Blog : Give Me Grace

50 Women Every Christian Should Know by Michelle DeRusha is perfectly timed for my thoughts on life, legacy and faith. That these women wrote their stories, shared openly their thoughts on faith at a time when women still struggled to be heard, is all the encouragement I need to keep pressing in to Gods call – to publicly express my own.

Faith is messy. What and how we proclaim our truth evolves. I think of my early walk with God, the times I tempered my comments to stay politically correct. I think of times I’ve said nothing and how holding my tongue hurt. I think of the arenas I’m allowed to speak with popularity my only risk.  I know no danger beyond declining subscriptions and sales. I don’t risk my life for the cause of Christ. I know nothing of religious persecution beyond the editing of words I choose that might offend. But I have every opportunity, every platform to share the gospel and still I don’t. Sometimes my spiritual giant is asleep – because I’ve put him to bed.

I wonder if my faith would stand such testing.  And I watch, because the growing incidence of persecution is real. In the face of torture, prison and threats to the families they loved, these women, these heroines of the faith, said yes to God.

50 Women Every Christian Should Know both humbles and inspires.

I read about Hildegard of Bingen and Anne Hutchinson whose namesake parkway in New York, I drive along often. I listened to the life lessons of Margaret Fell, of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, of Corrie ten Boom and Edith Schaeffer. A few of the stories were familiar but most of them exposed new details I’d never read about, adding tactile layers to this anthology of faithful heroines. Michelles’ friendly and accessible tone interspersed among facts also makes this work an exciting read aloud to share with teens.

We learn about each woman’s answer to His call. How they fought to reconcile His work in their lives within the limiting confines of womanhood. We read about barriers to hear the word preached. Anne travelled 6 hours on horseback to hear the gospel of grace preached. I complain about the stress of a mass transit commute.

50 Women Every Christian Should Know made me think. How would I handle questions about my response to the Holy Spirit? Who validates my confession of revelation? How can I prove the inner knowing I sense from the Holy Spirit is that, and not an evil force? Can I prove my authority as a believer? Anne Hutchinson faced these questions. Could I wholly commit my life to the sake and service of the Lord like Margaret Fell? Would I risk a life in prison without them for the call of holy work. Could I, like Sojourner Truth take one child and leave the others behind? What would I do if I couldn’t go to church…or had my womanhood questioned before a congregation of believers? Would I bare my breasts or scan the room for the nearest exit? Would I, believing so strong in the message Gods poured, self-publish a book?

I’ve not finished this collection of compelling stories. It’s that kind of read. I want to soak in each woman’s experience and have sat with the questions each life story poses. As a believer, as a woman I know their stories are part of mine. I’m grateful for the introduction, grateful for the journey.

I’m delighted to offer a giveaway of 50 Women Every Christian Should Know and would love to hear about a woman whose faith has inspired yours. Leave a comment for a chance to win.

And stop by Michelle’s for more fun #50Women giveaways.