I work remotely, and recently I had to report to HQ for a team meeting. When it was time for a five-minute break, we all refreshed our waters, grabbed some extra liquid caffeine, and took a potty break. While in the women’s bathroom, I noticed two pictures hanging on the wall. One was a close-up comic book-style picture of Wonder Woman in sunglasses, and the other was of her iconic red boot as she walked away. However, your eyes are not drawn to the red boot but more so to the neon yellow gum stuck and stretched from the place she stepped all the way to her lovely and intimidating red boot. It really made me stop and giggle. Wonder Woman, with all her grace, power, strength, and gum, stuck to her boot.
I am so blessed to be the mother of three amazing children. Two of those three are amazing, beautiful, and strong young ladies. I always try to lead by example and remind them that they are important, strong, and beautiful. I try to remind them, no matter what the world says they should be, to not be afraid of “who they are—God's light." Be you, and don’t let society sway how you act or make you into a mold. This made me recall our time in the Holy Land. I recalled our small group sessions with the other women.
It wasn’t until this trip and really studying the women of the Bible that I realized that, other than the Mother of Jesus, many influential characters in the Bible were women, and women seemed to play minor roles.
Lydia (a Bible "one-line wonder") was actually a business owner. She was most likely of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) decent and is believed to have been the one who brought the gospel to Europe.
She sold garments in purple (which only the rich could afford) and was very hard to come by. They were made from sea snails. It was tedious and not easy to make. Many believe Lydia helped spread the church into Europe and other potentially other areas where it was forbidden to go. “And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.”
Acts 16:6 ESV.
How incredible such a supporting role can be! Mary and Lydia are just a few pivotal ladies; however, one that will always amaze me is the unnamed woman at the well. Jesus picked 12 men, but he also surrounded himself with strong women. Mary is #1 in my book, but others like Lydia are unknown. Heck, he first revealed himself as the messiah to the woman at the well!
“The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”” John 4:25-26 ESV
Are we ready for when he calls? Are we listening daily? Can we say what we have done to shine his light in this world?
Sources- Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You