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Synopsis from atstracts.org

Let God influence your self-image.

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After decades of demands for "women's rights," the debate continues. Can a woman find lasting fulfillment and recognition? Around the world, women are searching for significance and happiness through a discovery of S E L F. The constant barrage of talk show opinions and magazine advice can leave any woman reeling with doubts about her future. Just when we think we are happy, they tell us we aren't!

The abundance of solutions offers hope, but which one should you choose? In the midst of the dizzying options, there stands one source tested and proven throughout time. Few think to consult it, yet its writings have challenged, comforted, counseled, and confirmed women through the ages. In it is the promise of an abundant, satisfying life. It is the Bible. In it Jesus said,

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

This is a personal word from God about His plan for every woman, regardless of age or social status. His intention is clearly not mere survival, but opportunity to excel, enjoy, and grow in every aspect of life.

Whether you are experiencing pain from your past, pressures in the present, or fear of the future, the Bible has advice for the women of the new millennium.

Consider the counsel given for these issues:

Self-Esteem Equality Love Freedom to Choose

Self-Esteem

Have you ever felt that your sense of identity as a woman has disappeared into the myriad of roles you must play as daughter, wife, mother, sister, friend, or professional? You ask yourself, Who am I? Why am I here? This quest for purpose may lead you to judge your worth by what you do or what you have. The result is self-esteem based on a roller coaster ride of emotion, accomplishment, and possession. The answer cannot be found in what you do or have, but in who you are.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Think of it! Woman is the result of the personal handiwork of God. That alone is God's standard for the basis of your self-esteem, and there is none higher. Fully understanding the origin of our worth gives us the energy to be the very best we can be in life and also serves as a constant factor when circumstances disappoint us. Your source of value is in your creation by God in His image.

1. Recognize that you are the personal creation of God, that He cares for you, and that He has a plan for your life.

Equality

Many feminists believe that low self-esteem in women is caused by what they call a "male dominated" society. If you base self-esteem on what a woman does or has, there might be some truth to that statement. Remember, though, that the Creator made both male and female in His image, and this remains the only accurate measurement of equality. All other factors are secondary and result from opinion rather than fact. There is another term of equality that transcends gender and is worthy of examination. The Bible teaches,

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Interestingly, there is no mention of male or female or the degree or type of sin. The equality extends to even the "good," moral, or religious person. Regardless of the extent or frequency, whether from indifference or wrongdoing, sin acts as a wall between us and God. Picture this: He stands holy and completely without sin. Between you and God is the barrier
of sin—whether large or small.

2. Understand that sin prevents an intimate relationship with God because He is holy and has no sin.

Love

In romance novels and adventure films, true love prevails and removes any barrier to the relationship. In real life, conflict can quickly overtake this most cherished emotion leaving emptiness in its path. It may be difficult for you to believe any longer in love, but the Bible offers good news: The love of God is different! It is a love with no strings—it is unconditional and available to every woman. He tells us:

I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

God longs to give you His love and to be loved by you in return. For this reason, He came to earth in the form of His Son, Jesus. His death on the cross is the final sacrifice made for every sin in order that the barrier of sin might be removed. His resurrection from the dead is proof positive that He is the Son of God. Because He is risen, He is able to heal the emotional pain of your past.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

3. Believe that Christ's death on the cross is a loving gift of healing and forgiveness for all sin—past, present, and future. Freedom to Choose God created woman. He loves you! No one could desire the best choices for you more than God Himself. Now more than ever before, you are being asked to make decisions based on your rights as a woman and on the opinions of others as to what a woman should be. Think about it. Are these really the best choices for you? True wisdom is offered throughout the Bible for each and every part of a woman's life.

There is one choice that you must make on your own. It is to accept or reject the gift of God's love in the death of Jesus. If eternal life could be earned by being "good," attending church, or any act of yours, His death and resurrection would never have occurred.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

4. Choose to receive eternal life by faith in what Christ has already done on the cross as you commit your life totally to Him. A Woman Can Find Fulfillment and Happiness in Life! Do you understand that God waits longingly and lovingly for you to accept His gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus?

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

Pray in your own words or use this example: Dear Lord, Thank You for Your love. Thank You for dying on the cross for me and rising again so that I could be forgiven. I know that I have sinned, and I am sorry for my mistakes. I now accept Your forgiveness and the gift of eternal life through Christ. I commit my life—past, present, and future—to You. Help me now to go forward in the personal plan of lasting fulfillment that You have for me as a woman.