Women Reaching Women Lectures

LifeWay Women's Ministry Specialist, Mrs. Chris Adams will be addressing women's ministry students on March 30-31. Mrs. Adams lecture series will be centered around Women Reaching Women. All women are invited to sit in on women's ministry classes for these 2 days. For more information contact the Center for Women's Ministries at 434-582-7038.

Book Recommendation: Why Trust Jesus?

Author and speaker, Dave Sterrett addressed students in 4 different courses at Liberty University on the topic, "Why Trust Jesus?" Sterrett's recently released book entitled, Why Trust Jesus? addresses a key question that we all ask when facing difficulties or uncertain times. This book would be a great resource to anyone going through a crisis situation or just life in general.

Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign

The Center for Women’s Ministries sponsored an Exhibit focusing on National Eating Disorder Awareness, February 23-25. This 3-day exhibit “Expressions from the Inside Out: a Journal Towards Renewal,” was open to both males and females, campus wide. Statistics reveal a growing number of women & men struggle with body image and health related issues. Hundreds of students walked through the exhibit that revealed healthy vs. unhealthy views that men and women have of themselves. I believe many were helped by this exhibit.

On Thursday, February 25, the Center for Women’s Ministries participated in a campus wide Women’s Health and Wellness Seminar. Over 500 young women attended this event focusing on Health Issues. Many young ladies were given answers from the panelist in regard to health issues and struggles with outward/inward beauty. It is evident, there are widespread issues in regard to health, but so many of these problems can be solved as we look to God's view of ourselves focused on our uniqueness, being created in His Image vs. the world's view of ourselves focused on merely the outside.

Eating Disorder Exhibit

Liberty University, Center for Women's Ministries will be displaying a Walk-Through Exhibit on Eating Disorders in the School of Religion this Tuesday-Thursday, 9 - 4. You will not want to miss this exhibit focusing on Health and Wellness for both males and females. The exhibit is open to everyone.

8 Friends Every Woman Needs

According to Prevention Magazine there are "8 Friends Every Woman Needs." These include: A Childhood Friend, A New Friend, A Workout Friend, A Spiritual Friend, A Younger Friend, Your Partners Friend, Your Mom and Yourself. All of these friendships sound very good. It is true that we all need friends and were created for relationships. However, I would like to add another friendship that deserves to be in a category on its own. We have the utmost privilege to have a relationship and friendship with the Creator of the World...Our Unique Designer...Someone who was born to be our Savior and our Greatest Comforter. Who is this Friend that welcomes us to come and know Him? He is the One who will never leave us or forsake us. He is the One who "is closer than a brother" or any other human relationship. Jesus Christ. If you don't have Him, you don't have anything. If you simply open up the door of your heart and ask Him to forgive you of all your sins (we all blow it) and to come into your life, declaring your belief in Him as the Only Way, Truth and Life...He will come in and become "Your GREATEST Friend." Ask Him today! You will not regret it!

Women, Puppets, and Oprah

What do women, puppets and Oprah have in common? Well, evidently and unfortunately...A LOT! Author Robyn Okraut decided to live her life exactly by Oprah's advice for one entire year. She said that this project, which she writes about in her new book, Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment to Walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk cost $4,700.00. She ordered everything advertised on Oprah's show from leoperd-print shoes to an outside firepit (although she doesn't even have a backyard). I'm sure many women will find her book interesting and perhaps will be able to relate due to the "pull" so many women have to be like Oprah. This brings me to the end of this post: Women are like puppets when we accept the ideaology of a mere mortal other than embracing our own genuine uniqueness given to us by our Creator. I would find it rather surprising if Oprah would be in support of women trying to be just like her instead of knowing who they are. Fascinating? Absurd? Ridiculous? Do we really want to be puppets?

A Makeover for Barbie?

