Empowerment: A Journey of Self-Assertion and Faith

I have been reflecting on an event that occurred in my life where an individual encouraged me to “stand up for myself.” I grew up in a household where expression of feelings was forbidden and you were expected to “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” Spending my preteen years in boarding school probably did not help either and I certainly polished my survival skills while there. I am sure you have had similar experiences in life where the need to assert oneself has presented itself. Subsequently, I have been reflecting on the word, “Empowerment.”

From the Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the word Empowerment[1] as: “(1) the act or action of empowering someone or something: the granting of the power, right, or authority to perform various acts or duties, and (2) the state of being empowered to do something: the power, right, or authority to do something.” A sentence with the use of the first definition could be "individuals are given empowerment to create their own dwellings"; whereas the second definition could be applied in this sentence, "political steps for the empowerment of women." My dilemma was definitely the second use of this noun.

From the article, “The Origins of the Phrase “Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps” by Jess Zafarris posted on November 7, 2019, the phrase[2] originated shortly before the turn of the 20th century and associated with working hard to improved your socioeconomic status. [Today] the phrase’s commonly-accepted mean. . . is something that everyone should be able to do—albeit something difficult.”

In Matthew 19:26 we read, “but with God all things are possible.” Our God loves us so much that He will empower us to be our authentic self that we are called to be. He will give us the strength to plod along, to toughen it out, to access deep within each of us those inner resources. It is not a matter of “can I do it” but rather “I am doing it!” It (whatever the struggle in your life may be.) 

How has God made all things possible for you? What are the strengths or inner resources He has brought to light as part of your life’s struggles. For me, I hold onto the promise, “with God all things are possible” as he continues to work in my life.

Blessings,   

Rev. Anne

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empowerment

[2] https://uselessetymology.com/2019/11/07/the-origins-of-the-phrase-pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps/