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Women. We come in all shapes and sizes, every age from young to old. All of us are so very different, none ever the same.

For that very reason, we have much to learn from one another.

I am currently reading and loving, 50 Women Every Christian Should Know by Michelle DeRusha. As a woman, I am finding this book to be inspirational, increasing my desire to be more, and do more, in the days I have left on this earth.

We know “we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith” (as told in Hebrews 12:1). The crowd is so large it is impossible to have heard of each one. This book, 50 Women introduces us to those we have never heard of and perhaps will shed light on new facts on those we have known.

As I read, I found my faith challenged and growing as I learned of women who faced insurmountable situations, mistreatment, temptations, doubts and sometimes, death. Yet they held on, in hope, their faith in God unwavering. Each woman became a part of the Church today, laying a foundation for us to follow and build upon.

Here is a glimpse into a few lives:

  • Catherine Booth, Mother of the Salvation Army. She suffered from serious illnesses almost her entire life. Her health presented her with difficulties with being able to keep her full and busy schedule. “Don’t be concerned about your dying; only go on living well, and the dying will be all right.” (page 192)
  • Amanda Berry Smith, Preaching in the Face of Racism. She was a woman, uneducated and Black. But none of this kept her from pursuing her God-given calling of preaching. “No matter the offenses and hardships she personally suffered, Amanda Smith would never stoop to sully Christ by lowering his standard. Her prayer for all people – “Lord, help the people to see.” (page 212)
  • Corrie ten Boom, Under His Wings You Shall Trust. Corrie and her sister suffered for years in a concentration camp. They saw and experienced atrocities, and the suffering was relentless. Her sister, Betsie died in hospital ward, whispering the words, “We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still. They will listen to us, Corrie, because we have been here.” (page 278) And she was right. Once released, Corrie lived out her days bringing God’s Word and hope wherever she went.

This book brought me down through the church ages, reminding me of the vital role we, as women, have in the world we live. I have come to develop such an admiration for Anne Hutchinson, Margaret Fell, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Hannah Whitall Smith, Amanda Berry Smith, Gladys Aylward, and Flannery O’Connor to name just a few.

In this well written book, Michelle DeRusha invites us into the lives of fifty women I will never forget. This book made me realize the lengths to which God esteems women, giving them a very distinct role in the telling of His story down through the ages. It will inspire each and every reader to find their role in His story as it is not yet completed. We truly have much to learn from these heroines of the faith. I guarantee you will find yourself challenged as you read about each of these fifty women.

You can find out more about this book here . Michelle is also doing a few giveaways which you absolutely do not want to miss. They are beautiful! Trust me!

50WomenIdaScudder1-545x817**While I was given a copy of this book to review, it was my delight to read and share. All opinions are fully my own.

Michelle has also graciously provided me with a copy to give to one of my readers. So let’s make this fun and interesting … What is a quality you most often admire in other women? Leave your answer in a comment. I will announce a winner, using random.org,on Monday, September 22nd. Trust me, you will want to read this book!

Today I am joining … Michelle DeRusha and Unite and Testimony Tues. and Titus 2 Tuesday and Teaching What Is Good and Tell Me A Story and Booknificent Thurs. and Blessings Counter .

 

9/22/14

Using random.org, the winner of the giveaway was selected. The book will be going to Linda@Creekside. Congratulations!!!