If you had to pick only one attribute to describe yourself — a strong woman or a woman with a soft heart — which would you choose?
This felt like an impossible question when we asked it on More Than Small Talk today.
It led to a bigger question.
Why in the world should we have to choose?
Sometimes culture tries to tell us what strength should look like. We are told that being soft-hearted is weak. We are told that being a strong woman makes us “too much.” We can be both soft-hearted and strong. And the world needs both.
In today’s More Than Small Talk podcast, we wrestled with this conversation.
These were some of our thoughts:
- Never let the world define you (amen!)
- Shut out negative voices to listen for God’s leading
- You don’t have to choose to be strong or soft-hearted
I may have even quoted a line from one of my all-time favorite shows to prove my point, but this is a better word from Paul.
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)
There are times you won’t feel strong. There are times when your soft heart fails to lead. Don’t feel condemned when that happens. Instead, that’s exactly when we lean into our relationship with Christ to find what we need — and that is strong!
Never ever apologize for being a strong woman with a soft heart. Be who you are. Let God use those traits to impact a world.
And let’s be strong together.
Suzie
Resources
Listen to today’s More Than Small Talk podcast (Episode #16) on KLRC.com podcast network or on your favorite podcast app.
Resource mentioned in podcast today is Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth.
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You are speaking to a soft-hearted strong woman who didn’t know being soft was strong until she went through some really hard times and surrendered it all to Christ to find out that weakness was the greatest strength she had. Our culture often tells women that a soft heart means you are weak – no way! I love this “There are times you won’t feel strong. There are times when your soft heart fails to lead. Don’t feel condemned when that happens. Instead, that’s exactly when we lean into our relationship with Christ to find what we need — and that is strong! My soft heart enables me to see the pain in others and to be there for them. My soft heart enables me to put a high value on relationships. My soft heart has taught me that I cannot do this life in my flesh but only through the blood and grace of Jesus Christ. To my soft-hearted, strong sisters out there — you are not alone! May we carry on with that soft heart knowing where our true source of strength comes from. Thanks Suzie
I have always been soft-hearted in many ways. Living in this world makes you question whether you can be both. I have often slipped into different extremes on this. I have felt If I am too soft, I will be torn apart. If I present myself too strong, wrong impressions happen. I have learned how to be both at the same time. When I let Christ lead in me, His soft, compassions heart shines through, even as I stand firm. It is the most beautiful thing to me. I love allowing Him to transform me. Jesus had a soft heart. He was compassionate, yet He never wavered or sinned. That is who I want to be and when the world beats on me, I look to Him. Thank you, Suzie for reminding us of this truth. I can’t wait to listen to the podcast today!!
Love this! This is something that God has been teaching me – especially the last few years. ❤️
“Never ever apologize for being a strong woman with a soft heart. Be who you are. Let God use those traits to impact a world.” Praise hands and HALLELUJAH!!! Thank you for this today… so so good! I pray every single day that God would help me teach this very truth to my girls!
Just my opinion… But, with life hammering negativity and difficulty at us, constantly, and from every direction; giving it’s best effort to harden our hearts, it takes a “strong” woman to protect, maintain, and reflect a “soft heart” back into the world. And, only possible through His strength!
I totally agree and was thinking tat this morning too.