Women need to be healed before they lead

Steve Lyston, Contributor

Last year, the world stage was dominated by women in both negative and positive ways. It was particularly so in the areas of politics, and entertainment - both locally and overseas. Many of the women were in the news - Miley Cyrus, Lady Saw, D'Angel, Beyoncé, Tessanne Chin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and Jamaica's Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. While many believe that women should not be in a place of leadership or even upfront - whether in the world or in the church - it is hypocrisy.

There is nothing wrong with women in leadership; I have worked with excellent female leaders. However, the problem that exists with regard to female leaders, in particular, is that many of them have been hurt but were not healed.

As human beings, our experiences help to drive our decision-making process. As such, many women have experienced some very difficult and oftentimes painful situations - abuse, infidelity, personal insecurities, rejection, missed opportunities, among other things - and still have the strength to function in their various capacities.

Some have insecurities, especially with younger women around. Some may also feel insecure in their capacity to do their job or to keep their family together, which has led some of them to make grave mistakes. There are some women who will behave in the most derogatory way in order to get attention. Others will behave extremely aggressively and mean in the office environment, and this negatively affects the environment and can hinder production overall.

Many women will look 'tough' on the outside, but internally, they are fearful and deeply wounded, unable to trust anyone. Some may even resort to alcohol and/or drugs. Some, because of neglect, will just shop endlessly. Some turn to the church for help.

There is so much potential in our women and they are valuable in all areas. It is sad that many agents, managers and advisers to many of our women oftentimes build a wall around them, not to protect them, but to use them for personal gain.

need for balance

There is a need for a balanced society, and if we are to get there, then our women need to be healed. In the way of the world, our women are not even given good time to heal after bringing forth another human being into the world.

I have been allowed the opportunity to counsel some of the VIP women, and I have seen the abuse and the suffering they have had to go through daily while many will demand maximum performance from them. Even journalists at times would speak things about them that are not so. The media have hurt many of them because of ignorance.

Even the way in which many of the women in the entertainment industry are attired , it is not their choice or desire at times; and some are forced to do so and are sometimes forced to create an image.

men's treatment of women

Men, we need to treat our women in the same way we would treat our daughters. Women, value yourselves highly and don't lower your standards. Furthermore, forgive those who have hurt you. Your healing begins with forgiveness

Men, stand up, protect, and respect your women. Understand that as we function together in our society, a great deal of pressure comes against women to destroy them and their families; so do all you can to protect them where you can. When you commit infidelity, it leaves deep emotional scars and hurts them.

So, while the tabloids make a great deal of money on women and their public and private pain, recognise that we have an inherent responsibility to protect the gifts called 'women'.

Some may believe that satisfying women with money, sex, hype, fame and a certain lifestyle is all. However, more often than not, what many women desire is to be respected, taken seriously, listened to and loved.

Women, don't allow the things you have gone through in the past or even on a daily basis, isolate you from others or negatively affect your performance and, ultimately, push away those around you who are good for you and can help to develop the real you.

Draw your strength from God and let your relationship with Him come first! He will direct you on the rest.

Don't use your past to create your future or use it to evaluate others. God wants your inner beauty to shine.

Most of what you have been through, use it as wisdom and use it to help others.

Speak from the heart! Don't allow anyone to create any false personality for you. Be who you are; be healed and come forth!

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire.'