No Woman Left Behind
Dawn Damon
Women today are stepping into incredible roles—wise and loving mothers, dedicated professionals, spiritual leaders, financial advisors, health and fitness gurus, and steadfast friends. We’re striving to do it all with grace and strength, but let’s be honest—it’s a lot! Some days, it feels like we need super-human powers just to keep up!
“This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear” (I John 3:16 MSG).
And with everything we carry, the challenges can be overwhelming:
- The silent battle against gender bias and pay inequities.
- The never-ending juggle of career and childcare.
- The rollercoaster of shifting hormones, menopause, and body changes.
- The emotional weight of societal expectations—how we look, how we love, how we live.
- The deep ache of loneliness, exhaustion, and feeling unseen.
Without the love and support of friends, family, or nurturing communities, exhausted women toss their superhero capes to the floor, feeling stressed, over-committed, under-appreciated, and alone.
I know this is true because, well, I am a woman. I am a mom of two incredible women, a grandmother to three strong young women, and four granddaughters standing at the threshold of womanhood.
As a pastor to women and a life coach for midlife women, I walk alongside women every day. I witness firsthand their joys, struggles, and silent battles. I see how culture shapes them, often making them feel isolated and inadequate. And I ask myself—if our highest calling is to love like Christ, how can we genuinely uplift and support these women in a world that constantly questions their worth?
To find answers, I began my journey by sitting down with three remarkable women, listening to their stories, and uncovering the threads that connect us all.
The Heroic Women
I interviewed three extraordinary women, each at a different stage of life’s journey. Through their voices, we witness the relentless pursuit of fulfillment that defines today’s women and learn how to become the hands and feet of Jesus, giving tangible love and support. My hope is to awaken our call to compassion and action. As the saying goes, Love is a verb.
Meet Angela, Carol, and Bonnie
Angela, 41 years old, is a career executive and business owner. She’s a married mother of three children under nine years old.
Carol, 62, leads a pro-life nonprofit. She is single, never married, with no children of her own.
Bonnie, 40, is a part-time administrative assistant, divorced, and raising her son alone.
I had delightful conversations with each woman. I asked them all the same questions: What do you desire most? What fears keep you up at night? What do you wish others understood about women like you? And most importantly, how can people truly love, support, and uplift you?
They shared their wisdom, resilience, and hard-earned insights, offering fresh perspectives on navigating womanhood. Their replies revealed a deep longing for the same core things.
What Women Truly Want
- Harmony. We long to maintain peace in our relationships, striving to meet expectations, and make others happy—often putting others before ourselves, even when it comes at our own expense.
- Significance. We want to know our lives matter, to make our contributions meaningful, and to leave a legacy that outlives us. We seek purpose and impact in our work, our families, and our communities.
- Beauty. We desire to feel comfortable and confident in our own skin, not just by society’s standards, but by embracing our unique God-given radiance.
- Balance. We yearn to feel whole—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—even as life pulls us in different directions.
- Confidence. We seek the courage to stand firm in who we are without apology.
- Love. More than romance, we crave deep, authentic connections—friendships that nourish, relationships that uplift, and a sense of belonging that reminds us we are not alone.
- Safety and Security. We need to feel protected—physically, emotionally, and financially—knowing we have the stability to thrive without fear of uncertainty.
At the same time, each woman also voiced deep fears:
- Inadequacy. We fear that no matter how much we do, it will never be enough. Not a good enough mother, partner, friend, leader, or woman. We carry the weight of internal and external expectations, questioning if we measure up.
- Uncertainty. The unknown can feel terrifying. We fear losing control over our future, our health, our relationships, and our financial security. The unpredictability of life can leave us feeling anxious and unsteady.
- Disapproval. We struggle with the fear of letting others down—of saying no, setting boundaries, or making choices that might disappoint those around us. Too often, we silence ourselves to avoid judgment, criticism, or rejection.
- Failure. We fear falling short in our work, our purpose, and our dreams. What if we try and don’t succeed? What if we waste time, energy, and heart chasing something that never comes to fruition? The fear of failure can be paralyzing.
- Discrimination. As women, we carry the fear of gender-based bias, inequality, and injustice. We worry about being overlooked, unheard, or dismissed simply because we are women.
