March is Women’s History Month … So many women are overlooked for their contributions to society, but they continue to make a difference. When I discovered that March is Women’s History Month, I began to investigate and write. I wanted to share with you, my Readers, a glimpse into the women who have helped shape my life. There are so many more women that I could write about; however, life’s responsibilities forced me to limit who I chose. AMY CARMICHAEL: 1867-1951. One of my faith heroes is Amy Carmichael. Ever since reading A Chance to Die, a biography by Elisabeth Elliot, I was captivated. A single lady from Northern Ireland who DARED to follow God, no matter the cost. Amy, faithfully, served Jesus in Tamil Nadu, India. She founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in 1901 … it continues to this day. During her lifetime, much of which was spent in India, Amy faced much opposition. She faced opposition from the Hindus in India and from the Christians back home. As she faced opposition, she also faced a lot of danger as she sought to – with the help of others – rescue children from the pagan practices that plagued India’s society. Not only were these children rescued, they were protected … Amy purposed to make sure that the Dohnavur Fellowship became a family. She was soon to be known as “Amma” {Mother} to the children. Amy never returned home to England. India became her home. Amy was a prolific writer who wrote with incredible purpose. She relied – depended on – Scripture for her personal devotional life. Her ministry at Dohnavur was ONLY sustained through her consistent reliance upon sacred Scripture and diligent prayer. She understood true discipleship, and she sought to live it out. In a letter to a young woman, Amy wrote: “Missionary life is simply a chance to die.” Amy Carmichael met Jesus face-to-face in 1951. Her simple headstone is inscribed with the name by which she was known, Amma. May you and I be inspired to live our lives in such a way that we continue to leave a legacy that brings eternal glory to God Almighty, as Amy Carmichael did … NO matter the cost. CORRIE TEN BOOM: April 15, 1892-April 15, 1983. Corrie ten Boom and her family are known worldwide by most people. To understand why, we must look at Corrie’s life before World War 2. Corrie (and her family) were devout Christians. They prioritized the personal disciplines of the Christian faith, and they sought to make practical applications throughout their lives. The ten Boom family had a great love for the Jewish people. This made the decision to save the Jewish people during World War 2 a non-issue. They knew the danger of hiding Jews; yet, they chose to face that danger, knowing that the Lord was their Refuge and the One who would sustain them. In 1944, Corrie and her family were arrested by the Nazis, and they were sent to various concentration camps. Betsie (Corrie’s sister) and Corrie were taken to Ravensbruck in September 1944. Betsie died that December. Corrie was released a few days after Betsie’s death. Corrie’s faith, tried greatly by the fires of life, was put on display for the world … through her speaking engagements, books, her caring for the Germans, in her personal communication with the man who betrayed the ten Boom family, and with one of the cruel Ravensbruck guards … Corrie ten Boom’s life offers deep lessons of trust, hope, sacrificial obedience, lifelong service, and deep forgiveness. She teaches us – even now – how to walk as a child of the light, even in a very dark world. May we find the courage and grace to live as she did. SAINT MARGARET MART ALACOQUE: 1647-1690. A member of the Visitation order of nuns since 1671, Margaret Mary – though inclined to passive prayer in her temperament – communed with Christ as she constantly felt the sensible presence of Jesus. Her life was a life that was singly devoted to share in Christ’s passion and suffering … and she did just that with a devotion too great for words. In her service to the Lord, Margaret Mary recognized how short of God’s standard of perfection she really came. She knew the weight of her shortcomings, and it had the very real potential to crush her. But she allowed Jesus to sustain her with His immeasurable grace. She longed – in greater measure than most – to be with the Lord simply because He was her greatest love. Margaret Mary didn’t dismiss the bountiful gifts that she received from the Father; however, she knew that the Giver of the gifts was infinitely more precious that the very gifts He gave. She was, indeed, a surrendered soul … An