Smarter Than We Look

Ms. Understood...ok, so let's just start out with the tough subject...Do I believe women and men are equal? I loved Jen's thought...while we are equal, we are not the same. We should celebrate our differences, but it can be a daily struggle. Let's face it...I am NOT a "prissy" girl. I love sports and don't really like to shop. Being a female Ministry Leader on a church staff over the last several years has been...well, interesting. It is tough...especially the years where I was the ONLY female leader...and the first female leader the church had ever hired...then there is the whole "Single, never married thing". Where was THIS book then? Ms. Understood...I think that was actually my "title". Oh the roller coaster of it all! =) However, I wouldn't trade the friendships, love, and lessons learned there! God is just awesome in how HE weaves things together! Which brings us to Tamar and some of the lessons I am learning. (yep, active in that...learning NOT learned)

T: Tapestry
As Tamar we are a beautiful tapestry that God is weaving thread by thread. The final masterpiece won't even be revealed on this side of heaven! Look at Tamar...it doesn't tell us that she KNEW she would be in the lineage of Jesus, but she is one of only a few females mentioned in Matthew 1. God's weaving us into a beautiful masterpiece, but sometimes the threads break, we get worn or torn, but God's got the final tapestry all planned.
A: Assess the Situation
It doesn't tell us that Tamar went "kicking and screaming" back to her father's house. She doesn't appear to get all emotionally "out of control", but it does tell us she wanted to have kids. How disheartening that must have been. She didn't fly off the handle, but she also didn't just roll over and die. She used her brain. She stepped back (although "sent" home) and assessed the situation before making her move.
M: Masterful Movement
When the time was right, she "made her move". I often jump in emotionally without being masterful. If God tells me something is "right", then sometimes I have to wait for the perfect opportunity to "make my move".
A: Action
Take action! When God opens the door, gives the green light, or provides the opportunity then it is our job to "go for it". In Tamar's case, Judah was coming her way. Tamar didn't just decide to "have kids" with just anyone...she went for the lineage that was supposed to be hers...as it turned out...the lineage of Christ! Our lesson, when it's time to be BOLD then go for it! We don't pick fights or stir up issues, but take action when needed.
R: Reflect God's Glory
The bottom line...do the things that give God glory. For everything we do should be something that will reflect God's Glory. It's all for HIM. In Tamar's story...Judah had to admit that Tamar was actually doing that better than he was.

To quote one of my co-workers...work smarter, not harder!

JJ