Ministry Resources

Recognition

Influence is recognition not competition.

Being a woman that encourages and promotes other women in their calling and purpose in life seems to be a bit of an anomaly.

Women compare, compete, and complain when other women get what they want or think they deserve. But, what does battling each other get us?

The topic is so fascinating to psychologists they have done numerous studies on why women compete. The short and skinny of their research – Women compete out of self-preservation and fear. Women compete for recognition and attention. This may be both a result of nature and nurture. Either way, competing out of fear for recognition and attention forms our identity.

I found this quote by writer, Noam Shpancer in Psychology Today relevant to the conversation: “As women come to consider being prized by men their ultimate source of strength, worth, achievement and identity, they are compelled to battle other women for the prize.”

In short: When our value is tied to anyone but GOD, we turn on each other.

Personally, I would not be in the position I am in if it wasn’t for a woman who recognized raw unrefined potential in me and took the risk to equip and encourage me to step into it. This leader did more than give me a few words of encouragement and mentoring tips. She immersed me in ministry, alongside her allowing me to rise and to fall. She even went as far as giving me her title and part of her pay check. Yes, I said, she gave me her TITLE and the CASH that she earned simple because she believed in me.

I learned the value of recognition by watching a true disciple of Christ empower those around her by her actions as well as her words.

Someone who relies, solely on God for her value understands that her provision and her future is secure. This freedom gives her joy of inviting others along on the journey.

For this gift I will be forever grateful. I will never fear what another woman could take from me. I will only fear not giving enough to propel another forward into the destiny God designed for her.

Finally, {Sisters}, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11