imperfect soul, from over 350 years ago, that we can learn much from. LILIAS TROTTER: 1853-1928. Although she was an amazing artist, Lilias Trotter isn’t remembered. I was introduced to her through the movie “Many Beautiful Things.” Born in 1853 to a large wealthy English family, Lilias’ spiritual awareness/receptivity was evident early-on. It was deepened during conferences that would later develop into the Keswick Conferences. It was here that Lilias Trotter would find her understanding of the Christian faith, the practice of it being clarified and solidified, and it was at this time when she would set her will toward God’s purposes. Lilias’ art was noticed by the great John Ruskin. As she studied under his teaching and her immersion into painting grew, her commitment to the call of God on her life deepened, too. Her commitment to the Lord’s will took a toll on her friendship with Ruskin, in many ways. After a brief, but intense battle, Lilias realized she couldn’t devote herself to both her art and her ministry. Lilias said, “I see clear as daylight how, I cannot give myself to painting in the way he [John Ruskin] means and continue to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.’” May 1887 would change Lilias Trotter’s life forever. Following a message about people in North Africa who had never heard the name of Jesus. She felt God calling her to take the message of Jesus Christ to the people of Algeria. The rest of her life, Lilias sought to take the light, life, and love of Jesus to the Arabs of North Africa. Throughout her days, Trotter purposed to spend daily time with the Lord. From 7:15 to 8:30, she met with the Lord before her day started. She daily sought a place of quiet to listen to God’s voice through Scripture and prayer. She also “read” God’s work found in creation. Lilias Trotter wrote, painted, lived, and served in obscurity. She desired no fame or recognition. She simply pointed others to “Come. Look. See!” Jesus. So, I echo her mission … Come and see! The LORD is most worthy of praise, and He is worthy of our absolute everything. LOTTIE MOON: 1840-1912. Precocious, a bit unruly, irreverent, a scoffer. Words that would describe Charlotte Digges Moon (aka: Lottie Moon). After her 18th birthday, Lottie received Jesus as her Savior and Lord. She soon felt the call of a missionary, but foreign missions was closed to single women. Through a series of providential circumstances, the Lord soon made a way for Lottie to go to China. In 1873, she made her way to Tengchow, China. Although Lottie was forced to return home in 1875 due to family illness, Lottie returned to China in 1877 and opened a school for Chinese women. In 1887, Lottie sent a letter praising the Methodist Woman’s Board of Missions for their financial support. This letter also exhorted the Southern Baptists to prove their commitment to Christ by calling them to follow the example of the Methodists. Lottie Moon suggested that the week before Christmas be set aside as a time to give to foreign missions. This was the beginning of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Lottie helped bring about reform for the Chinese, especially for the women. She continued to faithfully serve the Chinese people until her health gave out. She loved them with everything she had. When a severe famine took over China, Lottie stopped eating so she could give away her rations … to feed the starving. As a direct result of her sacrifice, Lottie Moon suffered from dementia. When her condition could no longer be hidden, it was too late to save her. She died aboard a ship in the harbor at Kobe, Japan … on December 24, 1912. Lottie Moon was a giver and an advocate … she lived this throughout her life, especially in China. She truly gave her life so others could live. May we live our lives in such manner. SABINA WURMBRAND: 1913-2000. Sabina was born in 1913 to a Jewish family in modern day Romania. She married Richard Wurmbrand in 1936. In that same year, Richard and Sabina would convert to the Christian faith. Sabina sought to faithfully serve alongside her husband, in spite of great religious persecution … from the Nazis and from the Communists. In 1946-1947, Sabina organized Christian camps for Romanian religious leaders. She also conducted street meetings with groups of up to 5000 people. This was the beginning of “The Voice of the Martyrs,” the missionary organization that she founded with her husband to help the persecuted church around the world. Sabina’s faith was tested to a level most never comprehend. During Richard’s imprisonment