One of my favorite running shirts..it helps me to read this shirt and take its advice!

As the baby of the family, I grew accustomed to everyone taking care of me while I entertained them. As a child, I was told to be good and not make trouble. As a young wife and mom, I had a hard time finding my stride and my inner strength. I depended on other people far too much for my strength.

Now that I am a woman in my 50’s, I am finally learning to lean more on God’s strength and reach deep inside and find my own. I have survived through many difficult circumstances, including the deaths of both my parents, my own serious health struggles, my children leaving home, and, most recently, my husband’s brain injury. If I crumbled every time that life got hard, I wouldn’t be reliable or helpful.

On this International Women’s Day, I want to grow stronger in so many ways. First, I want to grow stronger in my faith. When I know that a faithful and sovereign God will never leave or forsake me, I become fearless. I want to grow stronger in my convictions and in the way I live out these convictions in my everyday life. I want to grow stronger in my physical body, as I pursue healthy choices. I want to grow stronger in my love for my family, my friends, my church body, and my students.

Not only is it okay for a woman to be strong, it’s how God designed us!

Go find your strong today!