What is a Godsy Girl?

Since I’ve started blogging Godsy Girl, I’ve gotten a few emails about the term and what it really means. Essentially, Godsy Girl is a new blog for today’s Christian woman. It features encouraging articles and insights written by me - Teri Worten Brooks.

Godsy Girl is a term the Lord gave me a few years ago. Before the WWJD movement, I’d ask myself “What would a Godsy Girl do?” during life’s temptations. The name kind of stuck with me. Similarly, it must have hit a “nerve” with other women because I’ve been getting emails from Godsy Girls all across the country! I never expected this much interest! Holla, Godsy Girls, Holla!

A Little Definition

Essentially, a Godsy Girl is a Christian woman [of any age] consumed with becoming just like Christ according to I John 2:6. She strives to walk in love, patience and kindness; but she’s no pushover. She knows her identity in Christ and doesn’t settle for foolishness – just as Jesus didn’t.

She doesn't need a lot of attention. She enjoys compliments, but doesn't need them or seek them. She's secure in her skin and finds joy in walking out her destiny and pleasing her God. She's not jealous of others or worried about the future because she believes Ps 16:5. For me, the original Godsy Girl (OGG) in my life was my grandmother, Mother Ethel Mills.

Do know: she knows she’s not perfect or sinless in herself, but she wants to perfect (“complete, mend, restore, strengthen”) what is missing in the Body of Christ as directed in 2Corinthians 13:11. I love that the Amplified Bible also adds being “what you ought to be” to the definition. That’s Godsy at it’s best!

Godsy Girls can be single Christian women, married Christian women or divorced Christian women. She can be raising children; not interested in children or living the life of a seasoned Christian dynamo. All she has to do is be God’s girl. To the right is another significant "Godsy Girl" in my life, the late Mother Georgia Walker Rivers.

Godsy Girl and Ministry

A Godsy Girl finds creative ways to utilize her spiritual gifts in ministry, service and excellence. Her treasure is her spiritual growth and drawing others to Jesus Christ.

It’s also important to note that I am not a pastor, preacher or evangelist. Just a Christian wife and mom eager to be a blessing and see what the “end is gonna be”. Grow with me!

Are you a Godsy Girl? Then subscribe today!

Is My Life Better After Marriage?

I’ve been asked numerous times: “Is your life better now that you’re married?”

As the story goes, I was a single mom for almost fourteen years when I met my husband. Tying the knot for the second time unquestionably reshuffled my world, but did it make it better? It [also] prompted folks to repeatedly inquire whether my new life was as “dreamy” as I’d expected.

But did marriage improve my life?

You know, the older I get I see the complexity of what I used to think was simple. For instance, as with many things in life, “good” or “bad” is overly simplistic. Many single women fantasize about meeting “Boaz” and living the “princess” fairytale. Wouldn’t it be nice if life were that simple? In reality, ‘just add man and stir’ doesn’t necessarily make life better or worse. I guess it can if you marry a 'nut', but we’re not talking about that right now.

My life was pretty good as a single woman. Sure, it had challenges. I had suffered much, endured much and cultivated an identity of strength and resilience. Around the time I met my husband, I’d healed from many (but not all) of life’s most traumatic scars. My goals were coming within reach and my career was flourishing. Daily, I was learning to trust Jesus as my Husband (Isa. 54:5). He met my every need for finances, friendships and spiritual growth. Challenges and all, life was pretty good.

Back to the Question…

Is my life better now that I’m married? I would say “yes” on some levels. Better because I know Jesus more intimately than I did before. Is that a result of marriage? Not necessarily. John’s “call” regularly humbles and conforms me into the image of Christ - that's a good thing. However, my ‘better’ life is a direct result of relying on Jesus to be my Rock and Sustainer just as before. Hardships come now that I’m a wife; they came when I was single. Bottom line: struggle is certain, but somehow God keeps getting better and better!

Honestly, I attribute the escalating happiness in my life to being exactly where I’m supposed to be in this season of my life - trials and all. My husband was the cherry on the pie of my life, but not the pie; not even half of the pie. I don't think my husband would have married me had I thought he was the pie. The pie is my destiny in Christ and allowing Him to prepare me for His best use of me. He’s doing that each day as He molds me into who He wants me to become. The fact that I’m excited about that makes my life better that it was before.

I truly believe the best is yet to come!

Remember the words to one of my favorite song:

“I keep falling in love with Him over and over; over and over again. It gets sweeter and sweeter as the days go by; Oh what a love between my Lord and I.

Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Scarred

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us...." 2 Corinthians 4:7

In our beauty-obsessed culture, scars are viewed as a liability rather than an asset. Think about it: ever seen a severely scarred woman on a fashion magazine cover? I’ll bet not. It’s not necessarily true, but a scar typically assumes the end of beauty instead of the beginning of it. But this is not so in the Kingdom of God. When we submit the scars from our past to Jesus, He makes something beautiful from the pain.

Diamonds are forever; Bandages are not!

