There is a common thread woven into the tapestry of every woman who leads a happy and meaningful life. That colorful strand refuses to allow negative circumstances to define her. She is tenaciously aware of what goes into her mind, knowing that it will land in her emotions, find expression in her behavior, and thereby reap positive or negative consequences.
“Stinking thinking” can find us replaying past hurts, obsessing on fear and worry, or putting our toe in the water of self-pity one too many times. Like a lingering fog that just hangs on, we may tend to dwell on difficult people, sabotage our self-worth, or slump from the toxic overload of jealousy. Without realizing it, we erode the path to realizing goals and finding pleasure in life.
An overcoming woman is empowered through a practice called ‘the renewing of the mind.’ With origins in the biblical book of Romans, it unlocks a determined decision to interpret life through the lens of God’s point of view rather than through the lens of one’s own subjective filters. For example, strong feelings may insist, “Oh nobody cares!” Contrast that with, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). It is then up to each woman to decide which perspective is more accurate.
She may also think, “I’ve made so many mistakes – I guess that’s just me,” as opposed to, “I am God’s masterpiece” (Eph. 2:10), “remarkably and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). The intentionality of mindset is pivotal. On stressful days will she run with her most compelling thoughts saying, “I just can’t deal with this,” or will she prioritize renewed thinking that believes, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13)?
Be encouraged that we all have the ability to alter our thoughts and reactions, making it possible to vibrantly bloom despite the odds.