Influence is recognition not competition.
Being a woman that encourages and promotes other women in their calling and purpose in life seems to be a bit of an anomaly.
Women compare, compete, and complain when other women get what they want or think they deserve. But, what does battling each other get us?
The topic is so fascinating to psychologists they have done numerous studies on why women compete. The short and skinny of their research – Women compete out of self-preservation and fear. Women compete for recognition and attention. This may be both a result of nature and nurture. Either way, competing out of fear for recognition and attention forms our identity.
I found this quote by writer, Noam Shpancer in Psychology Today relevant to the conversation: “As women come to consider being prized by men their ultimate source of strength, worth, achievement and identity, they are compelled to battle other women for the prize.”
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Personally, I would not be in the position I am in if it wasn’t for a woman who recognized raw unrefined potential in me and took the risk to equip and encourage me to step into it. This leader did more than give me a few words of encouragement and mentoring tips. She immersed me in ministry, alongside her allowing me to rise and to fall. She even went as far as giving me her title and part of her pay check. Yes, I said, she gave me her TITLE and the CASH that she earned simple because she believed in me.
I learned the value of recognition by watching a true disciple of Christ empower those around her by her actions as well as her words.
Someone who relies, solely on God for her value understands that her provision and her future is secure. This freedom gives her joy of inviting others along on the journey.
For this gift I will be forever grateful. I will never fear what another woman could take from me. I will only fear not giving enough to propel another forward into the destiny God designed for her.
Finally, {Sisters}, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Pam Bacani
September 12, 2016Love it!
Sherry Stahl
September 13, 2016This post is such a big issue for women. I have been blessed by a few wonderful mentors in my life, but have been at the brunt of competition from others, when we weren’t even playing sports! The first time I joined a group and felt there was no competition, but only encouragement was when I joined Christian Women In Media Association (CWIMA). This is the nicest, most encouraging group ever. I immediately felt at home. I loved it so much that I’m helping to grow the same ministry in Canada. Here we’re called Women In Music & Ministry (WIMM Canada) and we’re a sister organization to CWIMA. Every girl needs a place she feels like she belongs and is valued. Great Post Angela!
~Sherry
Angela L Craig
September 13, 2016Thank you for sharing your experience Sherry and the CWIMA/WIMM groups. I love hearing about this! I am inspired and encouraged by you today!
Sherry Stahl
September 13, 2016We’ll just keep passing it back and forth 🙂
Julie
September 13, 2016“Someone who relies, solely on God for her value understands that her provision and her future is secure. This freedom gives her joy of inviting others along on the journey.”
I love this! I admit it’s hard not to compare and compete. I need to plug more into God during the times my feelings start this.
Your #RaRalinkup neighbor,
Julie
Angela L Craig
September 19, 2016Hi Julie, Thank you for stopping by today! I feel the same as you. I am a work in progress. Have a wonderful day!