THE WOMAN, THE ECONOMY & THE FAMILY

The Woman
The woman has often been described as “a man with a womb.” She is the specie of mankind whom by virtue of her peculiar physiological features (e.g. the womb) keeps the human race going.

The Role of the Woman in the Economy
The woman is the unseen influence behind every successful man in the society. Therefore, as the mother, the wife, the sister, the daughter, or a relative of the men at the corridors of power, the woman is better positioned to influence certain economic policies that will turn out in the best interest of all.

The woman, by virtue of her natural intuitiveness, is more equipped to pursue certain courses that will enhance the economy than the man who is usually more logical in reasoning and action.

The woman performs the dual role of a driver as well as a support system in the economy.

As a driver – the woman facilitates the economic chain through her enterprise in business and in the workplace. The woman also functions as a support system towards the growth and development of the economy.

The Role of the Woman in the Family
The woman is the pulse of the family. She is the one that dictates the tone and direction of the home. As the manager of the home, the woman wields considerable influence in the ultimate productivity and performance of members of her household in the larger society.

The woman is also the moulder of the character and attitude of members of her household and these inform their level of adaptation into and contributions to the society for good or otherwise.

The Character of Success

WHAT IS SUCCESS?

Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others. - John Maxwell

Success is not determined by acquisitions or opulence. It is the ultimate fulfilment of an identified purpose – grand or small – for the benefit of others, the glory of God, and the fulfilment of the person. - Babatunde Oladele

WRONG CONCEPTS OF SUCCESS

·                     Having money, riches and wealth

·                     Having many properties and assets

·                     Being popular and in the news at all times

·                     Having fleet of cars

·                     Having many children

·                     Marrying many wives

·                     Having many admirers

·                     Being a public figure

·                     Being the envy of everyone around etc

·                      

WHAT IS GOD’S CONCEPT OF SUCCESS?

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Thus says the LORD:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom. Let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me. That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

WHAT IS THE CHARACTER OF SUCCESS?

Success is fulfilling an identified personal life purpose with:

·                     The fear of God

·                     Integrity

·                     Sound Ethical Values

·                     A Sense of Mission

·                     Compassion

·                     Character

Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure. - Jim Rohn

If you develop the habits of success, you will make success a habit. - Michael E. Angier

The common denominator of success lies in forming the habit of doing things that failure don’t like to do. - Albert Gray

THE ATTRIBUTES OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN

She is trustworthy the heart of her husband safely trusts her; so, he will have no lack of gain. vs 11

She adds value to her husband She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. vs 12 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. vs 23

She is enterprising She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. 

She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. vs 13-14 

She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. vs 16 

She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. vs 19 

She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. vs 21 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. vs 24

She takes care of her household and ensures that it is well run She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. vs 15 

She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. vs 27

She constantly improves herself She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. vs 17

She has a good sense of judgement She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. vs 18

She is a generously person She extends her hand to the poor, yes; she reaches out her hands to the needy. vs 20

She takes good care of herself She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. vs 22

She is a woman of dignity Strength and honour are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. vs 25

She is a gracious and affirmative speaker She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. vs 26

She raises an appreciative family Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." vs 28-29

She fears God Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the lord, she shall be praised. vs 30

BENCHMARKS FOR DETERMINING A VIRTUOUS WOMAN

1. As a Daughter of her Parents

2. As a Wife

3. As a Mother

4. As a Child of God

5. As a Friend, Associate

6. As a Citizen of her Nation

7. As a Business/Career Person or Professional

FAR ABOVE RUBIES

REFERENCE SCRIPTURE PROVERBS 31: 10-21

1 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

2 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So, he will have no lack of gain.

3 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.

4 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.

5 She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.

6 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.

7 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.

8 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.

9 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.

10 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.

11 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

12 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.

13 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

14 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

15 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.

16 Strength and honour are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.

17 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.

18 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

CHOICES

REFERENCE SCRIPTURE Joshua 24:15: And if it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. CHOOSING RIGHTLY

1. CHOOSING GOD (LIFE) Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before your life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live

2. CHOOSING THE KINGDOM Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hiding with Christ in God.

3. CHOOSING THE NEEDFUL & THE GOOD PART Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she helps me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 

Discovering Your Potential and Living It

WHAT IS A POTENTIAL? Capacity to develop: the capacity or ability for future development or achievement. – Microsoft® Encarta® Dictionary Natural abilities or qualities that may possibly develop and make someone or something very successful or useful. – Longman Dictionary The inherent capacity for coming into being. – WordWeb Dictionary HOW CAN YOU DISCOVER IT? - By self-examination and reflection - By self-expression in various activities as occasion demands - At formal avenues, such as trainings, workshops, conferences etc - Through Divine revelation - Through informal avenues e.g. among families, friends etc - By chance and unpremeditated happenings HOW CAN YOU LIVE IT? - By setting life and project goals - By drawing a roadmap for set goals - By holding yourself accountable for living out your potential - By adopting a steward’s posture toward your potential, knowing full well that you will have to give account to God, the Depositor (remember the parable of the talents) - By making the most of time and opportunities, and wasting none - By giving of yourself whenever occasion demands NOTABLE QUOTES ON POTENTIALS Success is…knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others. John Maxwell The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. Eddie Robinson The potential for greatness lives within each of us. The key to achieving greatness is found when we discover and then develop our dream. John Maxwell The potential consequences of any task or activity are the key determinants of how important it really is to you and to your company. Brian Tracy A dream without a positive attitude produces a daydreamer. A positive attitude without a dream produces a pleasant person who can’t progress. A dream together with a positive attitude produces a person with unlimited possibilities and potential. John Maxwell Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life - facing new challenges, seizing new opportunities, testing our resources against the unknown and in the process, discovering our own unique potential. John Amatt No one fulfils his purpose, develops his potential, or consistently help others without goals. Your goals determine your priorities – and your priorities determine whether you’ll reach your goals. John Maxwell Nothing is more effective when it comes to reaching potential than commitment to personal growth. John Maxwell Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our potential. Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British prime minister during WWII I’d rather reach 90 percent of my potential with plenty of mistakes than reach only 10 percent with a perfect score. John Maxwell To keep moving to a higher level and reach your potential, you… have to be willing to… trade security for significance. John Maxwell We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. Ellen Goodman