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TechnoratiThankfully, daughters of God, bold women of character throughout Scripture have paved the way for you and me. Deborah, Esther, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Lydia, Priscilla and a host of other Biblical women have carried the torch.
What’s more, in our recent history, there are bold women like Susan B. Anthony who in the United States fought to give women the right to vote. As this bold woman so aptly said, “Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world’s estimation.”
There’s another bold woman I deeply admire, and this is Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley. Her husband was away from the family a great deal of time and even ended up in jail for financial misdealings. Yet, this Godly mother purposed that her children would grow up to be warriors in the cause of God. As Susanna put it: “I am a woman, but I am also the mistress of a large family; I am not a man nor a minister, yet as a mother, I felt I ought to do more than I had yet done. I resolved to begin with my own children.” This courageous woman of God saw her commitment pay off in the lives of all her children.
And there’s one more bold woman whose simple message changed our country and changed race-relations around the world to this very day. Her name is Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a city bus. Rosa described her experience this way. “I knew someone had to take the first step and I made up my mind not to move.” Years later, as an elderly woman looking back over her life, Parks reflected, “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
The first lesson we can learn from the daughters of Zelophehad is a lesson on “boldness.” This is not a rude, petulant spirit that demands its own way. This isn’t behavior that is foot stomping and screaming. Nor is this trembling, weak-kneed behavior that cringes when it faces risk.
Heavenly boldness is moving forward, even in the face of danger. It is daring, brave and courageous. Boldness is goodness and virtue in vigorous action wherever and whenever God calls us.
“When we feel us too bold, remember our own feebleness. When we feel us too faint, remember Christ’s strength.”
Thomas More
AFFIRMATION
I Am a Woman
“I am a woman
born of God
I am a woman
born of love
I am caring and competent
vulnerable and powerful
seeking wholeness
physically, emotionally, and spiritually
I am a woman
reaching out to others
making a difference in myself
my family
community
church
and the world
I am empowering myself
to empower others
I am struggling to accept my anger
and use it to gain strength, confidence,
courage, and intimacy with others
I am a woman
who sees the interconnectedness of all human beings
who values the unique gifts of all
I am a woman who leads and follows
who accepts responsibility for myself
and the choices I make
Yes, I am a woman
who sees each day as a new beginning
a chance to grow in self, love, and service
I am a woman
born of God
I am a woman
born of love
and I can be
all that I am
Ms. Katherine Tyler Scott
Your friend
Dorothy Valcárcel, Author
When A Woman Meets Jesus
Available May 2009
Dorothy@TransformationGarden.com
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