Look at the faithfulness and determination of Elizabeth, who dreamed, prophesied, and prayed for a child, only to be with one in her old age. She lived in God’s promise until it was fulfilled. Look at Ruth’s loyalty and devotion when she boldly stood in a foreign land after experiencing great loss and trauma. Ruth said “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Despite her lack of autonomy because she had no husband, she did not let it define her.
These powerful women lay out the blueprint for us. Look around at the powerful women in your life who didn’t just endure but paved a way. Who used their voice to command change and create a way for us?
The church is a beautiful tapestry made of different hues, sizes, and shapes. The sacred text had Miriam, the first woman Prophetess, Queen Esther, the liberator, and Phoebe, a deaconess. The church needs you to proclaim, to lead, nurture, and to embrace change.
This message is excerpted from “Here, I stand” by Ralen M. Robinson in the February 2023 Café online magazine.
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