With a single swipe I turn off my phone to spend an afternoon at the movies with my daughter. As we settle into the theater seats, I tell her how I grew up watching Wonder Woman.
Reruns of the 1970’s TV version played every day after school. I knew every plot and turn — especially the turn Diana Prince would make as she spun in circles to reappear as Wonder Woman. Yeah, I perfected that move in my backyard. Wonder Woman was my childhood hero. Strong and brave. Kind and Compassionate. And beautiful too.
At 14, my daughter is almost my height. It’s a wonder to me how quickly she’s becoming a woman. I wish I could give her magic bracelets that could deflect the bullets of disappointment and hurt. But invisible jets and boomerang headbands are things of fiction.
At the end of the day, Wonder Woman is great movie, but the heroine remains other-worldly. When I think of heroes in real life, they don’t run into battle believing they’re invincible; they run into battle knowing they’re not, yet they choose to do what’s right anyway. They choose to sacrifice and serve. To put others first. Even at great cost to themselves.
These are the wonder women I know . . . in real life:
- The single mom who works long hours and sacrifices so much — to be the sole provider for her family.
- The grandma who rocks the babies in the nursery — so the young moms can sit through an entire church service.
- The friend who celebrates the joy and success of another friend — even in the face of her own sorrow and loss.
- The pastor’s wife who refuses to give up on the Church — despite the recent hurts and criticisms.
- The mom who cares for her children every day — without ever receiving help from extended family.
- The empty-nester who finds a new way to serve others — in this new stage of life.
- The woman who chooses to walk away — any time the conversation turns to gossip.
- The special needs mom who changes diapers every day — knowing she will for the rest of her life.
This is what a real wonder woman looks like.
Friend, I don’t know what battles you may be facing today. If you feel like you’re stuck in the middle of No Man’s Land, where no man has ever crossed. If you feel like the artillery is flying overhead at the speed of light. And the chances of making it safely across are slim — slimmer than the possibility of fitting into that leather lingerie worn on screen.
I can’t give you a bronzed shield or a golden lasso, but in Christ you have the shield of faith and the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17). In Christ, you are never alone. His Spirit lives in you. And the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Romans 8:11).
Together we can link arms and press on, trusting God will see us through.
I still liked the movie and the ideals it portrays, but I sincerely wish it had a cameo of Lynda Carter — the woman who played the role in the ‘70s. Her face is forever the face of Wonder Woman to me. But I do know this: real women grow and change. Time’s continued march is true for all of us — even the most iconic of on-screen actors.
So when I look at my daughter, I’m thankful for the truth of Scripture . . . that long before we became a woman, we were declared wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
And that will never change.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Denise,
So true that most of the super heroes perform their heroic acts in their own super-power. As believers, however, we can boast in our weakness because we know that it’s only in Christ’s strength that we are strong. Thank you for the wonderful reminder that the power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. I guess you could say that my super-power is resurrection power. When I claim Christ living in me there’s no end to the great things I can do for God ‘s Kingdom and for others. Here’s to God’s fearfully and wonderfully made wonder women…us!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Michele Morin says
Thank you for honoring these godly Wonder Women — and your comment about the magic bullet deflecting bracelet reminded me that God has outfitted us with His armor which protects our minds, our hearts, and makes us able to deflect “fiery darts”!
Blessings to you, Denise!
Liz says
I love this! Such an encouraging reminder to draw our strength from the one who conquered the world! Blessings!
Lynn D. Morrissey says
I lived during the first running of Wonder Woman (not the reruns :-)), but I was too busy going to college to have ever watched it. And I appreciate the reminder that the real wonder women are those who follow the Lord and lay down their lives for others. My mother is a wonder women, into her late eighties, and she still sacrifices her comfort and preferences for others. And I have a host of wonder-women mentors in my life, whether those I know personally, or through their books . . . even those who are now in heaven with Jesus. Wonder women in real life are not indestructible. You wisely point that out, Denise. But no matter: They still enter the fray of battle, wherever God sends them. And the truth is, that in the Lord, they will always win. The Lord always wins. And to think that He has made it possible for any of us to live eternally in Him is the greatest wonder of all. Thank you so much for sharing so relevantly. And I’m sure your daughter knows she has a wonder woman for a mother.
