"I Hate Girls" is a strong title for a blog, but oh, was I anxious about being switched to an all girls world race team last month. I needed the guys on my team again, I needed their manly protection against the crazy people in this world, I needed the "no drama", I needed the brotherly love/attention. Who was I going workout and play soccer with? Bottom line, I needed guys on my team again.
Girl teams are drama and gossip filled, each girl is super sensitive and crying about everything. They are constantly comparing themselves to each other, with their physical appearance being the foundation of value and self worth. Yuck, how was I going to do this? I am not that kind of woman.
Unsung Hero month 4 was in Macedonia for my new team of only woman last month. Our mission for the month was to go find ministry contacts for the world race. An all new team of ladies exploring a country on our own. Talk about a culture shock and gender overload!
"I get along better with guys, told them. I have close guy friends at home. I have strong relationships with my dad, uncles, cousins and of course my brothers. I just relate better with guys, because I love sports and adventure etc".
I hope you are reading this and you're getting frustrated at my words and sense the gender discrimination and stereotyping. I hope as you read this you see the red flags. Because up until now on month 5 out of 11 of the world race, I didn't understand the extent of how much I put my identity in not being a "girl". Until, the girls on my new team helped point out the walls I had built up against my own gender. There are certain bonds that you have with woman, that you can’t receive from men.
Right God? I am not one of those girls, I am different. I'm not weak in vulnerability. I'm a strong woman of God. Right? No one can tear me down. I don’t need to lose weight to feel loved. I don’t need a shopping spree. I don’t need to the tall, strong, wealthy man to protect me. I’d rather splash in the puddle then walk around it. Right God?
“If you have “brothers” than who are your “sisters”? You’ve invested in the men in your life but what of the woman?” Remember Wendy, you're a daughter, a sister, a friend, a girlfriend, a fiancé, and a wife. You're a woman and that's what I created you to be for a reason".
Where did I go wrong? Perhaps, the deeper root, is that i didn't understand my identity in God.
A woman of God is a woman of God. The root of her identity is in God. Whom, individually crafted her to be a unique sister in Christ. So who is she? How can I be more like her? To know my identity I needed to look at what the scriptures say.
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs: 31)
In conclusion- I've learned the value behind sisterhood. That God has designed me to be a light for not only my brothers, but my sisters as well.
<3 Team Nuria goes to Greece!
