Beauty for Ashes ~ Tamara L. Floyd

Today, I had my first speaking engagement. I was the keynote speaker at a mother/daughter brunch. I prayed and consecrated for the word that I would present to the beautiful women of this sorority chapter. The word I was given was “Beauty for Ashes”. When I arrived I felt some welcome and honored for the opportunity to present the keynote as well as to represent Inspire Women. (Read More about “My Mission to Inspire Women”) I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity.

I had the pleasure to meet a seventeen year old high school who was also on the program to perform a spoken word piece. “Beauty is the eye of the behold” she recited. Her poem was confirmation that God had truly given the topic of my keynote. The message was inline with the whole program. It was evident prior to the poet’s introduction of her nervousness. Even through nerves it was clear that this young lady was talented. After her poem, I made sure to give her a pat on the back. I know that if she continues to speak her God-given words with boldness her gift will make room for her. If your reading this be encouraged J’Nay.

One of the hardest things is to give a woman a compliment. Why? Because most women don’t receive the compliment. Especially if its coming from a stranger the first thought is “what do you want?”. But doesn’t it feel good to receive a compliment? For someone to sincerely affirm you as a person or to express admiration of your gifts, talents, character and/or personal style.

All women regardless of age, ethnicity and etc. have a common need for affirmation. What is affirmation? To state or assert positively, to affirm, maintain as true, confirmation, to uphold, support.

To give beauty for ashes

In a very common passage of scripture, Isaiah 61:3 the anointed of God are commanded to give “beauty for ashes”. In the Hebrew, the word rendered ‘beauty’ means properly a head-dress, turban, tiara, or diadem; and the idea is, that the God would impart to his mourning people such an ornament instead of the ashes which in their grief they were accustomed to easy on their heads.” The ashes upon the head is an expression of grief.

Why beauty for ashes?

We are all walking around with dead things. They were killed with a negative comments. Someone told your lips were too big, you’re too skinny. I remember a family member of mine would always tell me I had big legs. I know I’m not the smallest person in the world but I’m also not the biggest. But for many years I did not like to wear shorts or skirts which is almost insane in Houston, TX. I was very self conscious of my legs in public. This one statement killed something in my that made me no longer confident in my own skin but I developed a complex about my legs. What has someone said to make you feel that same way? What negative comment has killed something in you?

Beauty for Ashes

Allow God to give you beauty for ashes. Allow God to affirm you to positively assert you the unique creation that He fashioned in His very image. Then you can walk in forgiveness that you no longer harbor any resentment in turn walk in confidence so you can affirm your mother, daughter, sister, cousin, friend and/or cohort.

Maybe your mourning the death of a dream. You shared a dream with a friend or family member and they just killed it. You were told you can’t do that or you’ll never be that. What if President Obama believe that he would never be the President of the United State? Do you think you would be the President. What dreams have died due to someone’s negativity?

Give yourself beauty for ashes by being aware of what your sowing into your spirit. I’m a fan of Melanie Fiona’s latest single but the lectures reads

“I gotta be out my mind to think it’s gonna work this time
A part of me wants to leave, but the other side still believes
And it kills me to know how much I really love you”.

When you really take a look at the words do you want a love that kill you or speak life into you?

Women as carriers of new life must be the ones to give life, to sow a seed of life, to speak life into people. How do you give beauty for ashes?

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Speak life into your mom, sister and daughter by affirming her. Give her words that assert positively, maintain as true, provide confirmation, uphold and support. Give beauty for ashes.