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
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!
**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!!!
How inspiring! I’ve read one of her other books (I forget the name now), and it was really good. I’m not sure which quality I admire most. I always look at all sorts of women with different (and contradicting!!) qualities and wish I could be more like them at times, lol.
You would have read “Spiritual Misfits”, her 1st book. It was excellent. You are right, Brittany, there are many qualities to be admired. At various times, we want to be like each of them š Consider yourself entered, lol.
Rare as hen’s teeth, it’s the woman who doesn’t gossip. She’s the kind of kindred spirit I want in my life …
Thanks for this peek into a book worth having in our hands, Joanne!
Linda, may we desire, & become, women who speak graciously! Good luck in the giveaway š
This looks like a great book, Joanne. So many women who have had an influence for Christ throughout the centuries. I admire discretion and prudent speech. Similar to what the person said about gossip above. Also women who are positive and don’t complain! Look on the bright side. š
It really was an inspiring book! Betsy, I so agree that people who can look on the bright side is a most admirable quality. Hope you win!
I am inspired when women truly mentor others in godly ways and help them learn more about Christ. I believe it’s so important for those more mature in faith to guide younger women searching for the Truth.
Sarah, you nailed it with this one. I think back on older women who invested in my life & am so grateful. I hope you win too š
This sounds like such an encouraging book- I’d love to read it! I read Corrie Ten Boom’s story when I was a little girl and was so inspired by it. I’ve always particularly admired people who stayed faithful even when things were incredibly difficult; when they refused to allow their circumstances to dictate what they could or couldn’t do instead of using it as an excuse. It has always reminded me that God is bigger than any circumstances we might face, however insurmountable they might seem. Thanks so much for sharing this!
-S.L. Payne, uncommongrace.net
I have always admired Corrie Ten Boom’s story as well. To remain forgiving, no matter the difficulty, is an ability that comes solely from leaning on God. May I say… I hope you win too!
How fun and how inspiring to learn more about these 50 women through Michelle’s book. I have always been intrigued by Corrie Ten Boom and would buy the book just to read about her.
If you asked me the question of a picking a quality I admire in women when I was younger, I am sure my answer would be different than now. However, I am learning that being able to accept ourselves and others is a quality I truly would like to possess and admire in other women. Thanks for the book review!
Mary so very true! The qualities I would have admired years ago have changed as I have grown older. Hopefully wiser too. Being able to accept ourselves is a most freeing quality. Both for ourselves & for others. I hope you win too š
I admire meekness – a woman who is quietly strong, doesn’t shout to be heard, and doesn’t fight for the spotlight. Someone who accepts herself and others as they are.
I think meekness is often mistaken as a weakness when in actuality it is a most beautiful strength. I think it is strength reigned in so that it does not need to be heard or have its own way. As you put it, quietly strong. Most admirable for sure. Laura, glad you commented & I hope you win! **Can you tell, I want everyone to win š
I admire grace under pressure. It’s during those trying moments that our true nature comes out.
Grace under pressure. I once heard it put as … “What’s down in the well, comes out in the bucket” š Never forgot the expression. So glad you shared, Lisa. Hope you win! š
It sounds like a fabulous book. Gladys Aylward was one of my favorite female heroines and Amy Carmichael. Visiting from Booknificent Thursday blog hop. Tina from Amanda’s Books and More
It is a wonderful book which I am sure you will greatly enjoy. Glad you stopped to comment & are now entered in the giveaway. Good luck!
I saw this on Booknificent Thursdays and had to come see! :O) A quality in women I admire can be called endurance or indomitable spirit. It’s what keeps mothers (single or otherwise) working long hours in low-paying jobs, so their children can have food and clothing. It’s what kept Mary being able to put one foot in front of the other after the crucifixion on her son. Whether we acknowledge it or not, this ability comes from God. He does not ask us to do something and then leave us unequipped.
Endurance is a much needed and admired quality in women. I am so glad you stopped here to comment & now are entered in the giveaway. Good luck š
I truly Love when other women persevere In such a way that God’s own Love, Grace and Light are truly visible! I am always inspired and Blessed by these examples of His Love shining through!
Marie, so very true. To persevere in a way that makes God visible to others is definitely a trait to be admired. Glad you shared!
This book looks like it would be really inspiring to young girls as well. Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday! Always a pleasure to have you!
Tina
Yes, it would be inspiring to younger girls as well. It was a beautiful book filled with inspiring women of courage & purpose.