X stands for Saint Xenia and Xena

Saint Xenia Loved Christ; She became a fool for Him.

Xena Means Confident, Tough Woman

 

Saint Xenia was an xena, a woman of bravery whose love for Christ and the homeless and the poor inspires millions to live for Christ and help others.

As I face my challenges in finishing the A to Z Challenge Blogging Challenge, I stared at the letter “X” with trepidation. This letter always kicks butt in trying to come up with something to write about.

Bing and Google to the rescue.  I typed “Inspirational Words that begin with X” and found my words, “Xena” and “Xenia.” I am an xena: a tough, physical, confident woman. I also want to live as Saint Xenia, a fool for Christ.

Any woman who takes care of family, works, and involves themselves in reaching out to others in positive ways is an xena and follows in the footsteps of Xenia.

In my research, I found an organization to help women who are victims of sexual and violent abuse: IAmXena.

As a victim of spousal abuse, I so identify with the goals of this organization. I am Xena. I overcame extreme abuse and then faced disability and pain.

I shared during this challenge that I am not quitting and going to restart my journey toward health. As long as I breathe, I strive to overcome and fight the difficulties in my life with a brave spirit.

Xena is also derived from the Greek word Xenia which means hospitality and points to a Saint in the Russian Orthodox Church. Saint Xena is a Russian woman who after the death of her beloved husband, became a fool for Christ. She began to dress in odd clothing, giving all her possession to the poor. She walked barefooted in the snow and often prayed in the cemetery  for the poor and downtrodden. She loved God and Christ. She wanted to highlight the poor and worked to help them find jobs and homes. She even helped the workers build the church that is dedicated to her in Smolensk Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Russia.  In secret at night, she carried the heavy bricks to the top of the hill.  Although she died in 1803, her dedication and love of Christ is remembered to this day. Some claim miracles happen when you visit the small church.

As an Evangelical Protestant I do not believe in praying to Saints, however I find the true story of Saint Xenia inspiring.  She exemplifies a woman of bravery and love that inspires millions to live for Christ and help others.

Do you have a someone who inspires you to help others?

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This post is for the letter X in the 2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge. Learn more about it here.

I will also join several of the hops listed on my Link-up Parties page.