Engage

Women of Influence

It is quiet, dark, and the anticipation of the audience is like that of a live wire ready to spark.  When her willowy frame finally glides through the curtains she beams a confident smile and energy pulsates through the stadium.  55,000 pairs of eyes fixate on her, fans scream in adoration, and glitter rains down from overhead.  A star in every sense of the word, she works her Southern charm and exhibits adept mastery of both the audience and the stage.  And while I realize that very few of us will ever reach her level of international recognition, I can’t help but wonder, what are the platforms that you and I have been given and what messages are we sharing?  

It is quiet, dark, and the anticipation of the audience is like that of a live wire ready to spark.  When her willowy frame finally glides through the curtains she beams a confident smile and energy pulsates through the stadium.  55,000 pairs of eyes fixate on her, fans scream in adoration, and glitter rains down from overhead.  A star in every sense of the word, she works her Southern charm and exhibits adept mastery of both the audience and the stage.  And while I realize that very few of us will ever reach her level of international recognition, I can’t help but wonder, what are the platforms that you and I have been given and what messages are we sharing?  

As an event planner, a lot of my time is spent considering platforms, presentations, and performances.  I book speakers, invite attendees, and decorate the stage only to tear it down again after the event has passed.  However the kind of platform that I’m talking about isn’t a physical one, although it can be.  The platform to which I’m referring is that of influence—the ability to lead, inspire, or have an effect upon someone else.  And influence is not only something that all Christian women possess, but an ability that should be wielded with intentionality and responsibility.

Most of us know that as Christians we image God to each other and to the rest of the world.  We seek to honor God in our daily lives and strive to grow in Christlikeness.  We desire to be loving wives, dutiful daughters, and faithful friends.  But would we really consider ourselves women of influence?  Or is that title reserved only for the women who get paid for speaking engagements or have their name printed on a book jacket?  

As image-bearers of the living God to a lost and dying world, I cannot think of anything that could be more important or influential than exhibiting and extending God’s love to others.  If it is true that “your life may be the only Bible some people read” does that not give incredible significance and purpose to your relationships?  After all the articulate speaker isn’t meeting weekly with your neighbor for coffee and discipleship, you are.  You alone are in a unique position to interact with, love well, and speak the truth to those with whom you are acquainted.  

You are a woman of influence.  What message are you living?

Tiffany is the Women's Ministry Coordinator at Irving Bible Church, and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. A proud, native Texan, she and her husband, Jason, live in Grapevine, Texas. She is passionate about advancing the God-given value of women and helping women to embrace their unique identity in Christ. She serves as a board member for the Association for Women in Ministry Professionals (AWMP) and served for the past 3 years on the leadership team for Polish Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping young professional women connect their faith with their career.

2 Comments

  • Tamara Scherich

    Thank you for this reminder,

    Thank you for this reminder, Tiffany.  I feel like I have found new energy for the daily routine.

  • Fran

    Tiffany, How true!  Your

    Tiffany,

    How true!  Your message although addressed to women also applies to men and is very relevant to all.