Recently, I was at a retreat for mothers and their adult daughters at the Brothers of Saint John community in The Hague, The Netherlands. The theme of this weekend was: the image of oneself. During this weekend we had teachings about this theme, Holy Mass, adoration, and plenty mother-daughter time to talk about what’s really going on in each others lives. In this blog I will tell you about the reflections on the image of oneself.

What can I do with images?

An image is a captured moment. In this day it’s easy to make several images within seconds to capture a moment. You can check which image you like the most and keep that one and share it. I think we are all guilty of making way too much pictures and/or selfies, than zoom in and out to make sure we do really have the ‘best’ moment to share with family, friends, and strangers.

Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Courage, and Influence

In the biblical book of Esther we read about a young Jewish girl who became queen. As queen she showed great bravery that saved an entire nation. God positioned her strategically in a place of influence. She answered God’s call and went through a season of preparation physically and spiritually to get ready. God is calling modern-day Esthers to follow her example. In the book The Esther Anointing by Michelle McClain-Walters we learn how God gifted Esther with favor and called her to save a nation. Are you ready to become a modern-day Esther?

You are made in the image of God. God has a plan for His people. And you need to stand stand up and claim your God given place.

Created in His image

God created man in His own image. From man, He created male and female. God separated the (hu)man into man and woman in an unique way.  He did not only separate them by flesh but also their characteristics. This doesn’t mean you are a ‘half’, you don’t have to go through life at half strength. God has made you whole, 100% woman. You have talents and characteristics that a man doesn’t have. Your feminity is needed in this world, don’t tone it down. Man and woman are created to be separated persons but not to have separated plans. God needs both men and women in His plan.

Do you ever wonder what your purpose as a woman is? What your identity as a woman is? I’m going to take you back to Genesis where God created woman. In Genesis 2:18 our purpose and true identity as a woman is revealed. I believe this Scripture is misinterpreted by a lot of people, especially women.  It is important that we understand it correctly and live up to our full potential.

I used to cringe whenever I heard this Bible verse, I went straight into defensive mode. I don’t want to be a “helper” or “help meet”, that sounds so lame. Like I was made to be an assistent or servant of man. This my dear sisters is a lie, you are made for so much more. In Hebrew the word used is Ezer Kenegdo and this is a difficult word to translate into English or any other language.