Does it really take a lasso, two gold bracelets, a crown, and a power suit (or rather a highly recognizable leotard) to dominate the world? Of course not, but what little girl doesn’t enjoy her superheroes and dreams that one day she might be able to save the world too. Especially when the superhero looks like her. So this image
Primary Colors, Oil Painting by Matthew Bennett
in the Appleton museum a month ago set my soul afire, taking me on a journey back a few decades as I reminisced on my early love affair with Diana Prince AKA Wonder Woman, then transporting me back to the present as the life-size super-hero hung before me. This unexpected masterpiece reminding me of the superhero I envision myself to be now.
Please don’t think of me as too presumptuous.
You see, as a woman embodied within my silky sun-drenched skin, with an Afrocentric outlook on life, I need weapons to avenge injustices in this world. But admittedly, the lasso, the crown, and golden bracelets are not going to get it – though I’m digging the look. These accessories are still not enough to overpower the forces set against me or my womankind.
Costumes can be cute and make cultural statements. Or be nice props of propaganda but they are not true sources of strength. They do not create peace in this world or in us.
You know where to find that…right?
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” John 16:33 AMP
So it’s not a bossy attitude, an alluring glance, or even a potty mouth, which all appear to be the new weapons we women are encouraged to arm ourselves with these days that empower us.
We don’t have to don these things when we already have the greatest power within us. (Micah 3:8, Romans 8:11) And not just girl power, either.
Our source of peace, strength, and dignity is inward. It’s imagery reflected only onto the outer canvas.
But the power is of no use if we don’t know how to use it. Again, it’s like those gold bands on my girl, Wonder Woman’s wrists and those knee-high boots. Merely aesthetic.
For only in Christ Jesus – that’s Him supernaturally living though us – are we the Victorious, fearlessly protecting the promises God’s already given us.
May we feel it, know it, and remind ourselves of His truths. Often.
This is my wish for my sister- girlfriends and me this year — a prosperous 2020, full of peace and executed power as we focus on what’s already inside of us.
Best Blessings,
Leah
#Declareanddecree
#truthoverfacts
#2020me
#victorious