Table of Contents
PRAISE FOR OTHER BOOKS BY T. D. JAKES
The Great Investment
Jakess most important book to date.
The Ethnic Newswatch Philadelphia Tribune
The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord
A groundbreaking book... Jakes argues that high aspirations and achievements are not incompatible with love, marriage, and sacred duty. People
If you want to know the secret to a fulfilling life as a lady, if you want to know how to strengthen your relationship with your love, and most of all, if you want to establish a stronger fellowship with your Lord, then this book is for you. Bishop T. D. Jakes is a breath of fresh air.... Take it from me, the material within this book does make a difference. Natalie Cole
[Jakes] demonstrates an unusual ability to inspire, uplift, teach, and comfort. An eloquent wordsmith... [he] writes with an abundance of memorable metaphors and yet speaks to womens hearts in practical, often humorous terms.... This masterful preacher offers all women sound advice and gentle, respectful encouragement.
Publishers Weekly
Maximize the Moment
To me, there is no man of God who is more gifted, more compassionate, more articulate, more anointed to reach and touch lives, small and great, than T. D. Jakes. Oral Roberts
A handbook for reaching ones full potential.... Youll want to read this one. Fort Worth Star
Jakes reminds us that Sometimes... His will collides with our loves. Out of those collisions comes a clearer view of Gods gracea gift more valuable than a dozen SUVs. In other words, a life lived in tune with Gods will is always more abundant than a life guided by our own headstrong wishes. Beliefnet.com
TITLES BY T. D. JAKES
Gods Leading Lady
The Great Investment
Maximize the Moment
The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord
His Lady: Sacred Promises for Gods Woman
To the women all across the country and around the world who have shared their testimonies, their secret burdens, their dreams, and aspirations with me. Their open expressions have enrolled me into the school of life in an inspirational way. Because of their encouragement and support, I am reminded, in the midst of all that I do, that what I do is an expression of Gods heart for them. Every word I have ever written was penned to inspire them to be all that they can be. Wonderfully, the dividend they received from my investments has been reciprocal and has greatly enriched me as a person, a counselor, a husband, a father, and a friend. I, too, have been challenged and inspired to be all that I can be. For that I am eternally grateful.
To the women who have made significant investments and immeasurable contributions to my life: my wife, Serita; my late mother, Mrs. Odith P. Jakes; my sister, Jacqueline Jakes; my spiritual mother, Pastor Christine McCaskill; and Ms. Geraldine Bullard, the lady whose constant witness eventually led me to go beyond superficial religion into a salvation experience and a deeper walk in the Spirit. Each of these women has profoundly affected my life in significant ways. While some may not have the notoriety of the biblically referenced heroines, or the social brilliance or business acumen of the entrepreneurs exemplified in this book, they are no less distinguished.
Therefore, I dedicate this book to those who might traditionally be behind the scenes, but who have helped to create a light far brighter than this world could ever comprehend. To each woman who wrote to me, stopped to encourage me, or in any way enhanced my stay here on this earth, please accept this dedication as my thanks. And to the many more who are the unsung heroes of other men and women around the world, you will always epitomize my idea of Gods Leading Ladies. May your lights shine brighter and brighter unto a glorious and perfect day.
Acknowledgments
THERE ARE MANY people who invested in the development of this project who must be and should be acknowledged. Without them I would not have been able to meet the stringent demands of my life and still provide the quality information that was essential to this kind of project. Their investment in me makes it possible for me to invest my message and thoughts in you.
My gratitude to my wife, Serita, and my entire family, who generously shared me with this manuscript. I will always appreciate your love and support. I also want to acknowledge the compassion and encouragement that I consistently receive from my church family.
Thank you to Denise Silvestro, who tirelessly labored to enhance this project with her insights and creativity. Her grace to race as we edited and developed this book was a significant component in reaching the deadline and getting this timely message out to the people who needed it most.
Thank you, Joel Fotinos, for your enthusiasm, encouragement, wisdom, and for believing in my message and my method.
Thank you to everyone at Putnam. You all treated me and my work with great dignity and integrity. My gratitude to Susan Petersen Kennedy, Marilyn Ducksworth, Dan Harvey, Dick Heffernan, Martha Bushko, and everyone at JMS Marketing & Sales, Inc.
Special thanks to Mr. Dudley Delffs, whose prolific literary experience and ability enhanced my ideas and inspired me personally.
INTRODUCTION
Waiting in the Wings
AN ASTRONAUT SOARS into the glittering expanse of Gods handiwork in the heavens. An entrepreneur risks her life savings and leads her fledgling company to the heights of the Fortune 500 list. An abused rag doll of a little girl overcomes the heinous stains of shame, guilt, and fear from her abusers violation and pens a novel that stirs the hearts of readers and wins every literary prize in sight. A stunned mother holds the miracle child that doctors once told her she could never birth.
Twenty-first-century women arguably have more opportunities for greatness than ever before. They can bring to life their girlhood dreams. They can overcome barriers of sexism, racism, economic and social oppression, and the demons of childhood abuse and family dysfunction. They can soar with a beauty and majesty that their Creator intended when He first fashioned them in His own likeness:... in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27).
So why arent more women fulfilling their dreams and soaring as their Creator intended?
While opportunities and inspirations have multiplied, so have the weights of responsibility, the pressures of others expectations, and the temptations of mediocrity. Like wildflowers straining to press through the cracks in a crumbling sidewalk, women strive to bloom within the confinements of this jumbled and segmented stretch of concrete called Life. Yes, numerous freedoms have brought numerous opportunities for many women. Still many barriers threaten a womans ability to answer Gods call of greatness upon her life. It is a struggle for a woman just to keep the tender bud of her dreams alive.
