Wednesday Woman of Influence
I’m a bit late with my Wednesday Woman of Influence post. I had intended to write about a group of women that I’m working on a project with at Cross Point, but our meeting was postponed so I’ll circle back to tell you more about them soon.
So in the meantime, I would like to know…
Which woman of the Bible:
- do you admire the most?
- has had the most influence on you?
- would you like to know more about?
in Leadership
There are two that stand out to me that I’ve thought about alot and studied alot.
1) Deborah – I want to hear all the details….I see that she was a wise woman but a somewhat reluctant leader, at least in going into battle. I can relate to that. I also get TIRED of being told that she led because “no man would or was able” and that is just not true. She was chosen by God to lead the nation of Israel, and to fill the office of prophet and to also lead the military – one of the few judges of Israel to fill all three roles. She must have been wise and discerning. I’d like to talk to her! When I think about the woman I most relate to it is her and:
2) Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet. This is where I desire to be, what I desire to do – to BE with God and not simply DO for Him. I’ve studied this story again and again.
Good ones, Jan. I’d second Mary. I’m schizophrenic and bounce between Mary and Martha. I’m kind of tired of being Martha. Now there’s a book title free for the taking!
I’d like to hear about Abigail. She has always intrigued me…willing to recognize her husband’s flaws and try to make up for them, queenly and gracious, then rewarded with a whole new life. It’s an intriguing story.
Great suggestions Jan and Marla. I feel the most unlike Mary so she fascinates me. I just read ‘Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World’ and it really challenged me. That book has been out for several years, but I think I was too scared to read it. 🙂
I also love Deborah’s story!
oh Jenni, you made me laugh. I can identify with being afraid! I relate alot to the desire Mary had, but i do see myself in Martha as well. I am working on this, reminding myself to BE. It’s not easy for someone who is a recovering workaholic.
Jenni – I love this question. I really want to understand and know Eve better. In a book I’m reading, it re-explores Eve’s role in our lives and how we can learn from her to be a better women in leadership. I’m sending you that book too when I’m done.
I think that Hannah is one of my favorites. I often wonder if my heart;s cry to God would be so revealing? Really, when I want something is it to the point that I am willing to continually come before God for it?
Can a man weigh in? What about the woman in 1 Kings 17? Apparently her relationship with God was such that He talked to her intimately. She was a single mother; a strong lady. During a famine she was preparing her family to die. She was also reserved in her judgment; not hasty to make a decision. One would think in her situation she would have fallen for the first “miracle” to come along. Only after Elijah raised her son did she confess that she believed in him.
Being raised mostly by a single mother I know the courage this woman must have had. That inspires me. Especially scary times…like when I have to be the one to kill a spider! (My wife usually does that…but if she’s not home…)
Deborah and Priscilla. Deborah was a mother in Israel – yet she led – because God called her. She knew how to juggle home and God’s call. Priscilla because I’d like to know her better. I think she got discipleship better than I do.
I love Ruth and her noble character and her work ethic, but most of all I love her loyalty.
Jenni I taught out of that book 3 months ago.. What a freeing book.
I am more of a Mary… That’s great right?? Sometimes I wish I had more Martha tendacies. I sometimes wonder if that sometimes holds me back, because I’m la- la ing at Jesus feet being romanced, in where there’s so much more to do.
So many great suggestions! Thank you all!
Ron – thanks for being the one brave man to chime in so far!
Ron was brave so I’ll pipe in 🙂
I know this will sound strange, but the woman at the well is one of the most prominent women in the Bible to me.
I love that she was wiling to listen. I need to listen better.
I love that she was curious about what Jesus was talking about. I want to know His truth.
I love that Jesus saw her, in the midst of sin, as still love able. That gives me peace.
I love that she drew Jesus attention away from the things going on. Jesus had places to go and things to do, yet something about her was valuable for Him to stop and notice. That makes me love able.
I am very curious as to what her life looked like after her encounter. I bet it was one that we ache to see and hear about in our churches today. A testimony of a transformed life. Her life shows me that Jesus loved all and seeks all.