Thanks to the work of Italian Designer, Eliana Lorena, Barbie has now been given a makeover. With every Barbie doll being nothing less than perfect, it's a depressing thought that she would need a makeover, right? Nevertheless, this is not a makeover in turns of face=lift but basically a face-hidden. Barbie has now been created as a Muslim wearing a Burkha. Her eyes are the only things to be seen, but she also has a covering for them as well. Many designers voice overwhelming praise declaring that Barbie needs to be represented in every culture. However, others fear that this only places women back in the dark ages again. For a woman to be looked at as a 2nd class citizen...hidden from society...an inferior...should never be praised.

Women's Happiness In Decline

According to the October 26, 2009, issue of TIME Magazine, women's happiness levels are in decline even though they have greater opportunities in today's world and have reached what many would call "SUCCESS." According to TIME contributor, Nancy Gibbs, currently 50.2% of men work outside the home compared to 63.8% in 1972; currently 49.8% of women work outside the home compared to 36.2% in 1972. While women have advanced in their careers and education the question that must be asked is "Are women happy?" While women maybe "more powerful," as TIME magazine points out, many are still unfulfilled. What can fulfill a woman in today's world? Career, education, family??? Nothing is wrong with these admirable pursuits, however no true fulfillment can be found other than for women to embrace their Creator...the One who uniquely formed her as a woman. This article reiterates the fact that we are missing the point on this very critical issue of what women need. The scary thing is that UNHAPPINESS will only bring more confusion, division, strife, depression, and disillussionment not only among women but their families in which they influence. The message of FULFILLMENT in CHRIST where a woman can embrace who created her and understand more fully who she is must be proclaimed by women who have found the MAIN INGREDIENT: JESUS CHRIST!!! What a task we have before us!

A Woman's Nation?

Yesterday I was viewing the Today Show and became overwhelmingly interested due to the subject being discussed: The Role of Women. One of the anchors made the statement that we are no longer dealing with “The Battle of the Sexes” but rather, “The Battle of Negotiation.” I found this rhetoric extremely contradictorily to the main heading of the entire weekly segment being: “A Woman’s Nation.” Wouldn’t this suggest that the battle is still over the sexes? If we believe in equality, then why should the title of this special series be “A Woman’s Nation?” I would suggest that if any TV network produced a segment on “A Man’s Nation,” there would be major uproar! Yesterday’s segment also included an interview with President Obama. He pointed out that several years ago his wife asked why it was always her duty to pick up the children from school or to do the household chores. Once again, I was reminded of the world’s view of womanhood that is proclaimed and widely accepted across this “Nation under God.” The entire conclusion of yesterday’s subject was that there were “High Places” for women. These “high places” focus solely on what Betty Friedan wrote in her, Feminist Mystique, in 1963, as she suggested women would "find themselves" if they got an education and began a career. Why is the role of being a helper not seen as a “High Place” for women?

This past week I had the privilege of spending time with my two nephews and niece as they came to visit me from Tennessee. We had so much fun…playing outside…reading…watching cartoons…activities… But, I must admit I have never been so exhausted in my life!!! In this certain phase of my life, I am a single, career woman; I go into the workplace daily...I will be the first to admit…it is much easier to go to work than to stay home and take care of children. However, I can think of no higher calling and privilege for a woman to embrace! Being a helper, whether single or married is the HIGHEST PLACE that a woman could ever hope to achieve. Therein lies True Success. Although, it may not be looked at as important, there could be no greater role for a woman.

Author, Dave Sterrett to Guest Lecture @ LU Women's Studies Classes!

The Center for Women's Ministries is honored to have Author, Dave Sterrett to guest lecture in all Women's Studies classes this coming Tuesday! Sterrett, a Liberty University grad, just recently wrote the book, “O” God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah’s Spirituality, with co-author, Josh McDowell. Please check out the review below. If you are not a women's ministry student but would like to hear author, Dave Sterrett, please contact the Center for Women's Ministries at 434-582-7038.

