Three Ways to ‘Thrive’ as Christian Women in Media
Dear Christian women in media,
Today we celebrate you, as the world comes together to celebrate the amazing contributions on this International Women’s Day. Particularly, we celebrate our Christian women in media storytellers who use their talents, voices, skills and knowledge across this ever-changing landscape.
We know how challenging the media industry can be, as Christian women in this arena, we are charged with holding integrity - presenting the truth without bias or agenda, while holding firm to our Biblical beliefs and convictions.
Today, women make up over 50% of the workforce in the UK employment system*. We’ve made various indelible contributions to the growth of our industry, and from role to role, women strive, and they thrive…
However, that wording combination of ‘strive’ and ‘thrive’ can often feel like secular language. The push that we need to do it all in our own efforts. When we know that it’s when we operate out of Jesus’ strength that we can do ‘all things’ (Philippians 4:13). That it is our confidence of who we are in Him that enables us to be bold (Deuteronomy 31:6), not through our works but from the gift of grace He gives us.
As women who occupy the spaces we’ve been led into, how does our faith help us to flourish in what can be a challenging industry? How do we indeed ‘thrive’ as Christian women in media?
Given our ethos is all about inspiring, celebrating and supporting professionals who work across the ever-changing media arena, we reached out to our growing network and sought their thoughts. These are their thoughts for how we can ‘thrive’ as women of faith.
Use your God-given Creativity
Sarah Holloway, Multi-award winning Filmmaker, Author, Radio Presenter, Speaker,Teacher & Visionary
How do you envision ‘thriving’ as a woman in media?
Navigating fast-paced media environments is stressful. Yet, as Christians it is possible to thrive, without succumbing to anxiety, by using your God-given creativity. Just like Bezalel and Oholiab, chosen by God for their creative abilities, you can leverage your skills to excel under pressure. You’ll see in Exodus 31:2-6, 35:30-35. God gave them more than just artistic skill. He also filled them with spiritual anointing and wisdom, understanding and knowledge:
“filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skill... and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.”
Throughout the Bible women used creative wisdom to overcome and flourish in situations of high pressure. Read Esther Chapter 5: hosting two banquets for the King and inviting her enemy was creative wisdom indeed. God is inviting you to be creative with your spiritual gifts too, so that you thrive in every situation. In Exodus 15, Miriam not only led the women as she danced, sang and made music, she also used her spiritual gift of prophecy.
How can you use your God-given Creativity today?
Share stories filled with hope & light
Carla Adebekun, HopeGene Gospel Artist, AstepFWD Host, Co-Founder Programme Director of Cohesia Connect, and Anchor, Faith in Media
I am a storyteller. It is a gift that I know comes from our Creator. The Bible itself is a story. A story of a powerful and loving God, in His fierce pursuit and redemption of humanity. The story is both a vehicle to communicate, to learn, to inspire, and instigate change. This is what drives my passion to facilitate the incredible stories we get to amplify on the, ‘Faith In Media’ podcast. Every testimony, journey, and experience of our guests is a treasure. Understanding the depths and lengths of how God encounters individuals, on their journeys of faith, is never short of extraordinary. It’s an honour to serve Christians in Media.
I've had so many inspiring conversations with Christian women in media (Kat Wordsworth, Jenny Lee, Leah Sax, Dr Belle Tindall to name but a few!). Today as we celebrate women, let’s celebrate that women are storytellers. Sharing their knowledge throughout generations. As Christian women in media there are so many opportunities for us to showcase our God-given creative abilities & share our storytelling knowledge to develop those around us.
Whether we’re writing, producing, interviewing, creating content, whoever we are and whatever our role, let’s keep shining light on the beauty of God’s presence in the stories of others.
What stories can you share to encourage others today?
Be extraordinary in the ordinary
Rebecca Peacock, Film Producer, Manchester
The last year I’ve been producing a community comedy-drama feature film ‘Silver Screen Dreams.’ Many of this eclectic group of Wythenshawe residents have had little opportunities in life and found life challenging.
My job would have been so much more straightforward had I employed trained actors and crew who would be reliable! However, I am reminded that Jesus Himself chose twelve unschooled ordinary men who others had overlooked. At the times when I’m tearing my hair out about the enormity of making this feature on a tiny budget with inexperienced people, I am reminded that He always chose people over project and His incredible message reached the ends of the earth.
There are too many variables to do this alone - I’m co-ordinating fire-fighters, Chinese dancers, zombies, a donkey and cowboys. So, I remind myself to hold everything lightly and let the Lord sift, preparing to let things go if they don’t work out.
For me, thriving in media is about dreaming big dreams for others and the Kingdom; dreams that are beyond ourselves. It’s about having the courage to choose not to fit the mould but instead knowing we are unique with a unique calling and can have a unique way of doing things.
Dare to be different! It’s contagious when people see God at work.
We can see that from the confident springboard of our faith, we do more than thrive. We have a secure foundation through knowing that we are precious women of media who are loved by the Creator of this world. And we love supporting you. It is our privilege.
Whatever media space you occupy, we are praying for you. That you continue to be led by Him, to rely on His guidance (Proverbs 3:5), that you flourish in your faith and are a key influencer for the Kingdom. That together, whether we work in secular or Christian roles, be they behind the scenes, public facing or positions of leadership, that we see the life-affirming Gospel message of faith, hope and love increasingly reflected in the UK media. And we do this through expressing our daily lives in the most impactful way we can through, and in, Him.
With love and prayers,
Christians in Media
*See: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06838/SN06838.pdfBlog Authors
Pat Obilor, Volunteer Media Assistant. Kingdom lifestyle influencer and published author who shares her talents and skills across various creative and human relations sectors of Arts & Theatre, Digital Media,Youth/women empowerment, and hospitality concierge. Connect with her.
Jocelyn-Anne Harvey, Head of Operations. Find out more here.
