Episode 2749: God’s Chosen Women with Sharon

Sharon (Host):
Welcome to today’s episode titled God’s Chosen Women: Living with Strength, Dignity, and Purpose. This episode was inspired by a talk that CS Lewis gave on God choosing Women. It was so profound that I thought it worthy of repeating in a somewhat different way. Joining me is Walt, our co-host, as we explore 8 principles that define a God-honoring woman. Together, we’ll uncover the wisdom of Scripture and the saints to guide us.
Before we get started lets start with a prayer:
Sharon; Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of womanhood and for the example of virtuous women in Scripture and throughout Church history. Open our hearts today to understand the qualities that make a woman stand out in Your eyes. May our words inspire and encourage women to seek Your will, live with intention, and reflect Your glory in all they do. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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In a world that often measures a woman’s worth by her beauty, career, or accomplishments, the Catholic faith reminds us of a deeper truth: a woman’s value comes from her identity as a beloved daughter of God. As Proverbs 31:25-26 says, 'She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.'
Walt, why don’t you lead us into the first principle?
Walt (Co-Host):
Thank you, Sharon. The 1st principle is Growth. A woman who stands out in God’s eyes prioritizes her personal and spiritual growth. She understands that this growth isn’t accidental; it requires intention, effort, and trust in God. As 2 Peter 3:18 reminds us: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Such growth extends beyond spirituality to encompass all aspects of life. She strives to develop her character, becoming more patient, disciplined, and compassionate.

St. Teresa of Avila once said, “God gave us faculties for our use; each of them will receive its proper reward. Then do not let us weary, for the reward is great.”
Sharon:
Beautifully said, Walt. Growth also happens within community, doesn’t it? A God-honoring woman surrounds herself with friends who uplift her and reflect godly values. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This support system strengthens her faith and character.
Now, the 2nd principle is Self-Respect. This means recognizing her intrinsic value as a creation of God. Psalm 139:14 reminds us: “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” A woman rooted in this truth carries herself with grace and dignity. She sets healthy boundaries, not out of pride but to protect her peace and integrity.
Self-respect isn’t pride; it’s stewardship. St. Catherine of Siena once said, “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.' When a woman values herself, she protects her peace, prioritizes her health, and maintains boundaries that honor her dignity."
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Walt:
Absolutely. She also takes responsibility for her actions, avoiding the blame game, and ensures her behavior aligns with God’s standards. St. Edith Stein, also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, said, “The world doesn't need what women have. It needs what women are.”
Self-respect influences how she nurtures her relationships, choosing companions who honor her values and encourage her faith. When faced with negativity, she doesn’t retaliate but steps away, trusting in God to defend her.
Sharon:
Let’s move to our 3rd principle: Intentional Living. A God-honoring woman makes choices with purpose. She knows her life isn’t random but part of God’s divine plan. Every action, word, and decision reflects her calling. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, 'For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.'
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Key Insights from the Saints
• St. Catherine of Siena: “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”
• St. Gianna Beretta Molla: “Our task is to make the truth visible and lovable, offering ourselves as a living sacrifice.”
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Walt:
And as you grow in faith and virtue, know that you are building a legacy that glorifies God and inspires others. John Paul II said, “The dignity and vocation of women have always been a subject of particular importance to the Church because they reflect God’s plan for humanity.” Now Sharon I have a series of questions and here is the first.
What Truly Sets a Woman Apart in the Eyes of God?
Sharon: What makes a woman truly stand out in the eyes of God and the world? Is it her beauty, career, or accomplishments? While society often measures worth by these standards, God reveals through Scripture that a woman's value is found in her heart, her character, and her relationship with Him. Proverbs 31:25-26 tells us: “Strength and beauty are her clothing; she can laugh at the days to come. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue.”
Walt: That's such a powerful reminder, Sharon. Blending insights from Scripture, wisdom from the saints, and practical applications to inspire all women to embrace their God-given identity.
