EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a two part series on National Women’s History Month.
Amy Carmichael, unmarried her whole life, raised hundreds of children as her own. Sherri Hanzel, with five kids in tow, crossed oceans to spread the Gospel in a Muslim country. Gladys Aylward, with little to nothing on her back, led a village of children across communist lands to safety. Susannah Spurgeon, ill and unable to leave her own bed, began and managed a pastors’ resource ministry. Chelsie Hoard, holding a position of ministry in a male-dominated workplace, adopted two boys with special needs. Harriet Tubman and Bethany Meraz introduced slaves and refugees to a life of freedom and dignity.
These Christian women and more have worked their way into our bookshelves, imaginations and hearts, impacting us with the memory of how they blazed the trail for ministry, missions and the church. Who comes to mind when I mention the phrase “impactful, godly women”? Is it your mom, your first grade teacher, your favorite Bible character?
Who do you think of when you consider historical women that impacted your life? Whose story of triumph over racism captured your first sense of justice? Whose adventure overseas ignited your drive for travel and missions? Whose meek and humble spirit taught you Christ-like service?
March is National Women’s History Month, and we, the Church, have a long line of matriarchs to reflect upon! We can find great hope and victory in remembering the stories of women that have gone before us. But history is not just about the past, it’s also about what is being built now to create the history to come… It's about the present too.
As women of this time in history, we are charged with the pleasure and challenge of passing on the stories of Christian women long gone, and with using our lives to develop history as the next generation will know it.
In honor of everything this month represents to women in the Church, here are some unique ways you might honor and preserve the legacies of women past and present:
Reflect on your own history in the making. No one is calling you to a life of stardom or fame, but God certainly is calling you to a counter-cultural life. Consider taking time to reflect and consider the questions below:
How will the women of the future be better prepared for ministry because of me?
On the current life path that I am on, am I pursuing the Kingdom of God or am I pursuing my own kingdom?
Find movies on a female hero of the faith and host a movie night. Some of my favorites (keep the tissues near with all of these):
Inn of the Sixth Happiness (about Gladys Aylward)
The Hiding Place (about Corrie Ten Boom)
One Night with the King (about Esther)
Grab lunch with a local church woman of legacy. An email to your amazing church staff members could be the first step to getting you connected with a woman in your church. Our congregations are full of women that sacrificed much for the Gospel, but are fading into silence without ever getting their story heard. Go find them and hear their testimony over a meal!
Become involved in the ministries and avenues of service of those who went before you by picking up where they left off in the courtrooms, living rooms, mission fields and orphanages. Honor these women and the causes for which they fought such as racial equality, the care for orphans, justice amidst war, godly motherhood and more through joining in their efforts.
Read or listen to a biography about the life of a history maker of the past or present. A few of my favorites:
Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles H. Spurgeon by Ray Rhodes, Jr.
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael, by Elisabeth Elliott
Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, And Who God Has Always Been, by Jackie Hill Perry
In Joshua 4, the Lord instructed the Israelites to build a memorial of stones to commemorate what He had brought them through and to, saying, “this will be a sign among you.” Likewise, let us continue to add to our memorial, the stones representing the lives of women that went before us. In them placing their lives on the altar of the Lord and in our remembrance of them, we remember, too, the great God we serve.
How and who will you remember?
Meet the Author!
Hannah Hanzel is an opinionated, passionate gal that loves sharing what God is doing in her often busy and complicated life. She strives to show God's glory in working as the Art Director for the Baptist Messenger, serving as a multi-client freelance graphic designer, and communing with CRBC. When she's not working, you can find her sipping coffee in a hammock, watching classic '40s movies, or going on an adventure with friends or family.
