Tag: #March

Woman’s History Month – Part 9: Hannah

The Story of Hannah

We continue our series on obscure (but great) women in the Bible with Hannah. Her story, found in the Book of Samuel, introduces us to a woman of deep faith and unwavering persistence. Hannah longed for a child and prayed fervently, asking God for a son.

Let’s pause for a moment.

Let’s step into Hannah’s world and feel the depth of her longing.

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A Yearning

Why?

Because the desire for a child is universal. For many women, the ticking of the biological clock isn’t just a metaphor. It’s a real, visceral longing fueled by hormones and a deep-rooted instinct for motherhood. It’s one of life’s great mysteries.

Now, imagine that yearning stretching on, month after month.

How would you feel?

Disappointed? Defeated? Heartbroken?

The ache of it all.
Waiting.
Hoping.
Praying.

Only to be met with silence. It can be overwhelming. Hannah knew this pain all too well. But she also knew where to take it.To the foot of the cross.

Next time, we’ll dive deeper into her struggle and the faith that carried her through.

See you there.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 7: Tabitha

Richness in Scripture

As we move forward in our series of obscure (but great) women in the Bible, we will look at different biblical translations for depth and richness. Today, we will dive into the story of Tabitha, a righteous woman who helped the less fortunate.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.”

Acts 9:36 NIV

Now in Yafo there was a talmidah named Tavita 36 (which means “gazelle”); she was always doing tzedakah and other good deeds.

Acts 9:36 The Complete Jewish Bible

The Tale of Tabitha

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The story begins in The Book of Acts, written by the Gospel writer, Luke, in 50-80 AD. Jesus’ disciples now find themselves in foreign lands. Places like Antioch, Caesarea, Cyprus, Galatia, Macedonia, and Tyre to name a few. And the gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading like wildfire.

Peter finds himself in Lydda, where he heals Aeneas, a man who has been paralyzed for eight years. News of this miracle spreads quickly.

So, we can imagine the awe and wonder felt by the townspeople.

Meanwhile, in the neighboring city of Joppa, a woman named Tabitha falls gravely ill. Her friends send for Peter. En route, Tabitha dies, and family and friends start the grieving process. As mourners gather at her home, Peter arrives. At once, he ushers the people out of the room. Alone, Peter kneels beside the lifeless body and says a simple prayer,

“Tabitha, arise.”

She does.

Tabitha opens her eyes and sits up. She takes Peter’s hand as he helps her stand. Imagine the stunned silence when Peter opens the door. In the doorway, Tabitha walks out to greet those who came to mourn.

Let’s take a moment to picture the joy and amazement of Tabitha’s friends.

A witness to a miracle.

How often do we witness a miracle and not know it? Can you think of a time?

Next time, we will talk about Tabitha’s legacy.

See you then.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 6: The Legacy of The Woman at the Well

A Legacy of Truth

In Part 5, we touched up the legacy of truth and love that the Samaritan Woman marked on history. The truth that Jesus was the Messiah. The truth that Jesus knew the woman had five husbands. The truth that living water leads to eternal life. Her legacy was profoundly transformational.

A Legacy of Transformation

Artust Credit: Roland Ally
Image Source: publicdomainpictures dot net

Imagine what it would be like to fetch water at a well in the heat of the day to avoid gossip.

Did she feel unworthy? Unloveable?

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a man started conversing with her. A Jewish man, no less.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” John 4: 7

How odd was that?

A male stranger asking a female for a drink? Or a Jewish person speaking with a Samaritan?

At first, the woman questions the barrier that had just broken. As if to answer him, “What the heck are you thinking – talking to me? Who are you? Don’t you know it is improper for you, a Jewish man, to be speaking me a Samaritan woman?”

Then, during this exchange, the woman who may have felt unworthy and perhaps a bit bewildered becomes uncannily at ease.

Even inquisitive.  

Why?

Jesus spoke to her with kindness and respect.

And when someone responds to us by building us up and encouraging us, we respond back with an openness. An openness to receive.

Which is precisely what this Samaritan woman did. She received.

I can only imagine the feelings of courage and amazement that this woman felt sitting next to Jesus and having a sense of being known. Really known. Like knowing what was in my heart. My memories. My past, present, and future.

What does God know about you?

Next time, we continuet to explore another obscure woman in the bible. Her name is Tabitha.

See you next time.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 5: The Woman at the Well

The Familiar

Most of us are familiar with famous women in The Bible, like Mary, the mother of Jesus. Or Esther, who saved the Hebrew people. Their faith and courage have inspired young people through the centuries. As did lesser-known women, whether they knew it or not.

