A Woman of Influence

By Joseph Akinrinola

I am Joseph, an author, blogger, and content writer from Nigeria. In the field of writing, I deliver unique, grammatically correct and plagiarism-free content. Currently, I work with three online firms specializing in motivation, human capacity development, lifestyle, relationship, and spiritual writings.

We are all products of outside influence. Each one of us is also an influence on others. Though we may not know this yet, every day we make decisions based on certain influences. This may be an intrinsic or extrinsic influence. Our intrinsic influence is our inner voice or prompting while our extrinsic influences could be people, things, and events.

Sometimes we know our actions are the direct influence of the people that surround us. At other times we take steps and make decisions we wouldn’t have if not for a certain influence. Among humans, women have significantly more influence on society than men. This is reflected time and again in scripture. For instance, the names of the mothers of Old Testament Kings who either did good or evil. No wonder more women than men were mentioned in the ministry of Jesus. While some women are a positive influence, some are not. Where you are on this scale is a matter of choice. But I know you have all it takes to be a woman of positive influence.

One woman stands out in the Bible as a negative influence. This is Jezebel. Her negative influence goes beyond her home to the nation. She changed the spiritual, social, and political landscape of the nation of Israel negatively. But what made her tick? That is the crux of my discussion. I have learned to always try to see something good or positive in negative people and situations. So, for now, forget your understanding of Jezebel’s negative attributes. You know prejudice for whatever reason can rob you of some benefits you could derive from a negative person or situation.

Let’s look at a few attributes of Jezebel that if used positively will make you a woman of positive influence.

1. She was religiously committed. Whether or not we agree, religion still plays a key role in influencing the world. Obviously, Jezebel was extremely committed to her god, and she brought everyone along. Since women naturally spend more time with the kids, odds are you could use this relationship to chart a good spiritual course for your children. You may not be able to influence the world, but you can influence one person at a time. This begins with your kids and family. That is your first church and community. However, not all your children will immediately buy into your spiritual idea. But keep at it, and the result will definitely come. The mother of John and Charles Wesley was an example of a praying mother whose children changed their world.

The son of my general overseer was an example of a bad child. Today, the young man represents his father in the ministry all over the world. But the man never stops eulogizing the effort of his mother on his salvation. So study the Bible with them, encourage them to read the scriptures on their own, and never leave them behind when you are attending fellowship. And where possible, encourage them to get busy in the church in their area of gifting.

It begins with your commitment to God. Since what we do influences the children more than what we say.

2. She used her psychological prowess to her advantage. One thing I will forever be grateful to God about my wife is her ability to probe my mind. It takes an average of five minutes for my wife to know what is bothering me. That is why I call her a psychologist. 1 King 21:4-7

For you to be a woman of influence, you must empathize with the people around you. When Ahab returned home dejected because Naboth refused to give him his farm, Jezebel knew all was not well with her husband. While she thought about what to do, she calmed her husband down, assuring him she would get the farm for him.

Though this is wrong, the lesson is, a woman should be a succor to her husband and family. A man can take any battering out there if he is sure he has a woman at home who will soothe his pain. Know the state of your flock... not only for the men or the ministers. People are hurting everywhere today, so we need more Barnabas in our society. And you can be one. That is influence.

One trait that you should desire and use is being strategic. Jezebel was a master planner. That was why she got results. (1 King 21:8-13) Part of being strategic is to be prudent. You will be a darling to your husband, children, friends, and community if you are a good manager of resources. A skilled organizer can exert a great influence. Jezebel knew who to bring on board to get the job done. Though she got her result through witch hunting, blackmail, threat, and witchcraft, you can get similar or better results through “knee-craft” (fervent prayers) and Godly character. Abigail conquered while on her knees and through her character. If you build a healthy relationship wherever you find yourself, you will be a celebrated influencer.

People rarely achieve anything meaningful through fear. You can’t influence people to positive action if you are not bold. Being bold connotes, you are ready to take a calculated risk. This was one of Jezebel’s attributes. Despite the obvious end to her husband’s dynasty and beholding the fury of Jehu, she seems not to be disturbed as demonstrated in the way she went to dress up. (2 Kings 9: 30) Those who motivate others to action are not people without their own problems and challenges. The difference is they see past their current challenges. The likes of Ruth, Deborah, Abigail, and Naaman’s slave girl were bundles of influence.

You may not know it, but somebody is looking up to you for direction. Incidentally, those you highly esteem may be counting on your support and direction. Like I said earlier, you need not be at the forefront to influence others. Your small corner is an excellent starting point.

Joseph Akinrinola