Intimidating Women

I’m doing some quick online research for a new teaching I’ll be giving in 2011 and (of course!) one of my first stops was at Carolyn McCulley’s blog. I just LOVE Carolyn McCulley! Her heart, her gifts, her mind, her reflection of the Holy Spirit … who else could write on the topic of Radical Womanhood (“feminine faith in a feminist world”) with such insight, clarity, AND humility? I often describe her book as one of the few Christian books on this topic that I would not be ashamed to share with a non-Christian because it is so thoughtful, well-researched, AND winsome/fair. (Sadly, so many books on this topic feel like screeching, screaming, shallow name-calling to me. But not Carolyn McCulley’s. Hooray!)

But back to the reason for this post …

While poking around online during Ella’s nap (and Sophie’s Irish Dance class), I found this great post from Carolyn’s archives that I thought some of you might enjoy:

I encourage you to read this whether you relate to this topic personally (that’s ME!), or you’re dealing with the topic of “intimidating women” due to a challenging relationship in your workplace, school, Bible study, church, extended family, etc. (How many of us are cringing at the thought of extended family gatherings next week for Thanksgiving and next month for Christmas? Are you already plotting out your survival mechanisms for those, ummm, challenging relationships?)

You may also enjoy Chapter 9 of Judy’s and my book, Peacemaking Women (“Women Leaders with Powerful Personalities”) and my audio recording (that you can listen to for free on the resources page of my website): Biblical Hope (and Help) for Women with Powerful Personalities.

When it comes to enjoying how God has made me to be, while learning to use my gifts with grace, I truly rejoice in God’s grace in sanctifying me and helping me to grow. But I know I still have much room for improvement.

Thank God for patience and mercy! From Him and from so many friends and loved ones who persevere in helping me to change.

Enjoy Carolyn’s post—

Blessings,
Tara B.