I knew at an early age that I wanted to do something unique with my life. Perhaps that was because I spent my childhood being very ordinary; I lived for the day when I could break loose and prove to the world I had a champion’s heart.
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I found the story of Jael in the ancient book of the Bible to be one of the most inspirational stories I read as a young girl in Wyoming. It encouraged me to believe that I was capable of accomplishing great deeds, even in the face of tremendous adversity.
The story is found in the Book of Judges.
Back then, a soldier named Sisera led the Canaanite army and commanded over nine hundred iron chariots. He had oppressed the Israelites for twenty years.
Sisera was brutal, and his own mother speculated that he was late getting home from a battle because he and his fellow warriors were dividing the plunder by raping women and hauling off valuables.
The prophetess Deborah was able to persuade a soldier named Barak to gather an Israelite force of ten thousand to fight the Canaanites—and Sisera was soundly defeated. Exhausted, he fled on foot to a nearby settlement that was known to be an ally of the Canaanites where he thought he could find safety.
A woman in that settlement named Jael saw Sisera approaching and went outside to meet him. She offered him hospitality by covering him with a rug and giving him both water and milk to drink.
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Convinced she was harmless and willing to do his bidding, he told her to guard the tent entrance and let no one enter. He then fell into a weary sleep. Jael saw this as her opportunity and as soon as he was asleep, she picked up a hammer and tent peg and softly moved to Sisera’s side.
When the Israelite soldiers came looking for Barak, Jael showed them Sisera’s body. The Bible says there was peace for the next forty years.
The story of Jael illustrates the quiet strength of a woman who was as much of a champion as any hero from the ancient world, who are so often depicted as men. Here is why she kicked butt:
Hear Me Roar, I Am Woman
Jael used her feminine qualities to seduce Sisera into thinking all was well. She brings him milk to drink, she covers him with a rug, and yet this warm figure reaches for a tent stake and executes her enemy.
Women can prevail not despite, but through, their sex.
Time and time again I found that, as an FBI agent, people “let their guard down” when around me as I interviewed them. Holding the tension between gentleness and hard conviction takes mental toughness, and this tension is a unique tool that women can use to their advantage.
Bend but Never Break, You Are Strong
Jael is only one example of many women throughout history who were “the best man for the job.” There are more women than ever acting and living in non-traditional ways, so this might be the right time to rethink some of our assumptions: what is traditional, and why is traditional necessarily a better way of life?
Just because it’s the way it’s always been done doesn’t mean it’s the way it should always be done.
Few of us wake up each day and announce to the world that we are going to be a hero. Instead, most of us meet life each day with little fanfare and few fantasies about doing anything other than what is expected of us.
It is only when we’re confronted with obstacles that threaten to derail our life’s journey that we summon the determination to break through the barrier in front of us.
Strong women never allow themselves to be imprisoned in their own mind by their circumstances or appearance.
Come Back Even Stronger, You Are Invincible
Jael assumes the traditionally male role of assassin; however, the prophetess Deborah still called her the “most blessed of women.” She did not lose her femininity because of her actions. Indeed, her actions were so effective because she used her feminine wiles.
Living a life of purpose and meaning requires the courage to take a chance. I’m not talking about the physical courage of a soldier or superhero—I mean the extraordinary, heroic courage demanded of each of us every day. It’s the resolve to meet life’s scary circumstances head on with confidence and determination.
Jael is only one in a long line of women over the centuries who have kicked butt. Thanks to women like her, there are more opportunities for many more extraordinary stories to be told.
What is your extraordinary story?
© 2014 LaRaeQuy. All rights reserved.
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Author of “Mental Toughness for Women Leaders: 52 Tips To Recognize and Utilize Your Greatest Strengths” and “Secrets of a Strong Mind.”
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
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