A woman of strength...

Just what "is" a woman of strength? 
Is she someone who can face the trials of life without shedding a tear?  
Someone who can work ten hours a day and still be a super wife and mother at home? 
Does she run 5 miles before the break of dawn? 

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We all somehow desire to be a woman who can do it all; maintain physical health, work outside the home for 8-10 hours, be the perfect wife, mother, friend and smile through it all. 
But let's be honest, this is a far cry from what the woman of faith strives to be.

I once worked for a cardiologist who participated in Triathilons.  God bless her.  
She would rise at 5 A.M to run, then swim, and head to the office.  She was a vegetarian and in perfect condition.  As much as I admired her, I knew I would never be anything like her.  Sure, I am health minded, eat right and exercise (walking all day is enough for me) but my focus in life is a bit different. 

For many, strength means physical ability.   But for me it is spiritual.  
Just like a mature tree stands strong and majestic,  its branches extend outward overhead causing you to look up in awe. But what is even more inspiring is what lies around and beneath your feet.  
The roots.
This strong tree survives on its hidden strength buried deep down and extending outward in all directions.  As these roots gather water and nutrients from the soil to support itself, it thrives. 

In fact, these roots often extend two to three times farther than the branches.  
​So often we admire the beauty of the tree from gazing at the height and branches, yet we fail to understand the tree's true strength...deep down in its roots. 
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So as the world gazes upon what we physically do or accomplish each day, what really matters in the life of the woman of faith is...how deep our spiritual roots are.

 Those who are spiritually strong (in the Lord), will hide His Word and promises in their heart.
​For we are promised that His Word will promote a deep, strong root system.
 It is our "hidden" strength that will give us limitless peace, patience, comfort and calm. 
We grow strong in faith and walk this life in His favor. 
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My Lord Jesus, 
You died upon a tree so that I might live and grow in spiritual strength!
Help me to flourish and serve You in my day to day walk through a world that
has turned away from You. 
Give me faith to trust in You alone for my survival strength, my spiritual strength. 
Amen. 

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