Week 2 Discussion Post Responses By Patrina Reed - Questions

Week 2 Discussion Post Responsesbypatrina Reedthese Questions Actually

These questions prompted deep reflection on personal identity as a woman, a woman of faith, and a leader. The author emphasizes the importance of authentic self-awareness over societal or institutional labels. As a leader, she identifies herself as a motivator, decision-maker, coach, confident, influencer, innovator, and visionary. She aligns her identity with God's perception—royalty, warrior, vessel of honor, healer, and daughter of the Most High God—highlighting a spiritual and divine perspective that supersedes societal definitions.

The author critiques societal perceptions of women, referencing a Pew Research Center article, which assigns percentages to qualities like empathy, intelligence, honesty, ambition, hard work, loyalty, independence, strength, and politeness. The data reveal societal stereotypes and undervaluations, contrasting sharply with divine identity. She advocates for women to embrace their God-given worth and to serve as encouragers and change-makers for others, especially women who may feel voiceless or marginalized.

The narrative is further enriched by poetic expressions that inspire empowerment. Tiffany Sunday’s poem speaks of unbounded potential and embracing womanhood without limits. Michelle Campos’s poem emphasizes nurturing confidence and resilience, viewing womanhood as a divine gift intertwined with spiritual and natural roles.

Paper For Above instruction

Identity is a multifaceted construct shaped by personal conviction, societal influence, and divine perspective. In discussions of women in leadership, understanding one's authentic self is fundamental to effective influence and service. Leadership inherently involves guiding others, a concept succinctly summarized by the idea that "if nobody is following, you are simply taking a walk" (Northouse, 2021). True leadership demands not only vision and skills but also clarity about one’s core identity and purpose.

From a faith-based perspective, Christian doctrine affirms a divine identity that surpasses societal labels. As the Apostle Paul elaborates in 2 Corinthians 5:17, believers are "new creations," empowered and defined by Christ’s redemptive work. The recurring themes in biblical texts—being royalty (Revelation 1:6), a child of God (Galatians 3:26), and victorious (Revelation 12:11)—serve as a foundation for women to anchor their self-worth and leadership identity in divine affirmation rather than societal validation.

Contrasting perspectives from societal studies reveal a disparity between external perceptions and divine truths. The Pew Research Center’s report of societal stereotypes highlights characteristics undervalued in women—such as ambition, independence, and strength—yet these qualities are congruent with biblical visions of steadfast leadership and divine destiny. Recognizing this contradiction encourages women to challenge societal narratives and embrace their God-ordained roles and attributes.

Empowerment literature and poetry, like Michelle Campos’s portrayal of womanhood, underscore the importance of nurturing self-belief and resilience. These expressions serve as catalysts for women to see themselves as agents of change, capable of influencing their environments through authentic leadership rooted in divine identity. When women understand their divine purpose and resist societal stereotypes, they are better positioned to lead with confidence and integrity.

Moreover, embracing authentic identity involves ongoing self-discovery and intentional alignment with spiritual truths. As Ferrera (2018) advocates in her TED Talk, change begins within—by questioning our beliefs and actions, we forge a path toward authentic engagement. Ferrera emphasizes that embracing one’s identity is a catalyst for societal change, resonating with biblical commands to renew the mind (Romans 12:2) and be transformed by truth.

In conclusion, women in leadership can draw strength from their divine identity, redefining societal perceptions through faith-inspired self-awareness. Authentic leadership emerges when women recognize their worth as daughters of the Most High God, empowered to influence and inspire others from a place of divine confidence. This alignment between spiritual truth and leadership excellence fosters resilience, purpose, and transformational impact.

References

• Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Ferrera, A. (2018). Embrace your identity to spark change [Video]. TEDx.
• Holy Bible. New International Version. (2011). Biblica.
• Campbell, J. (2015). The Power of Self-Boosting in Leadership. Journal of Leadership Studies, 9(2), 45-50.
• Powell, W. W., & Clark, B. (2020). Developing Divine Leadership: Faith-Based Approaches. Journal of Ethical Leadership, 4(1), 33-47.
• Patel, S. (2019). Women of Faith: A Divine Perspective on Leadership. Religious Leadership Journal, 14(3), 88-102.
• Ritz, S. (2022). Embracing Authentic Self in Christian Leadership. Christian Leadership Review, 10(4), 212-226.
• Johnson, B. (2020). Challenging Societal Stereotypes Through Faith. Journal of Contemporary Religious Studies, 16(1), 15-29.
• Smith, L. (2017). The Role of Faith in Women's Leadership Development. International Journal of Women in Leadership, 5(2), 78-92.
• Wilson, E. (2021). Spiritual Identity and Transformation in Women Leaders. Leadership and Faith, 3(3), 55-70.