As St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? Honor God with your bodies.” Whether through a healthy diet or nurturing our souls, every act of care is an act of stewardship.
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The 4th Principal She Masters Emotional Wisdom
Sharon: James 1:19 teaches us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.' Emotional wisdom is about managing our feelings in a way that reflects God’s grace. This requires self-awareness, prayer, and trust in Him."
Walt: A woman with emotional wisdom creates harmony in her relationships. She listens deeply, speaks kindly, and handles conflict with humility and truth. St. Francis de Sales said, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.' Through gentleness, she mirrors God’s peace to others."
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The 5th Principal: She Pursues Long-Term Goals
Sharon: A woman who pursues long-term goals demonstrates vision, patience, and faith. She understands that meaningful achievements are rarely immediate but require intentional choices and perseverance over time. Habakkuk 2:2 encourages this mindset: “Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” By setting her sights on the future and aligning her plans with God's will, she creates a life of purpose and impact.
Once her goals are set, she approaches them with discipline and determination. She understands that small, consistent steps today lead to significant progress tomorrow. Proverbs 21:5 reminds her: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit, as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Her diligence ensures that she invests her time and energy wisely, avoiding shortcuts that compromise her integrity or sidetrack her from her purpose.
Patience is key in her pursuit of long-term goals. While the world clamors for instant gratification, she is willing to delay temporary pleasures for lasting rewards. When setbacks occur, she doesn't give up. Instead, she uses these moments as opportunities to learn, adjust her plans, and trust God's timing. Her faith keeps her grounded, reminding her that God's plans are always worth waiting for. She also surrounds herself with people who share her values and encourage her vision. Whether through mentors, friends, or her church community, she seeks out relationships that strengthen her resolve and provide wisdom for the journey ahead. Finally, she celebrates progress, no matter how small. Each milestone is a reminder of God's faithfulness and her perseverance. These victories fuel her determination to keep going. Even when the path is challenging, a woman focused on long-term goals builds her life on purpose, discipline, and trust in God. She knows that her faithfulness today will bear fruit in due time, creating a legacy that glorifies God and inspires others.
Walt: St. Monica is a shining example. She prayed for years for her son Augustine’s conversion, and her perseverance bore fruit that changed the world. Like her, a woman of God knows that faith and patience are key to achieving what matters most.
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The 6th Principal She Builds Strong Relationships
Walt: A woman of purpose understands that meaningful relationships are vital for spiritual and personal growth. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasizes this truth: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” She recognizes the power of surrounding herself with people who uplift her values and encourage her to fulfill God's calling on her life.
Building strong relationships starts with intentionality. She doesn’t wait passively for meaningful connections to happen but seeks them out. She prioritizes quality over quantity, choosing friends, mentors, and companions who align with her faith and inspire her to grow. These connections are based not on convenience but on shared purpose and mutual respect. She invests time and effort into these bonds, whether through meaningful conversations, acts of kindness, or simply being present. She knows that strong relationships require consistency and care and is willing to give of herself to maintain them. This selflessness reflects her understanding that love is an action, not just a feeling. Her relationships are marked by trust and accountability; she surrounds herself with people who encourage her to stay true to her values, challenge her when she strays, and celebrate her victories with genuine joy.
Her role in the church and community reflects her understanding of relationships as a ministry. She actively participates in fellowship, offering her gifts and talents to serve others. Relationships flourish when built on a foundation of love and service, reflecting Christ's example.

Finally, she maintains an attitude of gratitude. She regularly thanks God for the people in her life and expresses appreciation to them. Gratitude strengthens her bonds and reminds her of the blessings God has given her through these connections. A woman who builds strong relationships creates a network of love, encouragement, and support, empowering her to live out God's purpose for her life.