- Missing Out. We fear that life is moving too fast, that we’re running out of time, or that we’ll miss once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The pressure to “have it all” can leave us feeling like we’re always chasing something just out of reach.
Personal Insights to How We Can Truly Support Each Other
From Angela
Her Desires:
- I desire to be the best wife and mom possible. I only function well if I’m fulfilling that priority.
- I want business success. I’m not just grinding for a paycheck; I want passion and fulfillment in my work. My God-purpose is the marketplace. Knowing is call makes it easier when I’m away from my family or feel dog-tired and stressed.
Her Fears:
- I fear for the safety of my spouse or children. When fear flares up, I pray and activate angels. God gives me peace.
- I fear I can’t have it all. What if I fail at everything? Anxiety used to grip me, but I’ve come to peace. I can’t have it all at once, but I can over time and in my season.
What she wishes people knew:
Working moms can feel alone emotionally, trying to get everything done. We aren’t comfortable letting go and asking for help, but we need to.
How to help:
- Give working moms GRACE. Don’t get offended or take rejection if we don’t respond right away. We may feel overwhelmed. Please don’t write us off. We need healthy friendships.
- Encourage us. Let us know if we’re doing a good job. Oh, and make an extra snack for our sports team. We may have forgotten it was our turn.
From Carol
Her Desires:
- I want time with my family. I want and need close, healthy, unified family relationships
- I want security. I don’t want to worry about my future. I’m a single woman, entirely responsible for my retirement years. I want to be financially sound. I desire stability and freedom to live independently.
Her Fears:
- I fear aloneness. Who will surround me in my later years? I want to know someone’s there for me. After a full day of work, I come home to care for my aging mother, who’s near the end of her life. That’s when I wonder, who will do this for me? What’s the legacy I will leave? Yet, God has given me a spiritual legacy of children because of my pro-life work.
- I dread inadequacy. I don’t want to let people down. This fear stems from trying to measure up. If someone is disappointed in me, or I fail at something, I struggle! I want to please everyone.
What she wishes people knew:
- That I exist, I’m here. I need you, and you need me.
- I’m a good friend and would love you to call me.
How to help:
Include us. Singles come to events as whole people. Please don’t feel awkward; we don’t.
Don’t bring me a meal, invite me to the meal.
From Bonnie
Her Desires:
- I want someone to choose me. I want to experience genuine love and appreciation.
- Sufficient provisions. I want to take care of my son without facing constant lack.
Her Fears:
- I fear I’ll make the same mistakes, and my past failures will haunt me, or worse, my family will give up on me.
- Uncertainty is a big fear. What will the future bring? Fending and fighting for yourself brings a lot of anxiety.
What I wish people knew:
Divorce is a painful experience, even if you want it. The emotional and physical pain of divorce requires massive emotional energy. I feel drained when it comes to making healthy choices around relationships, financial decisions, and parenting.
How to help:
- Don’t judge me. If you see my child acting up without discipline, I’m not a bad parent; I’m just exhausted.
- Ask if you can help, but be specific. If you say, How can I support you, I’ll probably say, just pray. But if you ask, May I bring you a meal tomorrow, I’ll say YES!
Love in Action
If a woman in your life seems emotionally distant, overwhelmed, or on edge, don’t assume she’s okay. Reach out with empathy and simply say, “I’m here for you.”
Love is not just what we feel —it’s what we do. Let’s be intentional about walking this journey together . Let’s love sacrificially, ensuring that no woman walks alone.
Because in Christ, no woman is left behind.
Dawn Damon is the founder and CEO of “The BraveHearted Woman,” and BraveHearted YOUniveristy, a growth and development coaching enterprise designed for women, to awaken their God-given vision and equip them to live an extraordinary life. Through Dawn’s transformational coaching and courses, women leaders, visionaries, and entrepreneurs are empowered to build a life they love!
Dawn is an Ordained Minister, Conference Speaker, Podcaster, and Author of 6 award-winning books including “When a Woman You Love Was Abused, published by Kregel Publications and “The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, Redemption Press,” and her most recent, Selah Award finalist…“The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife.”
Dawn and her husband Paul Damon reside in Rockford, MI area and have a full family of 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 2 Great-Grands. www.linktr.ee/dawndamonlive
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