Book Review & Recommendation

In a culture so widely accepting of various beliefs but at the same time so extremely empty and aimless, Josh McDowell’s and Dave Sterrett’s book, “O” God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah’s Spirituality could not be more timely or more applicable. In this fictional dialogue between two graduate young women, the authors uncover the rampant influence of Oprah’s philosophy on the minds of millions. Although some would claim her voice as subtle, this book reveals how clear she is in regard to her spirituality. Throughout the book, the authors distinguish between the relativism Oprah speaks of versus the absolute truth in which she is completely opposed. The reader becomes aware of the danger in pluralism as well as the ultimate need to discover the Truth.

Polished: Teen Girl Event

This past weekend I had the privilege of sharing with teen girls at an event called Polished. Stacie Loverde and Ashley Moore, women's ministry girls, traveled with me. The band, Pier 19, led the worship segment. Stacie led in an incredible song she wrote at the end of the last session.

The sessions were geared around Honoring God in our relationships. The Lord really worked in all of our lives! So thankful to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and see Him at work through every season in life!

www.oasischurchlive.com

Check out Oasis Church in Amherst, VA! This past Saturday we had "Operation Good Samaritan" which basically was a community event to show kindness to the community...everything was free!

There was a medical clinic set up, hot-dogs, games, a Wii give away, a great Band, face painting and so much more...over 300 attended this event not counting those participating!

The first Sunday will be on Easter at 10:30 am at the Amherst High School!

Sweet Quote!

“It is heartening to learn how many of God's mighty deeds were done in secret, away from the prying eyes of men or angels. When God created the heavens and the earth, darkness was upon the face of the deep. When the Eternal Son became flesh, He was carried for a time in the darkness of the sweet virgin's womb. When He died for the life of the world, it was in the darkness, seen by no one at the last. When He arose from the dead, it was "very early in the morning." No one saw Him rise. It was if God were saying, “What I am is all that need matter to you, for there lie your hope and your peace. I will do what I will do, and it will come to light at last, but how I do it is my secret. Trust Me, and be not afraid.” - A.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the Holy

February: Eating Disorder Awareness Month

Don't miss out on an important event going on in the Women's Ministry Department and the Office of Student Care at Liberty University this week!!! Come by the Women's Ministry Office (Religion Hall) for a Walk-Through Exhibit of the Mind of an Eating Disorder this coming Wednesday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. There will also be a conference held in the Towns Lecture Hall this Thursday from 7:00 - 8:30...come for an evening of praise and worship as well as encouragement through testimony and the Word of God...to know how to better walk in God's Image (View) of yourself instead of the World's Image (View) of Yourself in relation to health, wellness and beauty. Hope to see you there...bring a friend!

Octuplets and a "Woman's Right?"

The media seems to be covering the story of the mother of octuplets pretty well…I am sure there are a variety of different feelings and emotions concerning this mother and her decisions. I found it interesting, however, regarding the language used in an interview this morning on the Today’s Show. During the interview the mother was asked whether or not she felt like she had a “right,” to do this. I could hardly believe my ears…where are the feminists in a situation such as this? When it comes to abortions in our country, we hardly ever hear the same type of negative rhetoric. Feminists claim to be for women and their rights regardless of their choices. If this is true, where are they now? Perhaps there is a hidden agenda?

Expressions from the Inside Out

Do you ever feel "out of control" with life? Ever feel as if you have no one to turn to? Do you ever find yourself comparing yourself to others? Have you ever struggled with seeking to reach the "ideal weight?" You or a friend maybe struggling with an eating disorder. The women's ministry office is partnering with the Student Care office and will be offering a "walk-through" exhibit of "The Mind of an Eating Disorder." There will be people to talk to for more advice at this event...take a few minutes to drop by the Women's Ministry Department in Religion Hall - Office 126 on Feb. 25...the exhibit will be open from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm...bring a friend! This event is open to both males and females. I hope to see you there!

