She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 (NIV).
The past days have shown me in multiple ways how precious women are. I have been reminded yet again of who we are and what God is doing in and through us. We are a masterpiece of God’s creation, made in His image!
[“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (NIV)”]
God has blessed women with a grace to build and nurture. The capacity to which He made us is for a specific purpose and for His glory. The potentials in a woman are limitless and if encouraged and channeled well, they become a true source of blessing to the family and the society at large. One of the environments in which women thrive is in graduate education. In 2019, a non-profit organization in the US reported a favorable increase in the enrollment of female students in US graduate schools. A major representation is in the STEM field; especially Biology, Health and Biomedical sciences including Education and Public Administration. Although, a lot needs to be done in creating awareness for more females in the fields of Business, Engineering, Maths and Computer sciences, and Physical and Earth sciences, they are are still present. Considering the past and how far we have come along in establishing the vision and mission of a woman, it is humbling to say, “What a time to be alive!” Being a woman in the STEM field myself, it’s a blessing to meet up close, with a lot of strong women who keep paving the way and inspiring others. Mind you, the strength I refer to is not based on only academic achievements or a successful career but also on the profound courage to navigate real life issues, express raw emotions and engage in down-to-earth conversations amidst numerous experiences and hassles of life. These women keep getting up day after day with undaunted spirits, they keep on trying and they keep on believing. They have hoped against all odds, gave their best and sacrificed for the greater cause. Most importantly, these are women who humbly accept the love and grace from Jesus and are willing to grow in their journey of faith however and wherever the Lord leads. Yes, that right there is true strength. There has been a longstanding history of discrimination and marginalization of females in different facets and there are still ravaging issues-underlying and obvious. More saddening is the unhealthy ways we have dealt with ourselves over the years. Thankfully, the narrative is changing and gradually we are building a culture of women celebrating and supporting one another. How else can we be there for one another?
Photo by Alexandra Lammerink on Unsplash
Embrace each other.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV).
The struggle in graduate school is real and the fact that we need each other to wade against the tide is undeniable. Graduate school does not exclude women from other life’s issues. Diagnosis, family and social commitments, parenting, heartbreaks, financial situations, and other life’s responsibilities still need to be attended. How warm it is to be surrounded by a community of the same gender who are equally in the same shoes as you are, offering their support – you are not alone Sis. It is such a relief when we have each other to pray together, share graceful words and provide shoulders to lean on. Truth is, everyone could use some encouragement in their individual journeys. Find your tribe and be one too.
Accept each other.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV).
Jesus calls us to a life of selflessness and putting others first. That’s one of the lessons He taught us. A pure love. Unselfish kind of love. When we intentionally choose to listen to each other and personal stories, you get to peek in the world of others and understand them better. It may be your lab mate, housemate, that random grad student, spouse, or even your PI that needs an extension of grace from you. Each person is at a specific stage with their unique stories and we don’t get to judge them on a tiny page of their life we are privy to. We learn from each other humbly and pass the light on. May God help us see and accept what He is doing in and through each of us.
Encourage each other.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV).
In ministry, our callings are different. To each one, God has graciously bestowed gifts for His glory and the advancement of the kingdom of heaven. Some women happily serve as wives, some as mothers, some as professionals. The capacity in which each serve is equally important, and one should not negate another. We need to respect the choices of others; truth is, how God is relating to each one of us uniquely, and we can only see it by faith and not by sight – live and let live. May we be that generation that seeks after bringing the best out of each other as we motivate and raise each other up in prayers. No strife. No envy. No reservations. No comparisons. Just pure encouragement, and a graceful outlook to support each other.
IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU BLESSED AND HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY WOMEN AROUND YOU?
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
