Q: How important has the role of women been in the Kingdom of God, and in your opinion, how has the Lord uniquely gifted women to be powerful, Godly influencers in this season we are living in?
A: I believe our most important role starts with our own family. As women, we can have a strong influence over our children. By creating a stable and nurturing environment in the home women play a critical role in every aspect of society. When a mother nurtures a child’s dreams and encourages his or her success, when she instills godly principals and character, she is producing an adult who will contribute to our society. When a mother teaches her son or daughter to find and develop their God-given talents, and to share those talents with the world, our world becomes a better place.
Q: Given the current state of the world right now, why is it so important that women of God walk in Fearlessness and Freedom?
A: Being a person of faith doesn’t mean we are exempt from fear, difficulty, or uncertainty. But as believers, we can learn to answer in faith when fear comes knocking. Oftentimes, people stay where they are in life simply because of fear. Fear will raise its head in many forms. The enemy will use what people say and do to you as well as your circumstances to try to discourage you and stop what God has started in your life. But at the root of it all is fear.
As believers we can walk in freedom because we have the favor and blessings of God on our side. God is working in us and wants to do great things through us. God said to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). God broke it down in the simplest terms: “You need to be strong and courageous because your biggest enemies are fear and discouragement, not armies and giants.” God says He will be with us wherever we go.
Q: How do you walk in Fearlessness and Freedom in your life, and what are some practical ways other women can do the same?
A: I remember the first time Joel’s father asked me to speak in church. I wanted to do it, but I was so afraid. I knew I had God’s promise that He would be with me, but I got in agreement with that fear, wrapped it up in excuses for why I couldn’t do it, and said no. When I gave in to the fear, I felt as though a black cloud covered me. I realized that the enemy was using fear to try to steal my destiny. I had to unwrap the fear and discouragement from my list of excuses and recognize them for what they really were. The next time I had the opportunity to speak, I drew an invisible line where that fear stopped. I had to literally step over that line and step into freedom as I was walking onto the platform to speak. By taking that action, that physical step, I was able to leave that fear behind. If I’m feeling fear, I remember that situation and it helps me even now. If you’re feeling fear, stop and recognize it for what it is, a distraction from the enemy to discourage you. Don’t give in to it. Christ has set us free and by His finished work on the cross you can declare the victory over fear.
Q: Talk about the significant impact women have on building a spiritual heritage in their family, and how have you strived to do this in your own life?
A: I believe that more is caught than taught. It is through our own example that our children learn their most valuable lessons. As a family we put God first. From this, my children have learned that they are never alone, but that God is there with them always. Secondly, we are a close family. We not only have a great deal of fun together, but we are each other’s biggest fans. My children live out the importance of family and my prayer is that one day they will have successful and loving families of their own. Finally, I want my children to understand how important they are to this world and to accept the responsibility they have in it. My greatest joy is to see them making a difference in the lives of others.
Q: The bible is full of biblical examples of God using women to do extraordinary things. Talk about Deborah and what we can learn from her.
A: Deborah was courageous leader. As a judge and one of the most influential women in the Old Testament, she was the only woman to shepherd God’s people and lead Israel into battle. She led by example. We can learn from her courage and obedience to do what God called her to do. If we are obedient to God, He will use us to do extraordinary things.
Q: Women also were first entrusted with the news of the Resurrection of Jesus. How should this embolden women in the Church to feel empowered to share the Gospel?
A: In the time when Jesus was on the earth, women were regarded as second-class citizens, they didn’t have careers. But Jesus valued women and recognized women as fellow human beings. He demonstrated a high regard for women, in both his life and teaching. Jesus Christ had prominent female disciples who made his mission possible. He chose women to be a vital part of his ministry.
As women, we should recognize our worth and dignity through Christ and be empowered to share the good news of Christ in our daily lives.
Q: Another Great example if Esther. What can we learn from her sacrificial determination, and why is it important that we all understand that we were created for such a time as the one we are currently living in?
A: The Book of Esther is one of only two books in the Bible that are named for women. It is an amazing story. Esther used her position to save the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them. She put her life on the line and saved her people. I believe one reason God gave Esther such prominence is that He knew she would use the influence to fulfill her purpose.
When God gives you opportunities to step into the unknown, don’t shrink back, don’t let fear talk you out of it. Be bold, be courageous, and step out in faith. You may not see how it’s going to work out, but along the way you’ll see miracles. Realize you are living now for such a time as this.
Q: It’s not just the women in the Bible who’ve made a great impact; share about the godly women that have influenced your life.
A: First and foremost, I admire my own mother. She has had the greatest influence on me and through her example, as a child she instilled godly principals in me. She is a strong woman who has run her own business for over 35 years. Watching her, I realized at a young age that a woman can do anything she puts her mind to. She showed me that if we communicate with our children on a daily basis, we can not only be a great mother, but that we can be our children’s best friend as well. She is still my best friend today and I look up to her as a godly woman.
Q: What would you say to those struggling to break free from fear and walk in their God-given purpose?
A: Faith and fear have something in common. They both ask us to believe something that we can’t see. Whichever one you get in agreement with is the one that’s going to come to pass.
A lot of times we don’t realize it, but we’re using our faith for the negative. We’re expecting defeat, sickness, or trouble. Don’t go through life expecting the worst, anticipating bad breaks. That will turn into fear and doubt. Remember, you belong to the Most High God. These things may come, but they’re not going to stay. Turn it around and start seeing yourself healthy and full of energy, living a long healthy life. Fear cannot stay where faith is.
Q: You’ve shared at Lakewood that “our words are containers of power.” Why must we allow what God says about us to redefine how we speak to ourselves as believers and embrace walking in the authority of Christ to transform our lives, our families, and our communities?
A: There is nothing more powerful than saying what God has spoken about you. When you have God’s promises coming out of your mouth, you can’t be defeated. Even when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He said, “It is written.” With each temptation, He went back to the Scripture and quoted what God said. When you’re in difficult times, don’t just say what you feel, what you think, or what you want. Say what God says about your situation.
You can say with His authority, “I’m blessed. I’m prosperous. I’m redeemed. I have the mind of Christ. I have peace that passes understanding. I’m more than a conqueror through Christ. My latter days will be better than my former days.” When you agree with what God says, He’ll open doors you can’t open, and you’ll defeat enemies that are much bigger. When you speak words of faith that agree with God’s promises, you have His authority behind them.