Equality, Partiality & Politics: Unsettling Issues

I'm sure there are all sorts of things that can rub all of us the wrong way if certain buttons are pushed that aggravate us for some reason or another. For me, it's the issue of equality. I'm not referring to male and female equality but rather true equality in regards to all people in general. How can we say that we believe in equality when we show partiality toward certain people based on wealth, race, and/or status of importance? Are we not all made out of the same stuff? We have a tendency to elevate people like celebrities or people in some sort of "spotlight." While there are individuals whom we admire for achievement or success, why is it that we so often place certain people on pedestals and others on a dirt floor? There is no place for "politics" in true Christian living.

James, the Apostle, has had to remind me of this many times in his epistle. James chapter 2 has so much to say on this issue: "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors."

True equality sees everyone as equally unique and special regardless of achievement or recognition...a creation of God; not to be compared to another person but to be loved just the same as anyone else. We have a tendency to elevate those with high-paying jobs, education, and talent, while giving no attention to the "average Joe," in whom we all really are. God pity the person who sees themselves as "above average." ALL OF US are in Need of Jesus Christ...ALL OF US are imperfect; ALL OF US Need a Savior.

Jesus was born to die for EACH ONE OF US regardless of our backgrounds! He gives ALL OF US an opportunity to respond to His Truth...if we confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus Christ (declaring that we believe in Him and asking Him to forgive us of our sins) He promises to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. I'm so glad He didn't over look simple me! After responding to His Truth, He enables us to love others as He first loved us = Unconditionally and Without Partiality...God, help us to be the people You have created us to be.

Psalm 37:3-5

"Trust in the Lord, and do good. Dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; Trust in Him, and He will act."

Ministry Chapel at LU: Fun Times!!!

This past Friday, I was asked to share in ministry chapel along with Campus Pastor, Johnnie Moore and LU Worship Leader, David McKinney. We all felt so privileged to be there but I don't think any of us knew what to expect. We were asked to share individually then were asked questions from the audience. The funniest part of all was when Johnnie kept interrupting me while I was sharing...I finally said..."I know what this is about...you all really just aren't acceptable nor ready for a woman speaker, are you?" Everyone died laughing and this is when Dave McKinney got on the ground in front of me (see picture below). I personally think Johnnie should have done the same! Dave proved to be the wisest of the two, that is for sure...Pastor Johnnie has a lot to learn! LOL! In all seriousness, I felt so out of place on Friday...so humbled to be in the midst of amazing men and women who the Lord is using and will continue to use in instrumental ways! I guess it goes to show that if the Lord can use me, He can use anybody!!! ~First Corinthians 1:26-31~ It's all HIM!

Skin is In

Well, it's spring time, so off come all the clothes, right? Do you ever find yourself people watching as you go from place to place? Well, today, I didn't have to make an effort to observe anything because it glared right in my face...and I'm a girl...so, if I noticed it, I am sure the guys noticed it! We definitely have a lack of propriety in our society and leave no wonder or imagination for the opposite sex, do we? We broadcast all we have for complete strangers to lust after. But, hey...skin is in...so we must adapt to cultures message, right! I want to be different...set apart...for Him. Hey, I may not get the looks from all the guys or a lot of attention but that's okay...I do it for the Lord who has changed my life and continues to make and mold me into what He wants me to be. I have a long way to go to become what He wants me to be and definitely am not perfect nor attempt to wear a halo on my head, but my hearts desire is to be different...for Him. Will you? Romans 12:1-2!

Ruth Bell Graham: A True Role Model

Ruth Bell Graham, wife of Evangelist Billy Graham, went home today at 5:05 pm to be with Jesus! I remember the amazing impact Ruth Bell Graham had on me personally while in high school through one of her 13 published books entitled, "A Time For Remembering." My heart was so stirred as I read of her strong committment and love for the Lord in which she readily embraced throughout her youth and college years. I grew up about 15 miles from where the Grahams lived. I remember visiting the radio station in Black Mountain, NC decorated by Ruth Bell Graham...you could see her down home, classy, mountain touch on everything from handmade quilts to dark brown, wooden rocking chairs.

