::Captivating::

My small group is starting a new series this week that I am so excited about. We are reading the book  Captivating by John & Stasi Eldridge and doing the guide that goes along with it. I read this book when it came out in 2005 and learned a lot about who I am, who God created me to be, and what it truly means to be a woman created in God's image. But...that was in 2005 and it's now 2012...fast forward 7 years to 2012...I am a different person in a different stage of life. I am now trying to figure out what it means to be a 33 year old woman who is passionately pursuing God while trying to balance a professional career, my volunteer work, and my relationships with my friends and family...oh yeah, and search for Mr. Right. Some days I am a raging success story...and some days, I fail miserably. But, it's a journey; a journey that I will continue on all the days of my life.


In the first chapter of the book, there was a quote that really struck me...like someone finally said what I have been feeling. It says,

"We feel unseen, even by those who are closest to us. 

We feel unsought- that no one has the passion or the courage to pursue us, 

to get past our messiness to find the woman deep inside. 

And we feel uncertain- uncertain what it even means to be a woman; 

uncertain what it truly means to be feminine; uncertain if we are or ever will be."

It's true. I do sometimes feel unseen....feel unsought...and feel uncertain. But I know that God has a plan and part of that plan is for me to see myself as He sees me...to see myself as a beautiful creation who was created in His image. The authors also quote a great song written by Bethany Dillon called Beautiful. 

"I want to be beautiful

And make you stand in awe

Look inside my heart

And be amazed

I want to heart you say

Who I am is quite enough

I just want to be worthy of love

And beautiful."

It is a powerful song that speaks truth about what it means to be a woman and our desires. Listen and I think you'll agree. Enjoy!