Have you ever noticed a woman who just seemed, ‘different’? Was it her hairstyle? Was it her clothing? Was it her beautiful face and makeup? What was it that drew your attention to her? While working in an artsy store in Piedmont California, I noticed such a woman. I had no idea she was the owner and Pastors wife. All I saw was a lovely woman entering the store who had such a beautiful smile and a peace about her that could melt the South Pole! As she greeted each customer she encountered, she spoke softly and hugged them gently. By her ‘conversation’, she let them know that they were all that mattered in the world. She listened intently without condemnation.

As she passed the counter where I was working, she introduced herself. I told her I was the new associate. She thanked me and spoke to me just like she did our customers. While speaking to her I felt the same ‘peace beyond all understanding’ she presented when she arrived. I remember to this very day how loved and special she made me feel. After speaking she walked a few steps away and then came back to me. She asked me if I was a ‘believer’. I said with a big smile, “Yes, Ma’am. I am.” She then said to me “I can tell!” I asked her if she was as well. She held my hand and with that mesmerizing smile told me, “Yes, I am. The Spirit knows the Spirit, child!” It wasn’t just me that noticed it!

It is the power of the Holy Spirit that resides within us. The power of change in us. 2 Corinthians 6:17(NIV) reminds us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” It is THAT change that we notice and others notice us. It is like an aura around us exuding all that Jesus is and all that God desires us to be. It isn’t a harshness. It is a sweet balm upon our hearts. We then have the desire to love others as we are loved by our Lord and Savior. Isn’t that beautiful? I get so very excited when I have an opportunity to speak to women in churches and other forums. Why? Because not every woman in that audience has a personal relationship with God. They need to know that God is so loving. So patient. So understanding and that He wants them to see for themselves that love demonstrated by me through the Holy Spirits’ power. That is the beauty of being a woman of God.

As women in the Kingdom of God, we have the potential for a great impact in our personal circles just by what is spoken in Colossians 3:12-14(NIV): “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

With all of the internal changes the Holy Spirit gives us, this also changes our outward appearance. While we are loving and forgiving others, we begin to ‘see’ Gods’ beauty in all creation around us and become part of that beauty from our transformation. Yes, we will always be aware of what is not Godly. It’s the goodness that we exude that comes from the love of God that others will see and be drawn to. GOD HAS MADE US BEAUTIFUL, INSIDE AND OUT! Which of us would not desire this, raise your hands!

Gods’ life changing spirit has a plan and a purpose. That no man should be eternally lost. While our spiritual aura attracts glances, questions and compliments, these open the door for witnessing. God is so awesome, my little mind still cannot comprehend. By the time we are asked about our earrings, we are witnessing to a spiritually hungry generation. Brought to you by the love of God, the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you very much, may our Trinity now take a bow!

Ladies, we have the power to pray according to Gods’ will for nations, our families, church members, friends, so many we may never see again or have ever seen. We are promised that Gods’ word does not return void. In my minds’ eye, it is the break of dawn. God is on his throne as we open our eyes saying, “Ahhh, my Lady awakens.” He then instructs Angels to pour out of marbled jars with our names on them His oil of beauty upon us. He continues to say, “Anoint her with my beauty. For this day, she has much to do for my Kingdom. Her obedience is true. Her love is pure. I will cover her with my wings as she wins souls that they may not perish.”

Softly and sweetly the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Brings Gods’ word to our remembrance and helps to direct our paths. God is so just and loving. Jesus did what no other could ever do just for us. Our job, is to bring this news to as many as we can. Through our walk, our talk and through prayer. My Sisters, continue to love others and be loved by God. We are more than pretty faces. We are undying beacons of light and peace within this world. I join you in going forth boldly for the Kingdom of God.

Never forget, Gods’ radiant beauty reigns supreme within us!

#Knowledge4urJourney

Alicia G. Gilliam