When she first met her husband, Billy Graham, Ruth didn't think their relationship would work out due to the strong calling she felt toward the people of China. Later she realized that she was to marry Billy Graham and embrace her role as a wife and later on a mother. God's plan for Ruth went far beyond China as she traveled with her husband to many places as well as prayed for him wherever she could not go. Ruth Bell Graham represents exactly what a Christian woman was created to be...a helper. Although God has a unique plan for everyone, He has specifically created women to help others...what a remarkable task when activated by the Spirit of God!

Although my heart aches that this beautiful, godly, and unique woman's earthly presence is no longer with us, I know she is the happiest she has ever been in the very presence of the Lord. I praise the Lord for the impact this woman has had and continues to have on my life and pray that I and other women can be like her.

High Cost for Hollywood Beauty

Brazilian's top model, Ana Carolina Reston died November 16 at age 21 from kidney failure caused by anorexia nervosa. Anorexia is an eating disorder caused by massive starvation of the body. Statisitcs reveal that 15% of girls who suffer from anorexia will die from it. That is 2 in 10 and up to 20% of anorexia cases die by the age of 20. This Brazilian model weighed 88 pounds and was 5 foot 8 inches tall. According to the World Health Organization, any individual with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5 is underweight; any individual with a BMI of 17.5 most likely has anorexia; any individual with a BMI of 15 has starved themselves. Ana Carolina Reston had a BMI of 13.5. Reston's mother conveyed to the media the many times she begged her daughter to eat and go to the doctor. She shared her hope that young models would portray something different to young women. No woman would deny the pressure to look a certain way portrayed by the media and magazines. However, every woman must make the decision whether or not to be defined by culture's ideology which continually changes or by an ideology that conveys the fact that we were each uniquely designed by a Creator who has a divine plan for our lives. The color of our eyes, our body shape, our personality...no mistake! May we define beauty based on the inside and take care of our bodies on the outside. Other Hollywood models are taking a stand against the way Hollywood defines beauty, however they are victims of an eating disorder called compulsive overeating. There must be a balance in finding who we are on the inside and taking care of our physical bodies.

Oprah's Leadership Academy for Girls

Oprah Winfrey plans on contributing 10 million dollars for a Leadership Training School to educate South African girls. The school is located on 22 acres of land in Guateng Province, South Africa. Oprah plans on teaching the female students by satelite. A 17 year old female student said, "Men have always ruled the world, but that's all over now, because we are coming and we are coming in a storm. I believe girls are going to take over the world. Men have been in control for long enough, but don't worry; we are prepared to share power." It seems this student has already become engulfed in feminist thought. The only question I have is, "Where is the church?"

"Let Me Know"

As I was sipping on my delicious, dark roast coffee, in hopes of waking up, a headline on this mornings Today Show came up. It said, "The Mystery of Faith: Celebrating Religious Tradition." I quickly turned up the television, as Matt began to share of the different faiths found in Jerusalem. He was there on assignment. They showed the very road that historical tradition believes Jesus walked on to the cross. I became so fascinated in the footage. Matt spoke to Meredith who was broadcasting at the network in New York. As they were beginning to take a commercial break, Matt said, "Is there a heaven? And if so how can we get there?" Meredith replied back, "Matt, I don't know, but if you know, let me know." I sat there and just began to ponder on Meredith's reply: "I don't know, but if you know, let me know." It's amazing how scared we get when we think about sharing truth with other people...but people just want to know...they may not know exactly what they are searching for, unless we share with them about the TRUTH! I don't know about you, but this really makes me desire to be more intentional in sharing verbally with other people about Jesus Christ and if they believe in Him with all their heart and ask Jesus to come into their life and change them, that they can know the True Living God and have an eternal home in heaven. Heaven does exist and Jesus came to die so we may have the opportunity to know Him on earth and in heaven.