by Risse Snelgrove
In A Woman of Salt: Living a Life of Godly Influence in an Ungodly World, author Doris Willis invites us to reflect on a simple yet powerful image: Salt. Salt preserves, seasons, and heals. It works quietly, often unnoticed, yet its absence is immediately felt.
This image resonates with women of faith. Jesus calls us to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), and women have long lived out this calling in faithful, everyday ways—through compassion, persistence, and love.
Willis reminds us that much of women’s ministry happens behind the scenes: in kitchens, hospital rooms, classrooms, and church basements. These spaces may seem small, but a pinch of salt can make a difference. Ordinary faithfulness is holy work.
Salt also preserves hope. In hard times, women of faith carry stories, hold memories, and keep love alive when it would be easier to give up. We help protect what matters—community, justice, and trust in God’s promises.
And salt transforms. It dissolves into what it touches, changing things from the inside out. Being women of salt means entering hard places, loving deeply, and trusting God to work through us—even when it costs us comfort.
Above all, we remember that we are seasoned by grace. God uses our quiet faithfulness to bring healing and hope.
May we continue to be women of salt—preserving what is good, seasoning the world with grace, and trusting that even small acts of love can change everything. I invite you to support the Women of the ELCA SALT (Share Abundance Love and Thanks) Appeal by making a donation.
Risse Snelgrove currently serves on the Women of the ELCA fundraising taskforce.