As you know, scars are the result of previous injury. Some scars are fixed onto the exterior while others are embedded deep inside the interior of our hearts. Have you noticed how difficult it is to discuss hurtful incidents immediately after they occur? It’s no wonder. Those “scars” are like a fresh cut to your hand. Your natural inclination is to cover it and protect it. But at the appropriate stage of healing, it’s critical to expose the wound to air for it to heal completely. That’s where trusted friends, mentors and clergy come into play; they can help you facilitate healing.

It’s healed… now what?

Once your wounds have healed, the Holy Spirit will guide you to people who can benefit from your scars. Now, I don’t advocate sharing your personal ‘business’ “willy-nilly” with everyone and anyone. Be wise and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you toward the time, person and the place to share your scar testimony. In living color, you can personify how God restores the years the canker worm tried destroy.

Tell it...Everywhere You Go!

As the Holy Spirit leads you, boldly declare your testimony of God’s steadfast goodness. For instance, share that you [too] have made dumb decisions; but God made you victorious in them, through them and after them. Explain to a teenager you know what it’s like to be insecure and how God gave you the confidence she now admires. Openly tell about God’s comfort through the valley of death and sickness.

Godsy Girls are not perfect, but we are striving for maturity in Christ. As we fall down, we allow the Holy Spirit to restore us and then we tell the world of His healing power! What do you think?

Comfort and Complacency: A Godsy Girl's Enemy

Scripture to ponder: "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold..." Rev. 3:16

During a recent bible study, my husband asked an unusual question: “How many people here need to be revived?” I sit in the front row, so I couldn’t see any hands behind me, but I raised mine. Hey, I haven’t nothing to prove to anyone and no one to impress.

But the funny thing is that I raised my hand almost subconsciously. My husband then asked how we needed to be revived; I was stumped. I just knew there was a part of me that was wanting, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. As others answered the question, I whispered in my heart to God: “Lord, where do I need revival?”

I’m soon approaching my twenty-second year of following Jesus Christ. I’ve enjoyed the amazing highs of living the Christian life. I have also endured plummeting depths of pain, sorry and rejection along my journey as a Godsy Girl. As with any relationship, there have been peaks and some low valleys.

Don't Get Too Cozy...

Similar to our “natural” relationships with our husbands, boyfriends and friends, we can become “comfortable” in our Christian walk. Do you know what I mean? We grow accustomed to the blessings that once kept us awake at night as we pondered their magnificence. For instance, remember when you first met the love of your life? You couldn’t eat, sleep or even talk about him without a bubbling sensation down in your stomach. Then as time went on, his conversation dulled, his smile became commonplace and his embrace was just “okay”. You got comfortable.

The same can happen with our walk with Jesus. If we’re not careful, we lose the passion that once invigorated us. It’s true. The Bible loses it’s wonder and we may take it for granted. Our prayer time becomes shortened, dry and repetitive. The songs that once painted vivid pictures of our personal gratitude can become praise and worship “as usual”.

Forever in Awe of Him...

Godsy Girl, hold fast to your child-like wonder pertaining to the things of God. Don’t take for granted that when you kneel to pray, your heavenly Father meets you there with openness and acceptance. Worship Him with “baby Christian” excitement. Ignite your passion with fresh worship and spontaneous praise! His mercies are indeed fresh every morning. We just have to cultivate fresh passion for Jesus. Only then will we go from glory to glory the Godsy Girl way.

Two Kinds of Tired...One Kind of Rest

There are two kinds of “tired.”


There’s the “tired” you have at the end of a long, drawn-out day. You know how it is, your limbs are heavy, your mind is cluttered and you long for an opportunity to just…collapse. That type of “tired” is remedied by nothing less than a good night sleep and the absence of an annoying alarm clock in the morning.

Then there is another kind of “tired” This brand of tiredness originates from much deeper inside. It’s the result of weeks, months and sometimes years of enduring hardship, distress and heartache. It gnaws at your spirit and little by little chips away at your hope for the future. It becomes increasingly difficult to be optimistic when you’re this type of “tired”. Sadly, you can’t hide this “tired” very well. It is evident to the outside world. It shows in how you carry yourself and betrays you with a sort of dimness in your eyes.

Have you ever seen someone smile with their lips, but their eyes were filled with pain? They were likely “tired”. They may have endured all they could possibly endure and now their spiritual needle is pointing to empty. A hug does little to help, efforts to self-medicate are useless; they’re just too …”tired”.

Mistreatment makes us “tired”. When people don’t appreciate our gifts, we can grow “tired”. When we are waiting on a blessing that seems it may never come; we become “tired”. When people disappoint us time and time again; tiredness awaits.

But there is hope.

There is a spiritual “nap” for the soul. It lies in connecting with the “rock that is higher than I” (Read Psalm 61). The next time you begin to feel the “tired” in your soul, still the moment, stop the world and refresh yourself from the Well that never runs dry. Only then will you be able to hear that 'still small voice' that will bring you solace and respite.

