If you’re looking for some quarantine viewing, sis, I would really recommend “20 Feet from Stardom” on Netflix
On the surface, it seems like a documentary on the music industry from the vantage point of (legendary) background singers. But, on a deeper level, it’s a really inspiring ensemble piece on grit, purpose and overcoming adversity.
One of my favourite quotes in the programme came from Dr. Mable John (former background singer to Ray Charles as part of The Raelettes):
“We as women need to know our worth. We need to know as women we’re important and I think the breakdown is when a woman doesn’t know who she is, and she settles for less. Check out your worth because you’re worth more than that”
A prime example of how we can carry out this awesome advice in our own lives is demonstrated really clearly in Matthew 21, which tells the story of the origins of Palm Sunday (today)
For example, before Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a female donkey, He commanded His disciples to loose her and her baby and bring them to Him because He had “need of them”.
This shows us a few things, especially about visibility.
For example:
#1 You are significant and He has need of you too, sis
It’s interesting to me that before Jesus released them, the donkey and her colt were tied up and not being used. You may have naysayers; man may disqualify you but as long as you know your worth in Christ (like Dr. John said), none of that matters. You are worthy and can still be used for greatness…but first you must loose yourself from other people’s opinions and immerse yourself in what the word (Jesus) says instead.
#2 Don’t be your own worst enemy
Apart from being bound by other people’s opinions, another thing that can keep us from being visible is our own insecurity. After all, if you hear the same negative things said about you over and over again- you start to believe it. The issue with this, sis? We go in the direction of our beliefs. For example, the donkey could have refused to follow the disciples to Jesus and fulfil her purpose- even though she was untied and had the freedom and opportunity to do so. I say all of this to say, make sure to be your biggest champion. Don’t let your inner critic sabotage you, and, if it is, “emancipate yourself from mental slavery” (Bob Marley). More on how to do this next week.
#3 Visibility is not about you, it’s about your legacy
Jesus’ need for the donkey’s talents resulted in both her AND her child being set free. One of the things that our inner critic does to keep us from speaking up, stepping out and shining as the woman of God that He created us to be is shining a spotlight on us- namely our insecurities and perceived imperfections. The donkey shows us that even though visibility has many benefits, including keeping us booked, busy and making bank, it’s deeper than that. Being more visible allows us to:
Help more people
Make more of an impact
Have a greater legacy
In other words, you have a particular set of women that you represent (whether now or in future) that need to SEE you succeed so that they know that it is possible for them too. This is yet another reason why networking and PR are such powerful tools!
. Want to put them to use, sis?
Click the button below to apply for the Pitch Perfect Consult Call- the complete A-Z implementation plan for going from hidden gem to household name through PR for #womeninbusiness.