Love
Lynn
Kelli says
I’m new to receiving these daily emails and I’m enjoying all of them so much!! I think it’s also important to remember that a “Wonder Woman” might be single and without children as well. This woman might be there for her friends in their time of need, be able to pick up and go when elderly parents need them or just might be a listening ear to a co-worker who is going through struggles. Often times in the church I feel that sermons and groups are geared more towards the family dynamic, not through the fault of anyone, and that the single childless woman can be forgotten. GOD loves all of us and knowing that makes me want to be a “Wonder Woman” for him and do right by my FATHER. I try to remember this daily and though I do fail in always doing what is right, I’m constantly trying to remember his wonder and ask him to shine that wonder through me.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Kelli,
Your comment makes me think of my aunt who was single and who has since passed away. I remember at her funeral all sorts of people, especially women, coming up to me to tell me how my aunt had been such a “wonder woman” – always looking out for the needs of others, always gracious in helping or lending a hand and performing random acts of kindness, there for them when they endured trials and difficulties. I know how much my aunt helped me and it was obvious that she found a mission in her singleness to please her Father by being willing to put others before herself. Sounds like you are a woman after my aunt’s own heart <3 Welcome to the (in)courage community 🙂
Bev xx
Kelli says
Bev- You’re comment warmed my heart! 🙂 Thanks so much!!!
You’re aunt sounds like the kind of woman I’m trying to be like. I have a co-worker who told me once that he felt it’s his job to make others feel loved and cared for. How great is that?!? To take yourself out of the equation and focus on everyone else. As GOD tells us, love HIM and love others.
I hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Christina says
Thank you for this timely post. I woke up this morning pleading with good for help and guidance as I feel like he has once again given me far more than I can handle. In fact the very words I whispered as my smiling toddler pulled me by the hand out of bed while my sick husband slept, were “God please help me I can’t do all of this by myself, I’m not super woman, and there is just too much on my plate and I am just so very tired”. So when I hoped to find a ray of Hope and encouragement as I checked my e-mail and I found this post, I felt as if God was at least letting me know that he heard my plea. Even if nothing else changes, I told myself I could at least try to take comfort in the thought that I haven’t been abandoned and I’m not alone on this path.
Please pray for me as I embark on yet another long hard day.
Pat Gay says
Praying for you at this very moment, Christina. Life is always work and God often tests us, but he never leaves us alone. Praying he brings angels to you who will ease your burden. If your church family or sister friends do not know you are struggling, please share with them. Often we allow pride, shame or embarrassment to stop us from asking other mere mortals for help.
Many are blessed by helping others. Don’t deny them their work for the Lord.
Beth Williams says
Christina,
Praying for God to strengthen you for the tasks He has planned. May He send wonder friends to come along side and help you. God will never give us more than we can handle. It may seem like it sometimes. In those times I ask for assistance. Do not be afraid to confide in some & ask for help. People are willing to help they may not know of the need. Praying for you sweet sister!!
(((((Hugs)))))
Danielle Bernock says
I really enjoyed this. Especially your list of real-life wonder women.
Jeannie Waters says
Amazing? I love the list of women you admire.
rebeccajones says
Me? I wonder why women don’t go back farther? There are so many great television shows and old movies that have family values. Don’t get me wrong. I love movies and computers make things easier, but somewhere along the way we seem to have lost the people. Hollywood could do better, and there are lots of women with wonderful stories.
Nancy Ruegg says
Reading through that list of real-life Wonder Women you know brought to mind those within my circle of family, friends, and acquaintances. You are so right: These heroes are much more worthy of praise because they “don’t run into battle believing they’re invincible; they run into battle knowing they’re not, yet they choose to do what’s right anyway. They choose to sacrifice and serve. To put others first. Even at great cost to themselves.” Lord, help me to be an encourager to these true Wonder Women. And thank you, Denise, for drawing them to my attention.
Theresa Boedeker says
Glad to be reminded of the real Wonder Women in my life who quietly lead their lives serving and loving those around them. Thanks. There are many unsung heroines out there.
Beth Williams says
Denise,
I know some wonder women in my life. These women do things because they see a need, want to help & serve God. They give of themselves sacrificially & do without to help others. I didn’t feel like a wonder woman at the time. A few years ago I quit a good full-time job to be more available for my aging dad. I had planned on going back to work part time quickly. His mental & physical illnesses demanded more time of me. 16 months later I was able to go back part-time. Five months later God called my dad home. I was glad I was able to be there for him.
Blessings 🙂
Chelsea says
Yes, God bless those grandmas who rock our babies in the nursery and all the other wonder women out there. He has “equipped us for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)
Stephanie L. Smith says
Such a great reminder of what is truly of value in God’s eyes!