Miriam

Lessons from Miriam on how to use your platform for social justice

Lessons from Miriam on how to use your platform for social justice

Last week, I mentioned in passing that Numbers 12 talks about Miriam and Aaron almost staging a coup against Moses because he married a black woman (Zipporah)

Click here if you missed it, sis.

What I didn't share was the aftermath

Basically God went ham on Moses' behalf by calling the 3 of them together; then:

  • Defending Moses

  • Striking Miriam with leprosy

Although Moses' prayer for her healing was eventually heeded, God still made her go through the recommended cleansing and separation process to teach Miriam a lesson. In other words-

God caused her to feel what it's like to be reviled, ostracised and hated for (leprous) skin that she had no control over and could do nothing about- just like Zipporah had been made to feel because of her blackness

Being a British citizen of Nigerian descent connects me with the African diaspora, including my African American brothers and sisters. They are me and I am them.

I talk about visibility all the time and how positive it can be but, as a black woman, I also know what it's like to be visible for all the wrong reasons- just like Zipporah, just like Ahmaud Aubrey, just like Breonna Taylor, just like George Floyd and countless others

All of whom have been tragically killed through acts of domestic terrorism (racism).

What we need is for our white counterparts- particularly those who claim to be our Christian brothers and sisters- to learn the same lesson Miriam did. To put yourself in our shoes. To empathise with us and stand with us. Since we didn't make or break the system, nothing changes until you do. Practical steps on how are given below from my friend Monique Melton (an antiracism educator, author, speaker and podcast host) pictured with me.

Lessons from Miriam on why lack of support is a blessing in disguise

Lessons from Miriam on why lack of support is a blessing in disguise

Do you watch Insecure, sis? If so, then you'll know that one of the overarching themes this season has been feeling a lack of support from the people you most expect it from when you're trying to birth your vision

(e.g. your best friend)

This theme of lack of support is something that we see through Miriam in Numbers 12 too…unfortunately, though, she’s not the hero in this story

Lessons from Miriam on why you need a platform to succeed

Lessons from Miriam on why you need a platform to succeed

One of my favourite experts on the topic of leadership is John Maxwell

Never heard of him, sis? You can access a lot of his teachings for free on YouTube, by just searching his name, as a starting as point.

Although one of his guiding principles is “leadership begins with self-leadership,” he also makes it clear that “If you think you’re leading, but no one is following…you are only taking a long walk”

In other words, sis, you need a platform to succeed as a (thought) leader and influencer, which is something that we see very clearly demonstrated through Miriam. For example…

Lessons from Miriam on How to be a Woman of Influence

Lessons from Miriam on How to be a Woman of Influence

When you hear the word “influencer,” sis, what comes to mind?

Is it:

  • Someone who travels to beautiful countries and takes gorgeous pictures?

  • Is it someone who has 10.5 million followers on social media and/or their email list?

  • Is it someone with multiple brand deals?

  • Is it someone who’s always seen to be rubbing shoulders with mainstream celebrities and/or those within your industry?

If that’s what comes to mind, I can’t say that I blame you, because that is what most people mean when they use the word “influencer” today. Here’s the thing, though-

Despite the images of influence that we’re often bombarded with, it’s actually a huge responsibility

I mean…

The definition of influence tells us so!

For example…

Lessons from Miriam on What it Means to be a Thought Leader

Lessons from Miriam on What it Means to be a Thought Leader

Recently, I found myself going down a bit of a rabbit hole while having my morning devotion

Has that ever happened to you, sis?

I started off in Exodus 15

Where verse 20 says that Miriam (Moses’ sister) was a prophetess

This then landed me in 1st Corinthians 14

Where verses 1-5 talk about what prophecy is

Which then had me thinking about thought leadership and why it’s so important in networking and PR

Let me explain….

Lessons from Miriam and Pharaoh's Daughter on how to be a woman of influence

Lessons from Miriam and Pharaoh's Daughter on how to be a woman of influence

So if you follow me on Facebook and Instagram, lovely, you would have seen that I was named 1 of 101 Women of Influence! Receiving this honour also got me thinking about what it means to be a woman of influence from a Biblical perspective, especially because:

  • God promotes us so that we can ultimately promote Him

  • There are many scriptures that say that we, as the church, are supposed to influence the world in order to bring them to Christ (e.g. Ephesians 1:23, Matthew 13:33 and Mark 16:14-18)

  • Every God-sized vision is going to require a team (so you will need to know how to go about being influential so that others will help make your vision a reality)

When I started to think about the how or the blueprint to becoming a woman of influence, I found myself back in Exodus 2 because Miriam and Pharaoh’s Daughter displayed the very definition of “influence”- which is:

“The action or process of producing effects on the actions, behaviour, opinions etc of another or others”

I shared all of this and more via the (live) video below.

Lessons from 30 amazing Women of the Bible

Lessons from 30 amazing Women of the Bible

This week (October 3rd to be exact) was my birthday and- it wasn't just any birthday- it was my 30th! Also, although I didn't actually make it public until late November, this month will mark a year since I started this blog with a view to:

  • Raise the profile of the contributions of the women of the Bible and how the lessons contained in these can be practically applied in our modern spiritual walks
  • Empower Christian women to fully embrace their unique identities and purpose in Christ, free of the stereotypes and traditions that can "so easily best" us

To celebrate, I am going to share my top 30 women of the Bible along with what they taught me either about Christian womanhood/femininity or life in general. So, in alphabetical order, here goes!

Lessons from Miriam on Celebrating Milestones

Lessons from Miriam on Celebrating Milestones

Miriam makes her first appearance in the Bible in Exodus 2:4 as a little girl who watched over her brother to ensure he remained safe. He was in fact Moses, however (not to be outdone by her younger sibling) she also grew up to be gifted in her own right and functioned as a prophetess (Exodus 15:4). In line with this supernatural power, Miriam’s example is a great revelation to us all especially in the area of celebrating milestones. Want to listen to this devotional instead? No problem, just press play on the audio below. Feel free to download also: