Recently while sipping a steaming peppermint mocha with a friend, she asked me a question that took me by surprise—not because of the question itself, but because I’d never been asked to verbalize my answer before.
What makes you “you”…how did you become who you are today?
I have lists scribbled throughout many, many past journals of the character traits I aspire to be, the goals I hope to accomplish and the woman I’m journeying to become. Below you’ll find nine of those traits—there is no right or wrong to these character traits; they’re simply a compilation of a few of the characteristics I’m taking with me on this journey.
For the days we need to be reminded of who we are and who we’re becoming. This one’s for the trailblazers, the pioneers, and the many fabulous women I know embracing becoming who God made them to be. May we never give up, stand back up when we stumble and continue confidently on the journey. This manifesto is for you—it’s for us—that together we may stand and boldly proclaim who we are and who we’re becoming.
- She has a relationship with Jesus. In order to discover who we were made to be, we must first have a relationship with our Creator. By staying in tune with Him, we discover what our passions are, what gets us out of bed every morning, and who He created us to be.
- She knows her worth. Her confidence isn’t rooted in her job description, relationship status, circle of friends, where she lives or what car she drives; but, rather, in who Jesus says she is: a cherished and valued daughter of the King.
- She is brave. She doesn’t settle for the comfortable, the ordinary or the easy answer. She stands for what she believes in, looks fear in the face and takes the next best step in front of her despite her fear.
- She chooses wisdom. She doesn’t jump to quick conclusions or make hasty decisions. She thinks intuitively, asks insightful questions and encourages advice from trusted mentors.
- She values herself. Refusing to settle, she doesn’t lower her standards. She extends forgiveness to herself and doesn’t allow decisions of yesterday to hold today hostage.
- She loves people. She seeks the beauty in those around her and chooses to extend grace and forgiveness regardless of the circumstances.
- She is pure. Physically, emotionally and mentally, she protects the gift God has entrusted her with. She prays for her future husband. And she extends grace to herself from past decisions, celebrating that Jesus makes all things new.
- She is strong. Life happens and life hurts, but she knows that when she trusts God with her best, she is ultimately choosing to believe He is setting her up for her best.
- She embraces the journey. Becoming isn’t about a destination, but rather about who she becomes in the process.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” {Proverbs 4:23}
It’s not what we do that matters, but rather who we are. Today, let’s look at how we’re determining the course of our lives according to the status of our hearts. That’s truly where life starts.