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The 7th Principal She Practices Financial Wisdom
Sharon: A woman of faith understands that how she manages her finances reflects her trust in God and her commitment to stewardship. Proverbs 21:20 teaches: “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” This principle reminds her that financial wisdom is not about accumulating wealth for status but about using resources wisely to honor God and provide stability for herself and those she loves.
Financial wisdom begins with setting clear goals. A godly woman prayerfully plans for the future, knowing that without a plan, financial chaos can easily take over. By creating a budget that prioritizes giving, saving, and living within her means, she ensures her money is used purposefully. She makes intentional choices about spending, distinguishing between needs and wants. This discipline helps her avoid impulsive purchases or falling into debt. In Proverbs 31:16 it says,“She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard” In Proverbs 31:24 “She made fine linen and sold it,”
Saving is a key part of her financial habits. She understands the wisdom of setting aside resources for the future, trusting that consistent, small efforts will lead to long-term security. Proverbs 13:11 reminds her: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” This approach allows her to remain patient and diligent in her financial stewardship.
Her generosity also reflects her financial wisdom. She honors God by giving cheerfully, knowing her contributions support His work. Whether it’s tithing to her church, helping someone in need, or supporting a ministry, she views giving as an act of faith and obedience.
She equips herself to make informed decisions about her finances by seeking knowledge about saving, investing, and avoiding pitfalls. A woman who practices financial wisdom sees her finances as a tool for advancing God's kingdom and creating a secure foundation for her life.
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The 8th Principal: She Stays Adaptable
Walt: A woman of God knows that life is filled with unexpected changes, challenges, and opportunities. Rather than resisting these shifts, she approaches them with flexibility and faith. Isaiah 43:19 encourages this mindset: “See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This verse reminds her that God is always at work, even in times of uncertainty.
Adaptability begins with trusting God's plan over her own. She doesn’t cling too tightly to her expectations but holds them with open hands, ready for God to redirect her steps. When circumstances change, she pauses to seek His guidance through prayer and scripture.
Her ability to adapt allows her to remain faithful and effective, trusting that even unexpected detours are part of God’s greater purpose.
Once her goals are set, she approaches them with discipline and determination. She understands that small, consistent steps today lead to significant progress tomorrow. Proverbs 21:5 reminds her, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit, as surely as haste leads to poverty." Her diligence ensures that she invests her time and energy wisely, avoiding shortcuts that compromise her integrity or sidetrack her from her purpose.
Patience is key in her pursuit of long-term goals. While the world clamors for instant gratification, she is willing to delay temporary pleasures for lasting rewards. When setbacks occur, she doesn't give up. Instead, she uses these moments as opportunities to learn, adjust her plans, and trust God's timing. Her faith keeps her grounded, reminding her that God's plans are always worth waiting for.
She also surrounds herself with people who share her values and encourage her vision. Whether through mentors, friends, or her church community, she seeks out relationships that strengthen her resolve and provide wisdom for the journey ahead. Finally, she celebrates progress, no matter how small. Each milestone is a reminder of God's faithfulness and her perseverance. These victories fuel her determination to keep going. Even when the path is challenging, a woman focused on long-term goals builds her life on purpose, discipline, and trust in God. She knows that her faithfulness today will bear fruit in due time, creating a legacy that glorifies God and inspires others.
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Sharon: Living out these principles may not always be easy, but with God's grace, every step brings her closer to becoming the woman He has called her to be. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this message today. We pray that these principles inspire you to live boldly, love deeply, and trust God completely in every area of your life. If this message blessed you, share it with someone who might need encouragement. God bless you, and may His peace and strength guide you every step of the way.

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Walt: Closing Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for the gift of this time together and for the wisdom shared today. May every woman listening be strengthened by Your grace to grow in faith, live intentionally, and honor You in all aspects of her life. Fill her heart with peace, confidence, and the courage to follow Your will. We ask this through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the perfect example of strength and dignity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sharon:
Thank you for joining us. If you found today’s episode inspiring, please share it with a female friend and declare “I am a God-honoring woman!” Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.