As we finish up this month and our focus midweek on women’s history, I actually want to go back many years to a woman who doesn’t need much introduction during the December months if you’re of Christian faith, and has a big connection to the person that’s focused on this weekend: Mary, Jesus earthly mother. Throughout the Bible God spoke to people (or sent Angels on His behalf) and told them about things He needed them to do or the ministry opportunities in your life. One well-known example is of God asking Noah to build an ark and ride out a flood that wipes out 99% of everything on earth. We get into detail of Mary’s story in Luke chapter 1, where we meet both her and the Angel who comes to tell her about how God wants to bless her. Overcoming her initial fear, Mary courageously says “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
It’s not every day that a woman is asked to carry God’s Son, to be the woman who raises Him on earth, but every day women are choosing to be courageous. Whether it’s in stepping out into the world as a woman of color, running a global business, raising the next generation, speaking up for those who aren’t confident enough to or able to, overcoming abuse, or staying true to their religious or cultural beliefs, every day women are stepping up and being courageous.
You may not be a woman whose name ends up in the history books, has some special honor named after her, or is well-known for decades to come, but that shouldn’t discourage you from stepping up with courage and commitment to being the best woman you can be. I certainly can’t name all (or really any) of the mothers of famous artists, musicians, or leaders whether in the present or throughout history. History doesn’t usually remember the women who were the teachers or role models who helped the people who are in the history books become the memorable people they are.
Yes, we should honor people for the things they do and contributions they make, but everyone doesn’t get credit for everything they do and everything they are, but that shouldn’t discourage you from choosing to step up and participate in life. Whether you do an act of kindness, treat others with love as often as possible, speak up when something is wrong, stand up for what you believe, or say prayers daily for your loved ones and those you know are struggling, you choose to an impact as a woman.
Laura Dickey 