The Tribune

By AYANNA CLARKE

Women are perhaps the most interesting people on the planet. Their words, actions, thoughts and ideas all point to one amazing fact - God is indeed a creative God!

I have come to appreciate all the qualities that make me the amazing woman I was created to be, and I have learned to recognise ideals that make each woman awesome.

Although every example of femininity presents a unique picture to the world, there are some qualities that make us similar. We can be described as everything from feisty, emotional, to frigid, high-maintenance, maternal, and the list continues. No matter what the title, I'm sure we know some woman in our circle who will fit the description.

Years ago, I happened upon John MacArthur's book, "Twelve Extraordinary Women", and it changed my life forever. It discussed Eve's creative power, Sarah's hope against the odds, Anna's faithfulness, and Mary and Martha's work and worship. And wouldn't you know it, as I read each chapter I was able to pinpoint some of these same godly traits in women I had encountered over the years:

• Velma Allen, who knew the Word like it was second nature to her

• Naomi Cumberbatch, a prayer warrior and intercessor like none I've ever seen

• Rosmery Bethel, pastor, mother, friend

• Janice Knowles, teacher, preacher, second mother, and the list goes on

So this book started a quest for me. A search to find a woman, any woman, every woman that God's hand was upon, and to map out qualities that made them fit into this phenomenal group. I'm sure you know her. Perhaps she is one of the following:

• Motivated Martha, whose works denote a complete trust and faith in God; who used all her resources and talents to make a place fit for the Master

• Loving Lydia, whose kindhearted nature touched and changed the lives of the children around her

• Dutiful Deborah, who remained humble in the steadfast work of leadership

And countless others who set the pace, and carved a path for women to follow through the annals of time.

Of course, on the flip side, there are also negative traits that can be used to group some women we know. Maybe a Talkative Tanya, a Manipulative Maria, a Fire-starting Frances. That list goes on, too.

We won't have time to discuss each and every category that women can fall into. But we can start by showcasing some of the major ones and seeing where we, and the other women we know, fit in.

Here, I am going to pause and challenge you not to judge anyone too harshly as these groups are revealed. We all come into the world as blank slates, it is only as we are nurtured that we adopt certain traits or practices, positive or otherwise. In other words, a little girl has to be taught to gossip, the same way she is taught to pray. She learns how to be kind or to be mean in the same way. She learns by what she lives. Of course, God's grace and guidance through His Word shapes us into the woman He intends for us to be, as we humbly submit to His process.

I cannot wait to get started. The word in Philippians 1:6 declares, "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

I love this verse for several reasons:.It assures me that God has me on His mind, and I can rest in knowing that He will not give up on making me the woman I am meant to be

Join me as we consider some of the characteristics that make each woman unique and powerful in the eyes of God. I bet you're gonna say, "I know her..."

God bless you this week!