International Women’s Day: Rise, Align, Shine

Honoring Women Around the World

Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across the globe. It is a time to recognize the strength women bring to families, communities, workplaces, and ministries.

Yet beyond the recognition of accomplishments, this day also invites a deeper reflection: Who did God create women to be?

For women of faith, the answer is not found in cultural expectations or worldly comparisons. It is found in our identity as beloved daughters of God, uniquely created with purpose, gifts, and a calling to shine His light in the world.

Women Created with Purpose

Scripture reminds us that women were never an afterthought in God’s design. Read and pray Ephesians 2:10,  “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” The Bible provides many examples of how God created women. Here are a few:

• Esther demonstrated courage: “Go and assemble all the Jews who are in Susa; fast on my behalf, all of you, not eating or drinking night or day for three days. I and my maids will also fast in the same way. Thus prepared, I will go to the king, contrary to the law. If I perish, I perish!”  (Esther 4:15)

• Mary demonstrated obedience: “Mary said,’Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)

• Deborah demonstrated leadership: The only female judge in the Bible, her story Can Be found in Judges 4 and Judges 5. She led with courageous and strategic decision making, She had spiritual authority and unwavering faith to guide her.

• Mary Magdalene gave witness to the resurrection: Not only was she a primary witness, but she was a commissioned messenger at a time when women did not have legally binding testimony. “Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me,* for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20:17)

Every woman has unique gifts to support their purpose. Purpose is not limited to just one role. Women are called to influence the world in many ways. Just being a woman who can be nurturing and strong, can make a difference beginning with family and carried into daily life as well as the business world. Also know that perfection is not part of creation. Each one of us is created to be flawed yet fabulous. Embrace your God-given talents and who God created you to be!

The Challenge Many Women Face

Many women struggle with identity and carry self-doubt. I know I did. Sometimes I even unknowingly allow others to influence what I believe which can lead to feeling lost in roles or expectations. I begin to question my value. Like many other women, I spent years pouring into others while quietly wondering if my own gifts and dreams still matter. God never intended for women to live small, hidden, or uncertain lives.

You are the only one who can change that. You can choose more for yourself just like I did. Know that you were never meant to just blend in.  God created you to shine! If you feel less-than, lost or stuck, it is time to RISE!

Rise: Embracing Your God-Given Identity

My book, “Rise. Align. Shine. Living Boldly in Faith, Purpose and Joy,” helps women discover how to embrace their God-given identity, cultivate confidence through faith, and live joyfully in alignment with His purpose.

Rise means recognizing your worth. To do this, you need to know who you innately are. Oftentimes, that includes healing of past hurts and self-doubts. It is learning to love who God created you to be, flaws and all. Psalm 139:14 reminds us,  “I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.” It is time to step out of comparison and into confidence.

Align: Living with Purpose and Clarity

What does it mean to align your life? Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” This leads us to surrender. Surrendering to what God wants for us and from us. We align our faith, our values, our gifts and our calling so we can be the person that God created us to be.

Shine: Sharing Your Gifts with the World

Matthew 5:16 commands us,“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Shining does not mean being perfect, being the loudest or being the most successful. To shine means to live authentically, serve others and to let God work through your gifts. Surrender Him and allow His will to be done.

Shining is not about what you can do. It is about what God can do through you and with you. Our humanity makes it difficult to drop our egos and to do everything for the glory of God, allowing your light to shine so others can see Him.

A Personal Reflection

For many years, I searched for meaning through achievement and responsibility. Yet it was only when I began to understand my identity in Christ that clarity and purpose truly emerged. There were signs. I am sure I missed or worse, dismissed, quite a few. Some I really held on to. That journey ultimately led me to write “Rise. Align. Shine. Living Boldly in Faith, Purpose and Joy.” 

Through my column, Graceful Awakening hosted on patheos.com, I am using my God-given communication talents to reach others and draw them in so they can meet and know Jesus. Prayerfully, they will grow a deeper relationship with God.

Encouragement for Women Today

I invite you to reflect on the following questions:

• What gifts has God placed within you?

• Where might He be inviting you to grow?

• How might your life shine brighter when aligned with Him?

On this International Women’s Day, may you remember that you were not created to shrink or blend into the background of life. You were created intentionally, lovingly, and purposefully by God.

You were created to rise in identity, align with your calling, and shine with the light God placed within you.

If this message resonates with you, my book “Rise. Align. Shine. Living Boldly in Faith, Purpose and Joy” explores these themes more deeply, offering encouragement and practical guidance for discovering your identity, aligning your life with purpose, and stepping confidently into the life God created you to live.