A WOMAN, THE REAL TREASURE!

A WOMAN,  THE REAL TREASURE!

Once again we are in the month of March, when we will celebrate International Womens Day on the 8th day of March.

Women have come a long way and have always played a pivotal role in the development of everything from families, children, businesses, communities, societies, organisations and nations as a whole.

This is not surprising as we have learnt and are still learning from the best. Our mamas’ were bold and strong. They were courageous trail blazers  just as they were tender and loving. 

Today I wish to share a few stories of some of our mamas who are still inspiring us today.
Mama Jochebed was a smart mama. When Pharaoh wanted all the young Hebrew boys killed, she hid her young son Moses and when she could hide him no longer she put him in the path of Pharaoh’s daughter who could not resist the cute baby Moses. And thus Moses was preserved, the deliverer of the children of Israel from Egypt.

Let me introduce another smart mama whose love for her family encouraged her to take a bold risk. Rahab was of no decent repute but she was a smartie. She entertained Israelite spies, risking her life to save the spies from being caught and killed by the men of Jericho where she came from. She sensed that these Israelites were no ordinary people and she nurtured a dream to become a part of them. Her dream came true. When the Israelites took over Jericho, Rahab and her entire family were spared and one of the spies Salmon later married her. They became the parents of Boaz and were listed in the genealogy of our LORD, Jesus Christ. “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.” Matthew 1: 4-6 NIV

Please meet this terrifyingly bold mama. Her name was Jael. At a time when the Israelites were being oppressed by the Canaanites, God raised judges to help His people. While Deborah was a judge in Israel, she, together with Barak, a military commander, defeated the Canaanite army led by Sisera. Sisera fled for his dear life into the tent of Jael, whom he considered to be an ally. After making him comfortable, Jael drove a tent peg into his ear and he died.  “Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come,my lord, come right in. Don’t be afraid.”  So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. “I’m thirsty, ” he said. “Please give me some water.”  She opened a skin of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him up. “Stand in the doorway of the tent,” he told her. If someone comes by and asks you, “Is anyone in there? ‘say’ No”. But Jael Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died. “ Judges 5:18-21 NIV
And this was how God delivered Israel from their oppressors.
There was also our mama Lydia, very enterprising, industrious and given to hospitality. She was also very generous and well respected in the community. And though no mention was made of a husband connected to her, she was able to hold her own and still had the admiration of people who came in contact with her.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge our mama  Eunice and grandmama Lois. Though married to a gentile, Eunice brought up her son  Timothy, teaching him according to the Holy scriptures, which without any doubt her own mother Lois had used in bringing her up. The examples of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois, impacted Timothy and reflected in his own life as a young man. “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 NLT
“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother,  Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.”  2 Timothy 1:5 NLT

I could go on with more examples of outstanding women in scripture but then there would not be enough room to talk about them all.

Do you identify with any of these women above? Are you perhaps a Jochebed, whose young child’s destiny is being threatened? Do not be afraid. Hide them under the shadow of the wings of the ALMIGHTY God. Read and confess the word of God over them daily. Nothing evil will touch them there and they will definitely fulfill their destiny and the length of their days in Jesus name.
Or perhaps are you a Jael, who’s family/people are under seige and oppression? You might need to withdraw from certain associations and focus on the Word of God. As you spend more time in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will guide and direct you. You will be bold and your enemy will be made completely vulnerable to you. Do not be afraid.
Dear sister, do you identify with Lydia, that strong hard working mama, you are in great company. Your marital status should not deter you from achieving great things. Whether you are single,married, divorced or widowed, this God is also your God. He loves you just as you are and is committed to helping you to be the very best. Trust Him now more than ever before. He will never fail you.
And for the mother and grandma of that young child, never be too busy or occupied to share the scriptures with your child or grandchild. If you train them that way now, they will not depart from it. As they grow older, outside influences might be strong but the foundation that you have laid will never be destroyed. 

Today, I celebrate and honour every woman out there keeping it real, keeping it together, not looking like what they have been or are going through.
You are amazing.
You are beautiful.
You are deeply loved.
You are greatly blessed.
YOU MATTER! 

Please always remember these truths.
You are worth far more than diamonds.
YOU ARE THE REAL TREASURE. 

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©