Do You Want Real Control?

Recently I read an email that talked about "taking back Control" as women. The author reminded us of how we longed for control as young women and had it reinforced by Janet Jackson in her song entitled "CONTROL" (I REALLY liked that song!) and once we gained it we have surrendered it again to spouses, children, bosses, friends and life in general. She then states that it is time for us to take control back! On the surface, this is an awesome idea! My initial thought is Amen to that! For some taking back the feeling of hopelessness, of powerlessness and false surrender to those in our lives who don't deserve the gift is a great staring place, but is it enough? When we dig a little deeper, beyond the surface of what having control looks like... I have decided that I don't want CONTROL! Not to mention there are some things in life we just can't control. God has called us to surrender all control to Him. It is in this place of surrender and submission that we gain real control.

As a new wife, I am learning that through submission, I gain so much of what we as women fight to have... I have peace, I have love, and ultimately I have freedom! In my career, I have placed God in control and the opportunities to excel and achieve come to me without having to strive for them. With God in control my reputation is in tact and I have the respect that many yearn for. We have so many examples of those who had control in adverse situations through their submission to God and others. My favorite biblical examples are Ruth, who stayed with her mother-in-law despite having no reason to stay with her. She submitted to her and gained as much if not more than she lost and Esther, who saved her race through her submission to God, Mordecai and to her king. I love these women!!!! So I say YES take back control, but only through submission to God!

Scripture References (from biblegateway.com)
Romans 13:1
[ Submission to the Authorities ] Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Job 22:21
“Submit to God, and you will have peace;then things will go well for you.
Ruth 1:16
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.
Esther 2:17
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Welcome!

This blog is to share my many thoughts on life, education, work, love, and relationships. The title: The NIA Circle is taken from the swhahili term nia which means "purpose". I believe that we are all created by God for a purpose. Secondly, we are all designed to live life on purpose for that purpose. Therefore, the Nia Circle is a place for women (and men) to discuss their multiple purposes in life. As a note: while this blog will not solely focus on Christian ideas and biblical conversation, I am a Christian so my thoughts are informed by my belief in Jesus Christ as my personal savior. My goal is really to have an honest discussion of how to live out God's purposes for us in the world. I hope that you enjoy the discussion.

Scripture References: (New International Version from biblegateway.com)
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Psalm 57:2
I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.