Editorial . . .A Woman's Influence
	by Raisa Ostrovskaya WM Director, Euro-Asia Division

I once read in a book that in order to be happy it is important that somebody loves you and values you. When the Lord assured us that He "has loved thee with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3), He valued us so high that for our sake "God gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16).

Woman was created with special qualities that enhance her ability to show her love and concern, as she reveals the image of our loving God. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Each of us has God's spark inside. It is very important for others to see this for us to spark and do our best so that our influence lights a flame of love, kindness and cordiality by which people will be attracted.

Example: Imagine a playground where children are playing in a sand-box. One little boy is asked to build a toy-house from blocks during a fixed time period. His teacher comments on his actions in the following way: "Very good, clever boy, but hurry a little. Your block fell down? Don't worry about this, you still have time. O, you have finished! Well done! Good boy! And now you can go and play with other kids." The boy is very happy and cheerful and goes to join other kids in their games.

Another episode. The same boy and the same task. But the tone of voice of his teacher and her comments are different: "Hurry up; how clumsy you are! Be quick, why have you dropped a block; be more careful. Now, you have spoiled everything. You'd better go and play with other boys." The boy, disappointed and sorrowful, with his head down goes away but he does not join other boys. He just stands aside frowning and watching.

The same situation but the words and the influence they have on the child are different. It's very important to put oneself in another's place, to identify with what they are passing through and ask how we would want to be treated in the same situation. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." (Matthew 7:12).

Freely you have received, freely give. One of the roles of women is to love and this means to give love, attention, time, labor, patience, and yourself to all who need this—to our children, husbands and other people. They need our love and kindness, forgiveness, words of courage and support, consideration and understanding. And we need it from each other.

It is very important that our words be confirmed by our way of life. If we say that our happiness is in Christ, but we ourselves are unhappy, joyless, then our ministry will be ineffective. When we are kindled from God's source, we become a bearer of happiness and a blessing to others, "and to the other the savour of life unto life" (2 Cor. 2:15-17).

Abigail, Esther, Ruth, Martha and Mary and others are examples of the positive effect of a woman's influence. On the other hand Delilah also used her talent and eloquence, tenderness, and sweetness, but they didn't have sincerity, purity, or love. The result was tragic.

The wise woman establishes her home. Let us praise our Lord and ask Him to give us wisdom to fulfill our mission.