GODLY WIFE VS. TROPHY WIFE

 

It was the night before our traditional wedding. I fell into the big and soft hotel bed, exhausted and tired from decorating, organizing, and rehearsing the dance for the big day tomorrow. Listening to the soothing sound of my mum snoring and fast asleep right next to me, I found myself tossing and turning all night. As tired as I was it was this one thought that kept me up that night, this one sentence that echoed in my spirit: " You're not a trophy wife! You've got to work and you have to work hard."

While Emmanuel was out with his Swedish crew, discovering Hamburg with his boys, having what you could call his bachelor's night fit for a church boy, God kept me up. And this is one thing I love about God. He never sends me into new territories unarmed and unprepared. He provides the tools and the wisdom that I need wherever He sends me to. In life, in ministry, and now in marriage.

If you would have known me 10 years ago you would know that being a trophy wife is all I ever really wanted to be. Oh yes! I'm so serious. I had a very well-thought-through plan and idea of the good-looking, thick and tall American football player that I wanted to marry and the kind of life we would live. I've watched enough basketball wives and real housewives of Atlanta to see the beautiful houses, the luxury cars, the constantly made-up nails, hair, and makeup to decide for myself as a 17-year-old girl that this is what I want for my future.

FULL OF MYSELF

Hey, Girl hey and welcome back to Ashley En Vogue. I know there are certain topics we really enjoy talking about as Christians. The fruits of the Holy Spirit; Godly Relationships or the Strong and amazing women in the Bible. But today we are going to talk about a not so popular topic: Fasting.

I know I know. no need to close this tab and move on with your life just now because I believe that there are some major keys to Prayer and Fasting. Next week I am going to fast and pray to build intimacy with God and I would love for you to join me.

You might be saying; " Okay Ashley, I'll read my Bible, I'll go to church and I'll pray regularly but don't come for my food." If you're not convinced about joining me in my fast I'd like to discuss some truths and benefits about fasting that should hook you in.

I don't know about you but I have been feeling restless and confused lately. My mind has been all over the place with crazy thoughts and I just haven't really been feeling like myself. And if this is you, fasting might be the right thing to do for you.

UNDERRATED

ANOINTED AND NOT ANNOUNCED

Overlooked, unseen, unappreciated, unwanted, forgotten, underrated. I know I have felt this way a lot in the past. And I know this is something a lot of us struggle with especially in the Body of Christ. There is just something lingering on the inside of you that wants to get out. But you might feel like nobody sees you or like there is no opportunity to really walk in your purpose.

I just want to encourage someone today.

No matter if people see what God has placed on the inside of you; no matter if they understand your calling or not what they can't take from you is your anointing. Can we talk about the anointing for a minute? Believe me, if you are anointed there is no demon in hell that is going to stop the promises of God. There are a few things your anointing will do for you that no person can do or you could do for yourself. Your anointing is linked to God and not to people or your church. 

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things

1 John 2:20

Your anointing will speak for you

You do not need to go out advertising yourself when you are anointed. See, that's the beautiful thing about the anointing. You don't have to act a certain way or look a certain way. When the anointing of God is upon you things will work for you. The people that are supposed to be around you will come to you. Just like it happened to David. Samuel sent for David. Davids purpose spoke for him before he was even physically present. The means you need to accomplish the will of God will find you. Why? because anointing is divine, anointing is supernatural and because God is specific about His anointed ones. Anointing isn't anything we can comprehend with our human minds that's why you don't need to be shocked when people don't get you when they don't see you and your potential. You are anointed and I need you to carry yourself like you are the anointed of God. 

THE COMPARISON GAME

I know I am not the only one who feels like I should be an educated, waist training, traveling, meal prepping girl boss with clear skin and full eyebrows not lacking a striving career, a man, and a beautiful home. Instagram, Facebook & co. have us all in an uproar. Even as Christian woman we are not exempted from feeling discontent about our lives. It happens in our circle of friends, at work and (don't be fooled) even in Church. Social media, society and the world seem to have painted this picture of what we are supposed to act like, look like and be like. But for us as Christian ladies, there is a different standard. We are not subject to the customs and behaviors of this world (Romans 12:2).
So let's look at 4 major keys and biblical truths to be content Women of God in and out of season.

True contentment is admiring someone else without questioning yourself.

IN MY FEELINGS

THE DANGERS OF A CHRISTIAN WOMAN BEING LED BY HER EMOTIONS

I know, I know, I know. This is so cliche. And I am not going to turn this into a "women are emotional wrecks, and don't know how to control their feelings" post. (I promise) But in a world in which it is normal to act out of our feelings and emotions, I was reminded by God that a woman who is led by her feelings can't truly please God. As a matter of fact, being led by our emotions is actually contrary to being spiritual and therefore dangerous for our Christian walk.

THE "REAL" WAIT

WHAT IT MEANS TO WAIT ON GOD

In the culture we live in; we don't like to wait. Let me be honest with you right here. This is how much I don't like waiting: I purposely schedule to be 5 minutes late to every meeting with a friend, just to make sure I won't have to wait for them. This is ridiculous but it's actually true. I don't know anyone who likes to wait for people.