- In Celebration of Women - Tuesday, March 30, 2021
- DELUX Health: It’s Time For Your “New Year, New You” Check Up! - Tuesday, February 23, 2021
- Reset Your Mindset – 4 Tips To Go From None To Done In 2021 - Friday, January 1, 2021
The month of March is Women’s History Month. I personally feel that women should be celebrated every day, but this is a special month to take time to celebrate that special woman (or women) who has impacted you.
God truly has blessed women with amazing capabilities. I’m here to remind you that you are capable of doing anything you want to do.
You Are Strong!
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not bediscouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Ladies, there are so many things that we go through in life that show our strength. Being blessed to carry and deliver our babies and mother our children are some examples. Moms who have fostered or adopted children exhibit strength also of course because it shows how strong their love is and how deep it goes. Being able to work and maintain a family requires superhuman strength! It takes so much courage and strength to juggle all of these responsibilities. If you are a single mother, you provide all of the support your child or children need.
Thinking back to when I was pregnant with my triplets, I have to admit that I was slightly worried at first because multiples have a higher risk of being born prematurely. But, I soon realized that God blessed us with these babies, and He would give me the strength that I needed. I’m so happy to share that my pregnancy went well, and all three babies came home with us on the day I was discharged from the hospital. Even the nurses commented that it was the first time they saw a family with multiples all go home on the same day.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, ladies, don’t be discouraged. Be strong and remember, God never gives us more than we can handle. You will make it!
You Are Beautiful!
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Our society now has easy access to filters, social media and every kind of app that allows people to alter how they look. Unfortunately, I feel this has caused a lot of women to second-guess their self-worth and love for themselves. When you scroll through social media sites, you see all these videos and pictures that don’t always reflect reality. People usually post when good things happen. So how does this affect an individual’s reality, thoughts and emotions? Studies have shown that more time on social media, especially at night, can increase symptoms of depression. A study through the University of Pennsylvania revealed that the less time people spent on social media, the less feelings of loneliness and depression they had. [1] The rate of depression and other mental illnesses are already high, especially since the pandemic began.
Ladies, this is my reminder to you that no matter what anyone tells you or you tell yourself, you are made perfectly in God’s image, and He doesn’t make mistakes.
You Have a Purpose!
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse is what carried me through my medical school training. Studying to be a doctor is a long, challenging road that takes dedication and sacrifice. Some people give up, but those who hold on can succeed. This applies to all areas of our lives.
As women, we are sometimes guilty of putting ourselves down. This needs to stop. If you know that you do this by continually underestimating yourself, I challenge you to remember that you can do anything you put your mind to. We each have a specific purpose and calling. That’s why it’s so important that when you have a dream or a goal, you pursue it. The reality is, there will be failures and bumps along the way. No one ever said it would be easy. The beautiful part is that when you get to the other side of those hardships, you will be so proud of yourself that you persevered.
Don’t let a little hurdle make you lose your focus, and don’t let others steer you away from your purpose. Remember that only you can fulfill it.
You Have a Voice!
Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
No one ever said being a woman is easy. My hat’s off to the women who advocated and fought for our right to vote. There have been so many advances made for women over hundreds of years, and so many women, and even men, who have fought for those advances. Yet, there are still circumstances that can be improved. These include equal pay and more women in higher positions. We need to continue to get the appropriate education and experience in order to compete. The key to using your voice is not only using it for yourself but using it for others, too. We have a special privilege to use our voices for our families and children.
Ladies, what are you using your voice for today? Is it gossip? Instead, use your voice to build up others, to advocate and to make a difference. Remember, it is easy to just sit and be silent. Let your light shine and voice be heard by speaking up for what is right!
This month has been dedicated to the amazing women in our history. I challenge you to continue the legacy of those who have gone before us, and stand up and stand out! Say these affirmations to yourself daily and be reminded of who you truly are!
“I am strong. I am beautiful. I have a purpose. I have a voice.”
Dr. Musielak is a dual-boarded Internist and Pediatrician with St. Luke’s Medical Group. She enjoys teaching about preventive medicine and helping individuals live their happiest and healthiest lives. Dr. Musielak is the creator and host of The Dr. Mom Show Podcast. You can find more information at www.drdelenemusielak.com. Dr. Musielak is accepting new patients of all ages.
St. Luke’s Hospital makes good health and wellness easier through its Spirit of Women initiative. The free membership program provides resources that help you make better, more informed decisions for you and your family to live healthier and happier. Learn more at stlukes-stl.com/spirit-of-women.
References
- Hunt, Melissa G. and Rachel Marx, Courtney Lipson, and Jordyn Young. No More FOMO: Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 37, No. 10, 2018, pp. 751-768.
- Scripture quotations marked NIV are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ All rights reserved.
