By Jen Matthews
The thing about a pendulum is that its very nature is to swing. Back and forth, from one extreme to another. And in most areas of life, the extreme stance is rarely the right one. But culture has a way of following the pendulum’s swing, constantly shifting from one end of the spectrum to the other without finding the strength in the center.
When it comes to women, the pendulum has swung dramatically over the years. We’ve gone from women being seen primarily in subservient roles—second to men, the sidekick to their husbands—to the other extreme, where the feminist movement tells us we don’t need men at all. That we are all-powerful and can do anything on our own.
But the pendulum rarely stops in the middle. Culture struggles to find the power in balance. And yet, that’s exactly where true strength lies—when we recognize our God-given roles as women (and men, for that matter).
When the pendulum stops swinging, we find clarity: Women are meant to be strong and capable. Full of valor. Ready for anything. Not clawing our way to the top by tearing others down. Not rising by trying to dominate men. But realizing that culture, families, businesses, churches, and entire communities are stronger when we walk in our purpose—together.
For too long, women have been caught in a cycle of comparison, competition, and gatekeeping. The fight to be “the best” has led many to believe that another woman’s success somehow diminishes their own. But the truth is, we are all uniquely gifted. If we could recognize that the strengths in the woman beside us don’t threaten us but actually build us up, we’d realize that we all rise higher when we rise together.
Rising—Together
I never thought I would work closely with women. If I’m honest, the tendency for cattiness and competition always felt unappealing. But over the past few years, I’ve found myself in a different kind of women’s community—one built on encouragement, not rivalry. Together, we’ve learned the beauty of locking arms instead of fighting for position. We’ve chosen to stand in the center, where striving ceases and strength is built.
It’s time to rest. But not a passive rest—not slumber or complacency. This rest is an active building, growing, and rising up. It’s moving forward without striving. It’s standing on a firm foundation, refusing to be swayed by insecurity, imposter syndrome, or the voices that have spoken limitations over us.
When we walk confidently in our calling, we stop seeing other women as competition. We start seeing them as allies. We understand that their success doesn’t take away from ours—it strengthens it.
For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of co-leading SHE at Cultivate Church—a ministry designed to build a strong, supportive community of women. Women from all over come together to worship Jesus, have fun, and encourage one another. These gatherings happen every other month, but the connection doesn’t stop there.
Every Thursday, the SHE Grows podcast releases a new episode, continuing the conversation and equipping women to chase down their God-given purpose. Because we are not sidekicks—we are strong, steadfast, and called to something world-shaking.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful women can be when they champion each other. When we celebrate each other’s successes. When we offer comfort in the hard moments. When we stop striving, and start linking arms.
This place of rest isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing more, together. It’s about rising higher than we ever could alone.
It’s time to stop fighting for the top and start building something unshakable—side by side.
For more information visit: cultivatechurch.tv/she