Since the fifties, women have risen to places of power, influence, and leadership in unprecedented ways—especially in the West. While their stories aren’t necessarily the dominant narrative of our history books, there have been women who have stepped up with strong voices, convictions, and God-sized dreams. They have paved the way for so many of us to pursue our dreams in ways we may never fully understand. In the same way that the women who have gone before us have made an impact, you and I are writing history this very day. Our choices to love, serve, shepherd, lead, and pursue our passions are shaping the people around us and the culture we live in while exposing the majesty of God.
In both big and small ways, we can make a difference. You and I may not run for the highest office of the land, but we can pursue our passions in our own unique ways. My dear friend Mary sports a dress every single day of December to raise awareness and collect donations for anti-sex trafficking initiatives across the world. This past year she and her seven-year-old son went one step further and stitched bow ties for every man willing to donate more than $100. In addition to bow ties, she hosted a Dressember walk in which families walked five kilometers (with mothers and daughters wearing dresses) to raise their own support for women trapped in sex trafficking. Mary and her son were among the top six advocates for the Dressember Initiative. Her passion, purpose, and people convened to pursue the dream of freedom for enslaved women. Like Mary, we can chase after our dreams and invite our families to come along; and our passions can be unleashed.
You and I weren’t created to sit in silence, smile, and look pretty. We have a life to live. A life to love. We have passions to pursue, people to serve, andloved ones to shepherd. It will be worth it to develop our gifts and skills, raise our voices, and step up to do the very things our hearts ache to do. As the younger generations watch, may they see us as women who don’t hold back because of how we may be perceived. May they see in us women who chase after the heart of God, love with compassion, and pursue our dreams with strength and courage.
Excerpted from the book She Dreams: Live the Life You Were Created For, Tiffany Bluhm, Ó 2019 by Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. Available for pre-order.
