I can't speak for my gender, but I know myself. I respond to kindness and empathy. I rise according to the excellency of my role model. I don't need to be told that I'm doing poorly. Tell me that I'm doing a job well, and I'll do it better. Sharpness only makes me pitiable and helpless.
Satan knows this.
His words to me are biting. He tells me that I'm falling short of expectations. He tells me that I'm unlovable. He points out everything that I do wrong, until my wrongs overwhelm all of my rights.
The Savior knows better.
When he spoke to women, He appealed to their goodness. He taught them to simplify, and to focus on priorities (Luke 10:38-42). He protected them from judgmental crowds (John 8:1-11). He appreciated their gifts, and He often lodged in their homes and ate food that they prepared.
When his disciples criticized Mary Magdalene's sincere offering, He stepped in as her protector. His words have been ringing in my head all week:
"Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me...She hath done what she could." (Mark 14:3-8)
When I notice myself feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, the Savior steps in to deflect the lies. Satan says, "You're not a good Sister Training Leader. You're not prepared for this lesson. You didn't meet your goals. You don't know how to bless these people."
Jesus says, "Let her alone! Why trouble ye her? She hath done what she could."
My best, no matter how poor by comparison, is always pleasing to the Lord.
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