About 5 years ago, an Australian woman came to visit Siem Reap, she saw the villages and the way the women were viewed. Not only were they impoverished, struggling to meet the basic needs of their children, but these women were sometimes the second or third wives of their husbands and received little to no financial support in that way. The Australian taught the villagers skills and trade. She brought in others who knew how to sew and create beautiful jewelry and empowered the women of the village with a trade they could later sell for profit. And now, I am seeing the fruits as this cycle of poverty is broken.
Last week, Pamela and I sat with a group of the village women and had the humble privilege to show them a few tips and tricks for crochet (really they showed us a thing or two more).
They create items from jewelry to handbags, totes and wallets that are sold in local markets. The income goes back to their homes and the village is beginning to thrive. This program is called WOW or Women of Worth. And let me tell you, the women are bold, courageous, talented, and kind. They are truly women of incredible value and worth- able to support and uplift not only their families, but the village. It floors me the impact it can have when others are empowered of their own worth and value.
As I sat among them and encouraged these women of their value and worth, I stumbled over my own. I kept thinking “Why am I here, what am I doing? They know so much more than I ever could. They don’t even need me!”
And then I stopped in my tracks.
Here I was reminding others of their worth because of Christ within them, and I struggled to see that within myself.
I still struggle with the thought of my own worth, my own value. I see and want to give such to others, but struggle to love myself just the same. “Love others AS you love yourself.” Not more, not less, not just when you feel like it, and even when it’s hard.
And on those days, I need this same reminder.
I am capable.
I am gifted.
and I am so, so worthy.
I am empowered by the way these women use their giftings and talents to impact not only their lives and family, but to give the gift of their products to people across the city.
We have power.
I am honored to sit among them that morning and in mornings to come. They remind me of my own value in the Kingdom.
And you there, you too.
Remember your own worth and value each day. Even when we don’t feel it, believe it for yourself, the Lord’s love is never failing, never changing. The same incredible love yesterday, today, tomorrow, and eternally.
You have value and worth. Why? Because the Lord CREATED you. You were woven together with an incredible purpose in mind.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalms 139: 13-14
That’s right, YOU.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are Wonderful because you are his creation and wonderful are his works.
Today, remember these Women of Worth, but also be reminded we are ALL people of great worth given to us by that same guy who put the breath into our lungs.
I’m thinking a POW movement logo?
As you see others value, don’t forget your own. The Lord hasn’t and will never forget.
Join me in prayer for these women too. That the Lord will continue to use them in MIGHTY, MIGHTY ways.
With Love always,
Ally
