyed the movie and fought over popcorn. But to my surprise, as the movie unfolded, Gloria’s monologue, played by Ferrera (Google it.), touched me deeply.
Something inside me shifted at that moment, and I walked out of the theatre with a profound realisation of my role as a woman today. Like many, I juggle multiple roles within my family and beyond. I’m a wife, an administrator, and a manager of family finances. I recently got a new role and frequently found myself as an evangelist, sharing the word of God with my family daily… I’m the glue that holds our family together. On top of that, I handle responsibilities as a boss, a manager, a leader in my business, and a member of my church ministry.
It can be frustrating and disheartening when we feel misunderstood, unappreciated, or ignored. As a mother, my child can say hurtful things when I limit his screen time. As a wife, my spouse bombards me with countless questions about where things are in the house as if it were his first day there. In a male-dominated industry, I often face scrutiny and criticism for the most trivial matters. Even my girlfriends sometimes try to impose their values on me, conflicting with my own faith values. And let’s not forget the never-ending task list that always seems to leave something undone, with people wondering why I make things so complicated just because I’m a woman.
To make matters worse, growing up in a strict Asian family meant experiencing tough love. While my little brother received constant praise, I was made to believe I was to blame for most of his wrongdoings as the older sister. It often feels like I’m never good enough, constantly falling short just because I’m a woman. It’s an ongoing cycle of never-ending expectations. It’s tough out there, and it feels like nobody hands us a medal or says thank you.
But as women, we possess the strength to embrace challenges and overcome obstacles that come our way. The Bible contains stories of extraordinary women who exemplify strength, faith, and resilience. Their stories inspire us to place our trust in God and empower us to uphold righteousness. Instead of idolising celebrities or contemporary figures, we can turn to these historical women as role models and share their extraordinary narratives with our daughters too.
Take Shiphrah and Puah, Hebrew midwives during slavery in Egypt. Despite Pharaoh’s command to kill all male Hebrew babies, they chose to fear God and refused to carry out the order. Their bravery and trust in God’s guidance allowed them to defy the powerful king and protect innocent lives.
“Am I now currying favour with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ” Galatians 1:10
Then there’s Rahab, a woman with a bad reputation in Jericho, who risked her life to hide Israelite spies and put her faith in Israel’s God. Her faithfulness led to her family’s salvation and inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
“Faith is the realisation of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1
We can’t forget Ruth, a Moabite woman who displayed loyalty and love by staying with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and following Naomi’s God. Her humility, hard work, and boldness eventually led to her becoming an ancestor of King David and part of Jesus’ lineage.
“There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother” Proverbs 18:24
Deborah, a prophet and judge, fearlessly led the Israelites back to God and guided them in battles against their enemies. Her strength, wisdom, and faith in God brought peace to the land for 40 years.
“I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9
And who can overlook Esther, the courageous queen who risked her life by approaching the king uninvited to save her people from destruction? Through her bravery and trust in God, the Jewish nation was spared.
“The true charm of this woman is her religious spirit, for she fears the lord” Proverbs 31:30
Another remarkable figure is Mother Mary, our Blessed Virgin, Holy Mother of God, and our devoted Mother. Her unwavering faith and trust in God shine through her life’s journey. From humbly accepting the angel Gabriel’s message to becoming the chosen virgin to bear the Son of God, she exemplifies strength, courage, humility, and surrender to God’s will.
“Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” Luke 1:38
She stood at the foot of the cross during Jesus’ crucifixion, displaying her incredible strength and devotion. When we feel overwhelmed and unappreciated, we can turn to her for solace and guidance. She understands our struggles, joys, and sorrows, having experienced the full range of human emotions herself. We open ourselves to her compassionate intercession by praying and confiding in her.
Our Blessed Mother provides us with strength and guidance. Through her, we ask for her grace to persevere, find meaning in our struggles, and keep our focus on heavenly father and lord Jesus Christ. She reminds us that our heavenly father recognises and values our efforts, even when others fail to do so. Cultivating a relationship with her deepens our connection with our heavenly father and Jesus Christ.
“His mother said to the servers. Do whatever he tells you”John 2:5
Drawing inspiration from our Blessed Mother, we shift our focus from seeking external validation to finding fulfilment in living out our heavenly father’s plan. She teaches us the importance of humility and surrendering to our heavenly father’s will. She never sought recognition or praise but embraced her vocation with humility and obedience.
“But rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:4
Let’s find inspiration in the women of the Bible who faced their challenges with unwavering faith. Their stories remind us that our worth as women extends beyond seeking external validation. Through scripture, we can learn from their examples and create change within ourselves and the issues surrounding us.
Having celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let’s lift our feelings of being underestimated or overlooked to our Blessed Mother. We seek her intercession and find strength in her example of humility, surrender, and deep trust in our heavenly father and her son Lord Jesus Christ.
Mother Mary, pray for us.
Written by Kit Lee