The Unfamiliar

Today, we will uncover a very obscure women in Scripture.

Like the Samaritan woman at the well.

Image Credit: Michelle Rogers tellingmystory dot com (*Used by permission)

Her name wasn’t even mentioned in the dialogue in the Gospel of John, chapter 4. Yet, Jesus talks to this woman about living water.

Water that will quench.

When she asks where she can find this water, Jesus says, “Go, call your husband…”

To which she replies, “I have no husband.”

This is where the story gets spicy. Jesus says to her, “…you have had five husbands.”

Right there.

Instead of Jesus calling her out or making her feel bad, he doesn’t. In fact, Jesus reveals to this woman he is the Messiah. Because of this encounter, she persuaded her neighbors to go and listen to Jesus. When they heard for themselves, many of them became believers.

This woman wasn’t even named!

Yet, she left a legacy of Jesus’ truth and love. She is one example of the many women in Scripture whose names or deeds may have gone unnoticed. Those whose faith shaped history.

Next time we’ll dig a little deeper into her legacy.

Reflective Question:

How does the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman challenge our understanding of social boundaries and personal transformation?

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 4: Women in the Bible

History

History is a collection of stories and experiences over time.

Of people.
Of religions.
Of societies.
And civilizations.

Although the goal is to retell facts, history often leans in one direction or another. Focusing on the familiar. The popular, the wealthy, and the powerful. Yet, the quiet heroes and their unfamiliar stories can have the most profound impact on us.

Their names may not be well known, but their impact is undeniable. We will hear these unsung heroines whisper faith and courage for us…

Image Source: Womenofnobelcharacter dot com

To serve.
To pray.
To be open to opportunities.
To protect.
To love and be loved.
To be affirmed.
To be heard.

In Part 5, we’ll start with The Woman at the Well. Join us as Jesus comes to the Well and delivers a shocking revelation.

See you there.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 3: Women in the Bible

We can all agree that women play a vital role in history. Now, let’s turn to the Bible.

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What does the Bible say about women?

First, 15% of all people mentioned in the Bible were female. While this may seem small, it was surprisingly high for biblical times. Don’t you think?

Second, the Bible has a lot to say about women and in the next few blog posts, we will take an inside peek into…

The obscure women.
The women who may have been forgotten.

We will see how remarkable these women were. They were so impressive that they stand among the most famous in history. We would not have had the courage to be who we are today without these women.

Come join us as we journey together to learn about:

Tabitha, who clothed the forgotten.
Hannah, whose prayers changed a nation.
Lydia, a businesswoman who, opened her home to the gospel.
Shiphrah, a midwife who defied a king to protect the innocent.

In Part 4, we’ll start to unravel some of the unsung heroines of the Bible.

See you next time.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 2: Timeline

You’ve come a long way baby!

Let’s look at the timeline dating back to the first women’s rights convention held in New York.

1848: The first women’s rights convention took place, and The Declaration of Sentiments was signed.
1917: The first woman elected to Congress.
1920: The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.
1963: The Equal Pay Act (allegedly) eliminated wage disparity based on gender.
1972: Title IX prohibited gender discrimination for those receiving federal grants.
2021: The first woman inaugurated as Vice President of the United States.

So, how far have we really come as a gender?

We have raised children, climbed corporate ladders, and shattered glass ceilings. We have laid the groundwork for future generations. But we still have work to do! We must continue the fight.

For justice.
For liberty.
For life.
For respect.
For ourselves and the generations to come.

Reflective Question

How can we inspire the youth of today to care about such issues?

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 1: Introduction

Introduction

In 1987, Congress declared March Women’s History Month.

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Where were you in 1987?

I was a young professional at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. I served as the Off-Campus Job Coordinator. By the way, the campus boasts one of the most stunning views of New York City. Just saying.

My job’s goal was simple. To coach and counsel students through the job search process. In hopes of obtaining the “perfect summer job” for them.

At the time, Stevens had a student body of about 20% female students. By 2023, the number of females enrolled increased to 33%. Which aligns with the 70/30 gender ratio in engineering (and STEM).

Time Tells All

Does time really tell all?

Probably not. But we do know time keeps marching on. And that is why is it so important to look at the timeline.

The facts.
The actions.
The laws.
The mountains that have been climbed to get us where we are now.

So, we are back to: Where were you in 1987? Care to dish?

Next time, we will take a deep dive into the Women’s History timeline.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #TheWomanattheWell #Legacy