WOMEN AGAINST WOMEN – WHY?
Let me ask you a question. Have you ever meet a woman who you would describe as the following: Jealous, overly ambitions, overly driven and overly manipulative? Know some women who always compare, compete and convent others in an effort to mask insecurities? How about one who harbors a ton of pride – conceited, cocky and overconfident!
Don’t you despise those types of girls? Unfortunately, most women, maybe even you – probably have or still exhibit some of the above vices. I honestly, could use many of those degrading descriptions to define myself in my early 20’s. Here’s an example: I was a 22-year-old punk and the year was – well, that’s not important 
I was pompous, arrogant and down right haughty. Some of you who know me are thinking, “And you’ve changed how, Eve?” Trust me, I’ve come a long way!
My boss was the Assignment Manager (the #2 in the Newsroom) telling a young one-man-band reporter on the VERY bottom of the organizational chart making $15,500 before taxes (that would be me) to do a certain assignment (much to my chagrin, of course, and I frankly thought she was stupid). I especially recall a specific phone conversation that went like this:
“Listen Sarah, I think you’re making a huge mistake, but I’m going to do it and do it well despite the fact that I disagree. And, one day I’m going to have your job so I can support those working their %?#&@ off out here in the field (CLICK!).”
Disclaimer: this was pre-Christian. After a ton of hard work, persistence and determination 18 months latter, she was promoted to another station and I had her job and salary. Uhh, let’s just say God has a sense of humor. After realizing her pressures, It didn’t take long before my pride turned into humility and I instantly had empathy for my former boss and made mistake after mistake like all young leaders.
It was during that defining moment when I made a concerted effort and decided that I would never strategize again against a fellow female. I made a horrific, appalling and unfathomable mistake at 22 that I vowed never to make again. After all, isn’t it antithetical to the way God calls us to behave when women fight against other women? Proverbs 31 states:
“Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves…A good woman is never spiteful…she’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help others…she always faces tomorrow with a smile…and WHEN SHE SPEAKS SHE HAS SOMETHING WORTHWILE TO SAY AND SHE ALWAYS SAYS IT KINDLY…Charm can mislead and outside beauty soon fades, but the woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear of God. Give her everything she deserves. Fes-toon (meaning adorn and drape) her life with praises”
AMEN TO THAT, sisters! Seriously, we’re clearly called to be the nurturers and supporters. Now let me ask you this: How enriched would your life be if you viewed, supported and loved ALL women regardless if they’re churched or unchurched, democrat or republican, stay-at- home-mom or career woman, breast feeds or formula, married or single? Can you embrace all females despite orientation, denomination, nationality, commonalty no matter shape, size, age, or whether she constantly reaches for the bottle – and by bottle, I of course mean, Clairol hair-dye #26?
You see friends, I’ve come to the realization that every woman is part of God’s story uniquely gifted by God’s design of love, grace, mercy, redemption, restoration, hope, and although not flawless – certainly fearless.
I want to be the person to lift-up rather than teardown to build-up rather than break- down to genuinely and authentically help other women succeed in their professional and personal lives. I strive to be the woman God calls me to be – the Proverbs 31 gal who, although is nameless in the bible, can be a title each one of us earns! Women for Women – WHY NOT!
A great reminder. Thanks Eve!
I read this and thought of all the women I don't have to love and support because, well because they are exceptions. They are competitive. They've wronged me. They aren't wired like I am.
But I am wrong…there are no exceptions.
I love that, Lindsey! NO EXCEPTIONS. A great word. You rock
Wow great reminder. Just what I needed to start my week off right
Brittany
Thanks, Brittany. I need this reminder weekly
Amazing post, Eve. If we support rather than tear down, we all win. Too bad so many of us don't see this the way you do. There's a feedback loop when we help and lift others up – it comes back. Those who realize this are typically the best leaders. If you were to lead the people of your organization to be the best they could be, would your organziation (or family, or community, etc…) be a better, more effective place? I bet so… Thanks, Eve! GREAT insight!
Great insight from you, too, Chuck!! Appreciate your wise words, as always
Heartfelt post on a topic all too real…called to love…without exception. Thanks for so eloquently and thoughtfully laying it out for all of us!
Thanks for your kind words, Dawn. Yes, called to love no matter what…I must remind myself of that daily
Like you, I would say God has grown me so much in this area…and my friends would be surprised. Far too often I find myself thinking (if not saying) critical, judgemental, envious things about other women. I realize more & more how much I distrust women and see them as a threat & the enemy. Thank you for this reminder that we are to work with and for each other.
Thanks for your transparency, Melissa. I often need a reminder, too. I appreciate your words and insight!
LOVE IT EVE!!!!!!!! I would have NEVER thought that about YOUUUUU!!!! wink wink…
Lol! I've come a LONG way… Well, I've made some progress anyway!!!! Thanks for stopping by!
Great post! So true. I try so hard to be supporting and nurturing but man it is hard when people are stabbing you in the back. So right Lindsey! There are no exceptions. It always amazes me that we can be our worst enemy. We should have each others back but instead you see so much jealousy and anger. : ) Never really read Prov. 31 like that. Thanks for bringing that point out of scripture!