Becoming a Memorable Woman

There are several women I have come across in my life, who have left a lasting impression on me. Some of them are famous, some not so much, others not at all. Regardless, they have impacted my life in such a profound way that I will never forget them.

They are the women who have inspired me, helped form my thinking, changed the path of my life or provided a role model. There are also those who have walked a path with me or excelled at something I admire.

A memorable woman will mean something different to each one of us because of our unique design.

Some of my memorable women

My mom

This seems obvious but sadly not every woman can say that their mother was an inspiration. I’m grateful to be one of those who can. Mom was never rich and/or famous but she has an immense capacity to love and care and make people feel special. As kids, we were privileged to be surrounded by her safe nurturing environment.

Mom nursed my little brother until he died of cancer at 2 years old. Her ability to carry on with life after losing her baby son was a strength I have drawn from her. Whenever the going got tough in my own life, I would think of her. Maybe she protected us as young children but I don’t ever remember her falling to pieces at the time. Since then she has comforted and shared with many parents who have experienced the loss of a child.

Joni Estrada

I was about 12 when Joni’s book was released and I remember having it read to us at school. It left a lifelong impact on me and probably laid the foundation for my future faith. Joni didn’t stop there. She has gone on to build a significant ministry, write 45 books and continue to walk a life of faith with Jesus.

Corrie Ten Boom

I remember reading the Hiding Place when I was still at school. I had quite a protected childhood and was amazed that somebody would take such a risk to save another person’s life. Corrie Ten Boom was the epitome of selflessness, courage and faith. I am still often inspired by one of her many quotes about life.

Lady Diana

Who could ever forget her? She stood for many things and was widely admired and loved by people all over the world. Whether it was her style, her love and compassion, her relationship with her boys or her tragic life story, her charity work, she was certainly memorable.

For me, as a young girl, she stood for the fairytale. The beautiful maiden who married her prince was proof that dreams came true.

When she went through the difficulties in her marriage, it was her grace and poise under pressure that I admired. But it was when she stepped out in “That revenge dress” and said I’m a survivor that she truly grabbed my attention.

Jane Austen

Single handidly my favorite author. I have had a long relationship with Jane Austen books and movies since I was a young woman. Her books initiated my love for British history and all things Victorian. From there it grew to include other authors and movies from her era.

Not only was she a great author but as a woman, she was ahead of her time as in those days women weren’t allowed to write and have a voice. She was strong without being loud or domineering. She was the epitome of a woman of her time, as were her characters.

Beatrix Potter

Here was another British author who I loved and admired. She inspired a trip to the Lake District on my first visit to the U.K. with my daughter, also an avid fan. We visited her home and walked the trails where she grew up. Beatrix left a legacy not only in my heart but in her beloved Lake District too, by way of a trust that still cares for the area today.

I was a bookworm from an early age and her books were some of the first I remember. She inspired my love for animals, especially rabbits and kitties. My aunt bought me a cat when I was four years old and he got named Tom. After Tom, came a little mouse named Apply Dapply.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce was my role model as a new Christian. Every morning as I drove the kids to school, Joyce Meyer would come onto the radio. So often her word for that day was pertinent to exactly what I was dealing with at that time.

I read many of her books and articles, including Battlefield of the mind. It was the first insight I had into the power of the mind and something that has forged my interest in coaching and awareness.

Fanny Crosby

You may not have heard of her, but you will know her work. Born Frances Jane van Alstyne, Fanny was a mission worker, poet, lyricist and composer in the late 1800/early 1900’s. She wrote 8500-9000 hymns during her lifetime, many of which we all grew up with in church and school. 9000 hymns…and she was blind. Not only are the words to her songs etched in my heart, her determination to rise above her disability is remarkable.

On her tombstone is written the words: “She has done what she could. ” Powerful words indeed.

Many others

Of course, there are so many other memorable women who I could mention. There are hundreds of women who have changed the political, economic and social outlook of the world. There are women who have impacted smaller groups and there are those in our immediate circle who have touched our personal lives. You may not agree with all of these and there will be others who will be memorable to you.

Wherever you live in your community there will be women who are accomplishing remarkable things. No matter the reason for or the extent of their influence though, there are some factors that they all have in common.

Commonalities of a memorable woman

These women may exhibit some or all of these qualities.

• Passion for what they do.
• Excellence in whatever they put their minds to.
• Strength-especially in adversity.
• Compassion for people.
• Wisdom.
• Faith
• Humility
• Applied their God-given gift.

How can we be memorable?

Let us dispel the myth first and foremost, you don’t have to be rich and famous. Being the best mom or wife you can, may be the one thing you want to be remembered for and that is totally ok. Don’t think because you don’t have a big voice you can’t make a difference.

1. Maximize your own strengths and talents.
2. Look for the good in others and pay them compliments. People might not remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
3. Be authentic. Even if you admire somebody else, don’t lose yourself trying to mimic them. Be your own best you.
4. Be positive and enthusiastic.
5. Focus on the future, not the past.
6. Don’t do it for the wrong reasons like fame and glory. It must come from the heart and God will do the rest.
7. Persevere. The path is not always easy but it is precisely because many women persevered and overcame, that they are remembered.

Of course, the well known Proverbs 31 woman is a fine example of a memorable woman, follow the link to read the blog post here.

Ask yourself

Memorable woman: May we know them. May we be them.

Activity

1. Answer the questions above and reflect on your own life.
2. Think of the women close to you and take note of what makes some more remarkable than others. What traits do you admire?
3. As inspiration, think of some more well-known women and what makes them outstanding. Who of them can you relate to?
4. Look at your own strengths, gifts and desires and see where you can be exceptional and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Prayer Corner

If you need prayer, somebody to chat to or advice, you are welcome to:

• Email me directly kerrys@thewateringwell.com
• Send me a private message on Facebook
• Post your request in the comments section below

Grow The Wateringwell community by sharing and liking us on social media