by the Romanian Communist regime, Sabina purposed to continue helping the persecuted church. In time, she would be arrested. Many nights, she would go to sleep with the phrase, “We are crucified with Christ,” on her lips. Freedom was offered to Sabina IF she’d divorce Richard and IF she’d renounce her faith. She stood firm and held fast to her convictions. She refused the “offer.” In 1965, Richard and Sabina were ransomed from Romania for $10,000. After arriving in the United States, Sabina continue to faithfully serve with her husband with The Voice of the Martyrs, the ministry they founded. She lived to be 87 years old, dying in California on August 11, 2000. The legacy of Sabina (& Richard) Wurmbrand lives on as The Voice of the Martyrs continues to serve the persecuted church. Every day, countless Christians are persecuted, imprisoned, and martyred. The Voice of the Martyrs continues to strive to bring practical and spiritual assistance to these Christians, while allowing their voices to be heard. You can learn more (& make a difference) by going to the website https://www.persecution.com. MAVIS ETIENNE: I became aware of Ms. Mavis Etienne through the book Keepers of the Faith, which you can find at the Indian Life Ministries website https://www.indianlife.org. As I read her story, the thing that captivated me was how she purposed to honor her native heritage (which is Mohawk & Cree) while honoring the Lord. Two of the stories that stood out to me, specifically, was how Ms. Mavis was determined to get the New Testament Scriptures into her native language, Mohawk. Her heart was (& is) for her people to know Jesus … and to encounter Him personally. Since the Mohawk language is very descriptive, when she began praying in Mohawk, her spiritual eyes were opened to “really see” what she was praying about. To experience Jesus so personally, my faith was encouraged to know that He really meets us ALL on a deeply personal level. The other account that stood out to me surrounded the Oka Crisis that took place in the summer of 1990. In the midst of the conflict between the Mohawk people and the Canadian government, Ms. Mavis respectfully stood firm against the government concerning the issues at hand in an honorific way. She also stood firm in her faith. The times were tense. Many were afraid, but Ms. Mavis’ confidence was in Jesus. In this day and age, I see very few people who will take a respectful, honorable stand against something with which they disagree … from both Christians and non-Christians alike. Ms. Mavis was quoted as saying: “Serving Christ is just so exciting.” To that … I say, “AMEN!” May we all – like Ms. Mavis Etienne – find the excitement in serving Jesus. He is WORTHY! ELISABETH ELLIOT: 1926-2015. Missionary. Author. Speaker. Radio show host. Adjunct professor. These are all terms that describe the late Elisabeth Elliot. For over fifty years, her life was one of radical obedience. Her devout obedience, teachings, and books have impacted multiplied millions. The “theme” of Elisabeth Elliot’s life was the love of Jesus. The call of God on her life led Elisabeth to the Ecuadorian jungle in 1956. This call, eventually, led to the martyrdom of five missionaries, including Elisabeth’s husband Jim Elliot. Elisabeth made the decision to return with her young daughter, Valerie, to the very tribe that killed her beloved husband. By the early 1960s, many of the Waodanis had come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. In time, Elisabeth Elliot and Valerie returned to the United States, and in 1969, she married Addison Leitch. Tragically, Elisabeth would lose Addison in 1973 to cancer. Elisabeth Elliot, by God’s grace, would find love again, and in 1977, she married Lars Gren. In spite of such incredible trials and life-changing losses, Elisabeth Elliot continued to live a life of full devotion to Jesus. She pointed all people to Him … whether it was through her books, her radio programs, speaking engagements, or lectures, Elisabeth took people straight to Jesus. She knew something that most of us who are believers forget … Jesus was the only Source of hope, healing, and comfort in this life. Due to progressing dementia, Elisabeth Elliot retired from public speaking. And on June 15, 2015, she passed away in her Massachusetts home. How I pray that, even in times of great opposition/persecution/suffering that I will faithfully point any person I meet to Jesus Christ … as Mrs. Elisabeth Elliot did. MARY “Polly” LAMB: August 11, 1933-November 1, 2014. Mary Lamb was/is the sister of my paternal