"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

It’s likely no surprise to hear that women tend to put themselves and their own needs last. According to an article from Forbes, 63% of women have trouble prioritizing their health, and 58% of women admit that they prioritize the health of family over their own. As women, our role from the time of creation has been to be helpers and nurturers. Today that can look like a mom helping her kids with homework and taking them to all the games, practices and recitals. It looks like the empty nester mentoring a young college student equipping her to make disciples of her own. It looks like a friend encouraging another who just got a cancer diagnosis. Maybe it looks like a daughter being her parents' caregiver, or a new wife helping her husband to build a home. With so many people who need us, it’s no wonder women struggle to balance it all.

So, when women are geared to help others, and they tend to put their needs last , who then helps the helper? The answer is simple - Jesus. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ” God wants us to fully rely on Him and to lean on Him. He is a mighty God who is bigger than our earthly problems. He is our perfect counselor and is always there ready to help us. We need only to call on His name. How can we encourage our women? First Denton Women’s Ministry wants to foster an environment where we bear each other’s burdens and build one another up like 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls us to. We encourage our women to pursue the Lord first and foremost- to praise His name, to seek His grace, His strength, and His provision so He can fill their cup. Jesus is the only source for an overflowing cup.

Our prayer is that we can help point women to Jesus to rely on His unwavering love and endless strength. We ask you pray the same, and that every relationship forged is one that encourages women to grow in their faith and walk with Jesus. We also ask that you pray for the women who are a part of our ministry, and the future women we hope to encourage. Pray for the women in our church who may be suffering in silence. Pray for the women who may feel alone and without community. Pray for women who struggle with being bold in their faith. Pray for the mom who feels overwhelmed and the single moms doing it on their own. Pray for the widows. Pray for the women who guide all our children in Kid’s ministry. Pray for the women who are struggling with infertility. Pray for the women who are stepping forward in different areas of leadership all throughout the church. Pray that Women’s Ministry can be a place where, no matter what the struggle is, we can support each other.