Substance

Darling, let’s get one thing straight: there is nothing more captivating than a woman who speaks with wisdom and grace. It’s not your Instagram likes or your flawless eyeliner that make you unforgettable, it’s the way your mind engages, the conversations you ignite, and the depth of insight you bring to the table. Yes, your curls may have their own personality, but the most radiant thing in any room is a woman who knows her mind and isn’t afraid to use it for good.

I’m not saying you need to walk around quoting philosophers at every turn (though if you do, I’m already intrigued). But there’s a kind of quiet power in a woman who is eager to learn—not for vanity or applause, but because she’s genuinely curious about the world God made, about people, and about the stories woven through history and life’s mysteries.

Let me share a little story that still makes me smile. I once sat across from a man who, after discovering I read philosophy, told me I was “unintimidating.” As if the depth of my thoughts were somehow less threatening, like a delicate porcelain doll. So, with a cheeky smile, I asked if he knew the difference between Camus and Sartre or just the calorie count of his cocktail. Spoiler: he didn’t call back.

And honestly? I’m grateful. Because I’m not here for anyone who only values me as decoration or casual company. I am much more than that, and I hope you know you are, too.

There’s something beautifully biblical about this, isn’t there? Proverbs 31 tells us about a woman clothed in strength and dignity, who speaks with wisdom and kindness. She is far more precious than jewels because she fears the Lord, not because she tones down her intellect or her voice to fit in, but because her confidence rests in a higher source.

Too often, society pressures us to shrink, to dim our lights, soften our edges, and hush our minds so others won’t feel uncomfortable. But that’s not the calling God gives us. We are called to be salt and light in the world, to bring flavor and illumination, not to fade into the wallpaper.

Your mind is a gift from God. It’s your superpower. When you use it to grow, to challenge ideas, to stand for truth and kindness, you are fulfilling a divine purpose. Don’t apologize for being curious. Don’t soften your convictions to make others comfortable. Speak truth with love, as Ephesians encourages, and watch how your influence grows.

I’ve lost count of how many times someone has said to me, “You must be exhausted from all your reading. You’re so intense.” Darling, intensity rooted in passion and purpose is a compliment. It means you care about things that matter, not just scrolling endlessly through distractions.

My bookshelves are a blend: legal theory, stories of redemption and love, essays on justice and mercy, and yes, cookbooks with hopeful recipes. I read not just to impress, but to understand God’s world better and to be equipped for whatever He calls me to.

Being a woman of substance isn’t about perfection or quoting scripture at every turn. It’s about being engaged with life, asking better questions, seeking wisdom, and contributing meaningfully to conversations that shape hearts and minds.

What makes a woman unforgettable is not just her beauty but the sparkle in her eyes when she talks about what she loves, the passion in her voice when she stands for truth, and the way she connects ideas that make people think. Beauty fades, but substance, grounded in God’s wisdom, endures.

So, educate yourself. Ask questions that stretch your understanding. Read books that challenge you. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know, that humility is the doorway to growth. Be the woman who can discuss art one moment and reflect on justice the next. The woman who knows her worth because she knows her Creator.

And when someone tells you to “tone it down” or “be less,” remember Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Turn your intellect up, your curiosity up, your passion up. Because God didn’t create you to be small or silent. You are here to shine brighter, to lead, and to leave a lasting impact.

Now go out there and be fascinating. Be the woman who fills a room with beauty and brilliance, with ideas and integrity, with passion and purpose. When you wear your knowledge like a crown and your faith like a quiet confidence, nothing, not even the best date or the trendiest brunch spot—can compare to the impact you’ll leave.