This is a blog I have wanted to write for a long time. I have observed that as women age, their self-confidence is impacted. We hear a lot these days about our identity being in Christ, not to focus on our identity being in our profession, finances, relationships, or appearance. But we all know that this is easier said than done. Most articles on our identity in Christ leave us with a sense of focus on being loved by God; His beloved. I love that, and truly this has helped me climb many mountains of insecurity.
BUT…
Friends, it’s time we talk about the stress, anxiety, and insecurity that aging promotes. In light of this, today’s blog is primarily dedicated to women over 40 years of age, where the world chases us down and pushes us toward either covering up our feelings about aging or expressing them with disdain. It’s time we say to ourselves that aging is a gift.
With age comes experience and wisdom. With age comes an attitude of self-assurance that we can pick and choose our friends more wisely because we do not need tribes of friends anymore. We simply need good friends in whom we can be vulnerable and accountable.
Age brings us a sense of security that we don’t have to be all things to all people. We have learned to sort out what is valuable in life, reflecting on the joy of family, health, and things that bring us joy.
Yes, aging has those benefits, but my charge today is to speak to the women in whom aging brings stress, frustration, comparison, and steals our joy and hope. I know this well because I have been a victim of wondering if my life was washed up and purposeless. This past year I went through a season of stepping back from ministry. I thought it was time for younger women to take over and for me to step aside. I did not consult the Lord; I consulted myself. Any of you fall prey to your own stinkin thinking? I looked at my appearance and was mourning my lost youth. I know that some of you are feeling the same way, and aging has stolen your joy and purpose.
But God…
He dropped His word into my heart, and this is what I want to share with you all today. He told me to never give away what He has given me; to stop stepping back from my calling; that age is a number and calling is eternal. I will never forget the day when my stressful year turned from mourning to dancing. Friends, we must not believe the lies of the enemy.
Some of you are going through health issues related to aging or self-esteem issues also related to aging. It’s time that you hear The Good Shepherd’s voice whispering to you:
You are beautifully and wonderfully made in His image. (Psalm 139:14)
You are His. You may have many plans, but only His purposes will stand (Proverbs 19:21). Stop planning and start rejoicing in His purpose. Step into life with vigor and intentionality. No more fading into the sunset or believing lies about yourself. If the enemy can steal and rob your joy as you age, then he will steal your joy in serving and loving others with the experience and hope you bring.
I know this may seem like a tall order, especially if you have been down and out for some time now, but we have a community called Drawing Near to God with faithful servants who are willing to come alongside you and help you journey past your sorrow or stress in the aging process and help you to see what is ahead, filled with purpose. I once heard it said we never get to retire in the kingdom; always work to be done. So roll up your sleeves, bathe yourself in Christ’s love through the truth of His Word, call on the Holy Spirit to help you with this battle, and trust that God’s arms are open for you. Stepping over the threshold of fear of aging is the first step.
Believe me, the best is yet to come! Please join our community of ageless women at our Summer Group on Thursday mornings, in the fall/spring for our Making Space for God Bible study, or start a community group using our resources. Check us out at Drawingneartogod.com. We will meet you on the other side.