I had a tired moment a few nights ago. After I had done all I needed to do for the evening, I snuck upstairs to my bedroom and closed the door. I didn’t run to the phone to call a friend. Friends can do nothing for that kind of “tired”. Instead, I sat on the floor to bow my body and spirit before a loving and living God. I prayed and invited the peace of the Holy Spirit into my “tired” moment. I thanked Him for comfort, rest and joy. I expressed gratitude for His fellowship and access to a most Holy God. I praised Him for His Word that repeatedly gives comfort to my “tired” soul.

When I rose to my feet, I could feel the burden had lifted and I once again had a stream in my spiritual dessert. My problems may not have gone away, but my focus was no longer on them. They seemed small and insignificant in light of my mighty God.

Godsy Girl: find peace in the presence of God. Spend time alone with Him today and refresh your spirit and reinvigorate your soul. Stay before Him until there is a release in your soul.

Decompress Your Love Walk

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4

A few girlfriends and I visited an upscale seafood restaurant in the Country Club Plaza. I wasn’t in the mood for fish, so I ordered chicken. The chicken entrée was nothing to ‘write home’ about. It was mediocre at best. I know what you’re thinking: at a restaurant famous for seafood and I ordered chicken! Lesson learned. But people do the same thing all of the time. I’ll tell you how in a minute.

To understand love, first go to the source. God is love personified (I John 4:8). At the seat of His very being is love, love love. He’s the perfect source to teach us how to love! It’s silly to allow love stories to shape our expectations of how our men should treat us or how our friends should interact with us. Instead, turn to the God of the universe and His ‘expert instruction manual’ for a guide on loving and living.

First Corinthians chapter twelve is known as the “love chapter” because it defines explicitly how to love one another. When I’m struggling in my love walk, I go to the ‘love chapter’. It reminds me that love is not puffed up, but humble. For instance, the Message Bible translates first Corinthians chapter twelve verse four superbly: “love cares more for others than for self.” What a perfect adaptation of the love scripture! There’s nothing arrogant or puffed up about it at all.

Loving others in “real life”

Love is saying you’re sorry when you know you didn’t do anything wrong. Love is listening to the same story time and time again because it blesses the storyteller. Love is saying “no problem” when it really is a huge problem. In a loving relationship, you don’t concentrate on flaws; instead you patiently love others into wholeness.

Godly love shows His fingerprint on your life so others will want to know Him. In right balance, this type of love is the true ingredient to harmony and relational peace.

A Godly Parallel

God’s loving-kindness attracted us and sustains us. He loves past our hurts, deficiencies and pain. If we don’t love others the way He loves us, we can’t even say we know Him because that’s who and what He is. Read I John 4:8 again.

Loving through pain, defensiveness and insecurity is not easy. It’s the epitome of self-denial and death of selfish motives. When you love God’s way, you forget your right to be “right”. You abandon your ambitions to look “good” and you just love in spite of how you feel.

Deflate the ego, decompress your love walk, Godsy Girl and let’s love God’s way.

Walking in Forgiveness

Humans do few things better than fail. It’s part of our makeup. God put His Spirit into us -earthen vessels (or cracked up pots) - and as a result, we’re going to blow it from time to time. The result: we commit huge goobers (faults) and others will commit them against us.

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of our Christian faith walk. Without it, salvation and redemption would be empty and meaningless. Just as we have been pardoned, we’re told to forgive others. As a matter of fact, if we don’t’ forgive them, we won’t be forgiven ourselves! Yikes! Check out Matthew 6:14 and 15 for yourself!

So how do we forgive?


The answer is simple, but the process isn’t always so easy. Here’s the skinny: we forgive in pieces. When someone wrongs you, imagine the offense is written on a huge blackboard. When you remember it or feel it’s pangs, imagine yourself erasing it and no longer charging it to their “account”. Be gentle with yourself through this process. You may repeat this process over and over again depending on how deep-seated the hurt was. It may take weeks, months or even years to genuinely forgive some people.

Q. “What if they don’t apologize?”


A. Doesn’t matter. Just be obedient to God’s word and keep your heart free from the bitterness that comes from unforgiveness. Bitterness will destroy you spiritually and eventually even physically. Read “Betrayal’s Baby” by Bunny Wilson.




Q. “What if they want to remain friends?”


A. Pray about it. Instant fellowship is not always possible after betrayal. Here’s why: some people have been so wounded by others that they perpetuate a cycle of torment and pain. Hurt people tend to hurt other people – sometimes without even trying to do so. If the person is able to love you and be-friend you; then go for it. However, if they are wounded to the point of extreme negativity and disloyalty, you may have to distance yourself for a while.


Note: Pray about it because God may want to use you to be His light in their lives. They could be your assignment. So, pray, pray pray for guidance.


In short, God made forgiveness possible for us to enjoy the blessings of His kingdom; we must make it available to others. There’s liberty and freedom in living a life of forgiveness. God demonstrated forgiveness to us so that we can demonstrate it to others. Let’s strive to walk it out!


Indicators you have NOT forgiven someone:


1. You talk endlessly about the pain they caused you.

2. When you see them, your face still gets hot.

3. You cannot pray for them to be blessed and prosper for two straight weeks. (Try it! The Bible tell us to pray for those who hurt us. If you can’t, you likely need to work in forgiveness, girl!)