Spark Hope: Gifts for Working Women That Unleash Lasting Peace & Joy in 2023
11 Recommendations by Women for Women
“Hope is not a strategy” is a popular quip. But without hope, life is futile. Take one glance at your favorite news outlet and you’re inundated with headlines of a looming recession, skyrocketing inflation and imminent layoffs.
It’s easy to get fearful, caught up in the rising tide of uncertainty that can leave you wading in your own personal pool of anxiety. We need a solid foundation in the calm and the crazy - An immovable hope that lasts.
Now, the hope I’m talking about isn’t wishful thinking, an aspiration or something we conjure up on our own. I’m talking about confident expectation, a hope that saves.
But first, we have to recognize one problem. We have a broken relationship with the God who made us. It affects our insides and our outside. But the story doesn’t stop there…
Cue the manger scene. You know the one - The bundled baby Jesus in swaddling clothes tucked in a trough of hay. It isn’t just relevant at Christmas. No. He brings us back into a right relationship with God through his birth, death and resurrection. Jesus transcends the manger to modern day, cornering the market on hope. He IS the cornerstone of it.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them…
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
No matter what you’re facing, His hope won’t let you down or change with the current of the culture or job market. Prepare Him room now (and always).
Ten working women share their favorite resources (and products) to do just that on the daily. Give yourself (or your fav woman in your life) lasting hope that sparks peace and joy no matter what 2023 may bring.
Memorizing scripture as a working (and busy) mom seems out of reach most days, but this kit made it doable to hide God's word in my heart. I really enjoy having a scripture front and center to not only see with my own eyes, but as a conversation starter with others.
- Stephanie Lambert, Project Analyst
I am a big fan of Ruth Chou Simmon's journal. It's full of thoughtful prompts, scripture, and beautiful illustrations. I own--and regularly gift-- her journal, which is full of truths reminding the reader to rest in the promises of God.
- Sarah Johnston, Founder of the Briefcase Coach
I'm typically not a big fan of "Live Laugh Love" inspired wall sayings, but I made an exception. I have Micah 6:8 framed in my office. It's very centering to me to pause and think about the meaning behind "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." While this isn't the exact sign that I own, I love this version from Etsy.
- Sarah Johnston, Founder of the Briefcase Coach
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
This book has brought a lot of peace to my world this year. It got me back on intentionally sabbathing, resting, stepping away from technology and being more present as a mom, wife, friend, daughter and coach.
- Katelyn Richards, Career Coach and Personal Branding Strategist at Crafted Careers
I love this journal because it is a simple way to get into God’s word when life is busy.
-Colleen Kemp, Physician Assistant
Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder
Bette is masterful at bringing scripture to light through her gorgeous paintings and beautiful reflections through this Advent devotional.
-Toni McEwan, Leadership Consultant, CEO at Toni McEwan LLC
I recently purchased this sweatshirt and I love it! It's such a great physical reminder to keep prayer on the forefront when building my business. So much so that prayer is PART of my biz plan!
- Kristin Engen, Founder & CEO of CopyBrand and Certified Clickworthy Copywriter™
(A)Typical Woman: Free, Whole, and Called in Christ
I recently read (A)Typical Woman and was encouraged by the many ways Women are called in Christ. I was most specifically encouraged by the Working Women chapter. Sometimes "work" as described by Christian women can be divisive so I found this chapter extremely helpful. “So work really hard. Do amazingly good work. Excel in every single way that you can, in every single area that you can, with the self-forgetful happiness that can be found only when you’ve laid yourself down and are trusting in the name of a tireless, serving Savior”
-Casey Dick, Customer Data Manager
Moving Your Invisible Boundaries
This book taught me how to trust in Jesus and live out God's promises through the death, burial, and restriction of Jesus. Reading his book and learning to do biblical meditation helped me to develop a deeper relationship with God, understand God's love for me, and give me peace by learning to trust and pray.
-Mary Guirovich, Award Winning Career Advancement Strategist for Women at My Promotion Plan
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms
This book is an encouraging, uplifting read geared towards busy moms. I listened to it on audio book over several evenings of doing dishes after the kids were in bed. It gave me a boost of encouragement, reminding me to look and cling to Jesus in the midst of the busyness.
-Megan Winn, Owner & Artist at the Binding Bee
And finally, I want to share my game-changing resource. Bonus: It won’t cost you a thing. I’ve always wanted to read the Bible in its entirety, but failed. You know where those New Year’s resolutions go to die?! Through this podcast and corresponding Bible plan (see the YouVersion Bible App), I’ll have read (and/or listened to) the whole Bible by the end of December (cue the confetti!).
The bite-size application (and explanation) in the podcast helps me understand what I’m reading and why it matters. And wow, do I have a bigger picture of who God is and His trustworthy character. I’m going for round two in 2023. Join me!
Most of all my hope for you in 2023 is that you make your home in Him. One built on a rock so when the storms come and the wind howls, you do not fall because you are on solid ground (Mathew 7:24-25). Christy Nockels says it best in her new song Home (one I have on replay in my earbuds). Cheers to your 2023!