grandmother … I know very few people who have a close relationship with their great-aunt, but I was incredibly blessed beyond measure by my relationship with my Aunt Polly. We did NOT see eye-to-eye on a lot of life … who am I kidding? There was very little that we seemed to actually agree on. Two things I knew all of my life, then and now … Aunt Polly loved Jesus, and she loved me. I challenged just about every biblical teaching she shared with me … and without fail, Aunt Polly took me to Scripture. Aunt Polly sought to serve Jesus faithfully as a teacher, a pastor’s wife, a friend, a mom, and every other role that her life encapsulated. She wasn’t perfect … not by a long shot … but the trajectory of her life was one of faithful service to Jesus. Knowing her own humanity and depravity, I watched my Aunt Polly rely on God … even when she’d falter and fail. She loved Jesus. His Word. His church. She loved her people – her family, even if we didn’t necessarily agree with her. About a month before Aunt Polly met Jesus face-to-face, I asked her if she was angry at God. She was enduring some incredible struggles. Her response, honestly, shocked me. “Oh, no, Baby. I’m not mad at God. He’s been good to me. I’m ready to meet Him face-to-face.” Life quickly changed … and we all knew Aunt Polly would soon be with Jesus. A few days before she stepped into Heaven, I made the final phone call I’d ever make to her. I knew she’d soon be gone … As Laura put the phone to her Momma’s ear, I said: “Aunt Polly, it’s Jody. I just called to tell you I love you.” She simply said: “I love you.” And I knew she did. A couple days later, Aunt Polly was with Jesus. Mary Elizabeth Lamb did not have an easy life, but she purposed in her heart to follow Jesus faithfully. Though hers was an imperfect life, hers was a faithful life. Her legacy lives on … and I long for THAT day when I can see her again. I long to hear her voice again … to talk about Jesus and ministry. Til I see her again, I will seek to build on the legacy of faith that she left behind. CARMON “Peggy” DICKSON: January 4, 1932-December 27, 2018. My paternal grandmother Refuge. Confidante. Friend. Feisty. Grammar checker. My beloved Grannaw. She’s not known worldwide … or even nationwide. But she’s known by the One who matters the most, God! The legacy of faith my grandmother left is one that is being built upon by her friends and family who love Jesus. Grannaw’s life was the picture of perseverance to me. She taught Sunday school for over six decades. She DAILY prayed for her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren … even when our lives weren’t in line with the will of God. Grannaw couldn’t reach all of us on a spiritual level; however, that didn’t stop her from interceding for us. She took us to Him, as she prayed for us. I miss her prayers … Sometimes, I’d eavesdrop on her time with Jesus … which was every morning at breakfast time. Grannaw served her family, her neighbors, and the local church. She also served missionaries through her financial support of them. Grannaw’s love for Southern Gospel music was passed down to me. She supported my art (by having it all over her house), my writing (and she corrected all mistakes, real or imagined!), and any form of fine arts that I chose to pursue. She and I had a bond that was unbreakable. My love for the beautiful things in life came from her. In her final days on this earth, I was bittersweetly blessed to be by her side. We spoke of Jesus. Heaven. Our loved ones in Heaven. My precious grandmother caught a glimpse of the glories of Heaven one night as I sat by her side. I’ll never forget the moment she plainly said: “Oh, that’s pretty.” I saw her for the final time on December 27, 2018. She was “asleep” … actually she was in the transitioning stage of entering Heaven … As I bent over her hospice bed to kiss her, I whispered: “Grannaw. Honey, it’s okay. You can go be with Jesus. We will be okay. I will be okay. I love you.” She stepped into Heaven just a couple of hours later, after I had left. Grannaw’s legacy lives on … it will live on as long as I have breath in my body. My Friend! Thank you for reading this lengthy blog post … I pray that you are encouraged to investigate some of the lives I’ve mentioned. I pray that you are challenged … and for us women, I pray that you know that there are countless numbers of women behind you and in front of you praying that you will carry the baton of living an honorific life for the great glory of our King … Jesus Christ.
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