“A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.” Proverbs 31:10 (MSG)

Like many women, I did not always know my value. It was through prayer, counseling, and a considerable amount healing that I discovered my self-worth. Because of our experiences in life whether it be bad decisions made earlier in life, a failed relationship, financial challenges, an illness, loss of job, etc., we tend to devalue ourselves because of what we’ve gone through. In a sermon titled, “The Value of a Kingdom Woman,” Dr. Tony Evans gives an analogy comparing a woman to a $100 bill.  He states, “A Kingdom Woman is like a $100 bill. No matter what you do to it, it will never lose its value.” He went on to say that you can stump on it, crumble it, or tear it, but that $100 bill will not lose its value. We as women are subject to many hardships and adversities; however, just like that $100 bill, we also will never lose our value. It is our perception of ourselves that diminish our self-worth. Your experiences in life does not dictate your value. If you were married and find yourself single again, your value did not change. You are the same person beginning a new chapter in life. It is all in how you perceive it. If you had a high paying job and the company downsized letting you go, your value did not change. It may have been God closing a door to open a new door of opportunity. If you are experiencing health issues, your value does not change. It may be a sign to start eating healthier and exercise more.

In an article titled, “11 Traits of a High-Value Woman,” dated February 23, 2022, the ReGain Editorial Team offers their perspective on the characteristics of a high-valued woman:

1. She knows her worth. She doesn’t equate her worth with her body, the amount of attention she gets, or sex, nor does she operate from a place of fear or neediness.
2. She loves and respects herself. She feels good in her skin, enjoys her own company, and is not intimidated by the high standards she has set for herself and others.
3. She is kind and compassionate. She knows and understands the power of compassion. She displays kindness to everyone she encounters, whether towards a custodial worker or her friend.
4. She is committed to learning and growth. She relentlessly pursues personal growth and strives to be the best version of herself every day.
5. She is self-aware and empathetic. She is aware of the affects her thoughts, words, and behaviors have on other people. She knows her audience realizing she cannot be brutally honest with everyone.
6. She is grounded in maturity. She doesn’t feel the need to play games or manipulate others to get what she wants.
7. She is not afraid to speak her mind. She knows that she serves no one by not speaking her mind. She is comfortable expressing her thoughts, feelings, and opinions with others, even if she knows not everyone will like it.
8. She is passionate. She aligns her life with purpose, goals, and values. She doesn’t accept anything less and will pursue what she loves with fervor and passion.
9. She has class. She knows how to embrace her charm, femininity, and beauty in an authentic way. She doesn’t feel the need to constantly seek attention from others but is comfortable in her own skin holding herself with grace.
10. She takes care of herself. She takes care of herself emotionally, spiritually, and physically. She is committed to good health.
11. She embraces her vulnerability. She knows that being vulnerable is not being weak, needy, or too much. For her, vulnerability is being emotionally brave, even when it feels risky or scary.

Ladies, we are all a work in progress. Don’t beat yourself up when you don’t get it quite right; get up, dust yourself off, and try to do better the next time. Remember, despite whether you get it right or wrong, your value does not change—you are still a $100 bill. If you would like to read more of my journey to self-discovery, order a copy of my book, “Sandpaper & Pearls: A Personal Journey to Healing” at Sandpaper & Pearls: A Personal Journey to Healing: Savage, Cassandra: 9780578755076: Amazon.com: Books

Happy Women’s History Month!!! Although, we are worthy of being celebrated every day of every month, I am grateful for the month of March that recognizes women of all cultures and their many accomplishments. There are many who have blazed the trails before us and for those of us who will pave the way for those who come after us. Let us continue to pray for, uplift, and honor each other every day not only during this month.

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