Reconciliation at Work: What It Means to Show Up as Women of Strength

This quarter at Needle’s Eye, we’re exploring what it means to live as ambassadors for Christ in the workplace. That conversation continued beautifully during our recent InfluenceHer gathering, where women shared honest, practical wisdom on living out reconciliation in real time at work.

Our panel featured our three Cohort leaders with our Director of Ministry, Leanne Lytle facilitating:

Each woman came from a different industry and background—but the thread running through their stories was unmistakable:

God is making His appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5)

Reconciliation Starts With Identity

We began by grounding ourselves in the truth that before we can reconcile others to Christ, we first need our own thinking restored. This includes recovering the true meaning of the Hebrew phrase ezer kenegdo—not “helper” as a lesser role, but powerful rescuer, protector, and strength-bringer.

It’s a name used sixteen times for God Himself, and several times for military strength. When applied to women, it reframes the conversation:

**We are strong protectors.**
**We are created to bring strength into the spaces we occupy.**

Sandy shared how this identity shifts her confidence:

“I know my words are trying to help. Knowing this is a God-given role, I don’t feel like I’m overstepping.”

Liz pointed to the reminder in 2 Timothy that God gives us “a spirit of power and a sound mind.”

And Melanie reflected on being the only woman in the room—often surrounded by male colleagues and female support staff—and how the Spirit encourages her to stand firm in those moments.

Letting the Spirit Lead When It’s Hard

We then asked what it looks like to “regard no one from the flesh,” especially when personalities, pressures, and office politics come into play.

Liz acknowledged that our egos get bruised and our triggers flare. But daily rhythms with God—those small, steady practices—keep our hearts soft and open:

“If you’re open to God daily, the Spirit kicks in quickly. When trouble comes, you’re ready.”

Sandy shared the simple, powerful gift of a pause—stepping back, praying before reacting, and using breath prayers before entering difficult meetings.

Leanne noted how meaningful it is to name prayer as a legitimate, Spirit-guided tool in our vocational lives.

Seeing With God’s Eyes

We imagined what it might look like to see our workplaces through God’s eyes—to become instruments of peace and presence:

Sandy told a tender story of a supervisor who was difficult to work with and later passed away from cancer. Their relationship didn’t always “gel,” but Sandy kept showing up in Christian friendship. Her focus was on bringing peace, not proving a point:

“How can you lead if something negative is coming out of your mouth? Peace changes the room.”

Liz reminded us that grace becomes real when we extend it to those who are not easy to love.
Leanne offered encouragement for women who carry strong personalities and leadership gifts—it is possible to hold strength, values, and compassion together.

Standing Secure in God’s Identity for Us

The world often has its own script for women—and sometimes the church does too. But the identity God gives is always stronger and more freeing.

Lisa shared that confidence rooted in Christ helps us know when to speak up and when to step back. We don’t have to strive or over-assert to prove our worth:

“You can be strong without being aggressive. Grounded confidence creates discernment.”

And Liz summed it up with a vision for what could be possible:

“When we all understand our identity in Christ, we can walk this together.”

Growing Fruit Where We’re Planted

Life in the Spirit produces fruit—and these women reminded us that fruit grows in layers, over time. Each workplace becomes a training ground for reconciliation, compassion, and courage.

After 10 minutes of table discussion, attendees shared practical insights and takeaways:

The world needs women who bridge heaven and earth, bringing Christ’s peace into their workplaces. That begins by reconnecting with God, embracing our identity in Him, and letting our strength, discernment, and love flow naturally in our interactions.

As we continue this quarter’s journey on reconciliation, may we step forward as women who carry strength, peace, and the presence of Christ wherever we work. May we be ambassadors not by striving, but by living rooted in who God says we are.

InfluencHer Cohort – Nov 14, 2025