A Portrait of Femininity

Dear Friends,

As I continue on this journey, a place I am most in need of growing is in understanding what it means to be female and feminine. This goes far beyond the physical aspect of genitalia. It is a way of being, thinking, knowing, a way of moving through space and time that reflects the God-endowed, God-blessed aspects of being created woman. And believing that it is good. No, believing that it is very good (Genesis 1:31).

I am just beginning to learn what this means and how to live in a way that honors and embraces the way in which I was created, as female, meant to be feminine. For now, I wish to share with you something I was sent several years ago. It has touched my heart and has only just recently begun to make its way into the essence of my being.

A Portrait of Femininity

A Woman of Strength, Softness, and Passion 

Surrendered Heart -- Not Surrendered Identity

A strength to be reckoned with. She does not demand respect, but you want to give it to her. Her presence invites you to rest. In fact, she is like a tree - holding forth nurturing branches. Not a spider web, trapping you for her soul food.

Her vulnerability is so lovely, you cannot keep your soul out of hers. She is marked by a genuine kindness, of one who has already forgiven you for how you will fail her.

She exudes the kind strength that trusts, and waits, and suffers. As unto God's purposes, not her own. She lays her life down like a lamb, not a dog. Her surrender flows from her love, not fear or desperation. Her surrender is a chosen thing.

She lives in the vulnerability of her longing to be treasured, of her longing to be known, of her longing to be invited in. But she lets her disillusionment tenderize, not toughen her heart.

She does not hold the objects of her love captive. She does not make them pay, or tie them to her with guilt, or keep them in terror of her critical eye. But rather let's them fly free, enjoying all the more the reunion. They get to choose to be with her.

She lives at the mercy of no one. She is captive only to the Father. Thus, she is free to love, even if it means she loses. She chooses doing love over getting love.

By Lottie K. Hillard

And so I pray. LORD, help me to embrace what you have called lovely, what you have named as very good. Help me to live vulnerably and in a way that reflects Your goodness, Your love. Help me to feel free enough, brave enough to step out from behind the wall of myself I have built around myself, to no longer hide in fear but to believe that I am safe because of You and because of the power You have entrusted to me - a power for good, not harm. A power to be held and wielded well. A power to be carried and shared. A power to be used for one purpose only - to glorify You in all I say and all I do. Help me, Father, to feel the warmth of Your embrace and the tenderness of Your gaze as I step out and into who you have designed and called me to be: soft, gentle, strong, courageous, tender, loving, open, free, warrior, princess, beloved, chosen, girl, woman, female, feminine, very good. Amen.

With much Love and Blessings,
Erin

Lottie Hillard is a therapist in Orlando, FL. She has been counseling people toward healing and restoration for over 30 years.