Since 2013, it has been my privilege to give the “purpose talk” at the Women Doing Well Signature Events. Encouraging and assuring thousands of women that they indeed have a unique purpose designed by their Creator has given me great joy – especially when I see the beginnings of life transformation as women embrace this Biblical truth:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart for special work. Jeremiah 1:5
On a deeper, more personal level, working individually with Women Doing Well Retreat Facilitators and others to refine their 2-word purpose statements and inviting God to join us on each call, is always an amazing experience.
I find we all have many things in common – We…
1. feel conflicted with all the balls and roles we must juggle each day
2. can often lose ourselves in the midst of taking care of others
3. desire to wake up each morning with clarity and focus
4. long to reflect peace and joy in every interaction
I love the quote – “We lose our way, when we lose our why.” Purpose is our WHY…not our what, where or how. Our work around purpose is to determine how we uniquely would finish the statement: To the glory of God, I exist to serve by (two words).
To develop your purpose statement – consider
1. What has always been true about you?
2. What have been your life defining moments?
3. What are some On-Purpose moments in your life?
4. What do you most want for others?
To refine your purpose statement
1. Pray and ask God to make it clear to you
2. Look up your words in a dictionary and thesaurus – both synonyms and antonyms
3. Ask those that know you well what they see in you and what you do for them
On-Purpose Giving
When we tap into our unique purpose – our giving of time, talent and treasure becomes a “get-to-give” not a “have-to-give” or worse yet a “should- give”.
A “get-to give” has joy and life for both you and the receiver because it naturally lines up with your purpose and God’s purposes in the world.
When you think of giving opportunities, filter them through your purpose statement – you will find that some giving opportunities may be more on purpose for you than others.
Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of an On-Purpose person. He knew and was resolute about living and giving in His purpose whether people understood or misunderstood Him or loved or hated Him. We know He had to suffer for His purpose – which at times, we may also be called to do.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I believe when you are living in your purpose you are maximizing your life impact for the glory of God – think of it as the joy of being in the divine flow.
Let us seek God for His unique design on our lives so that we can live and give On-Purpose.
