Seven Women

1. Seven extraordinary women who shaped history through faith and courage

"We must be honest enough to recognize that each era cannot help having a pinched, parochial view of things, and of course the largest part of that parochialism is that each era thinks it is not parochial at all."

Breaking stereotypes. These seven women defied the expectations of their times, cultures, and often their churches to make profound impacts on the world. They were not defined by their relationships to men or their adherence to societal norms, but by their deep faith and conviction to act on behalf of others.

Diverse backgrounds, common thread. From medieval France to 20th century India, these women came from vastly different circumstances:

• Peasant girls and aristocrats
• Wives, mothers, and celibate nuns
• Activists, educators, and contemplatives

Yet all shared an unshakeable belief that God was calling them to extraordinary service, often at great personal cost.

2. Joan of Arc: A young peasant girl who led France to victory through divine inspiration

"Joan of Arc was no fierce amazon. Far from it. There was nothing even slightly 'manly' about her. On the contrary, it was her youth, innocence, purity, and holiness that made it possible for her to do what she did."

Divine calling. At age 13, Joan began hearing voices she believed were from God, instructing her to drive the English out of France and crown the rightful king. Despite her gender, youth, and lack of military experience, she convinced skeptical leaders to let her lead troops into battle.

Miraculous victories and martyrdom. Joan's presence galvanized the French army:

• Led the lifting of the siege of Orléans in just 9 days
• Paved the way for the coronation of Charles VII
• Captured by the English and burned at the stake as a heretic at age 19
• Later exonerated and canonized as a saint

Her unwavering faith and courage inspired a nation and continues to captivate imaginations centuries later.

3. Susanna Wesley: The "Mother of Methodism" who educated her children for God's glory

"I know that many people whom I hear say a thousand brilliant and agreeable things disbelieve, or at least disregard, those truths on which I found my everlasting hopes."

Educational pioneer. Despite limited formal education herself, Susanna developed a rigorous homeschooling system for her 19 children, including daughters—radical for the early 18th century. Her curriculum emphasized:

• Spiritual formation
• Classical languages
• Literature and critical thinking

Lasting legacy. Susanna's influence shaped her sons John and Charles Wesley, founders of Methodism:

• Instilled deep faith and disciplined habits
• Modeled service to the poor
• Encouraged education for all, including women

Her "Methodical" approach to faith and life became a hallmark of the Methodist movement, which went on to transform British society and spread globally.

4. Hannah More: A literary genius who used her pen to fight slavery and reform society

"Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world."

Cultural influencer. More leveraged her fame as a playwright and author to advance social causes:

• Collaborated with William Wilberforce in the fight against slavery
• Wrote influential tracts promoting morality and education
• Founded schools for poor children

Bridge builder. More's unique position allowed her to:

• Move between elite literary circles and evangelical Christians
• Use popular forms of writing to spread serious ideas
• Appeal to both emotion and reason in her arguments

Her efforts helped shift public opinion on slavery and laid groundwork for broader social reforms in 19th century Britain.

5. Saint Maria of Paris: An unconventional nun who embraced radical hospitality during WWII

"I offer myself for Your people. In any way. Any place, Any time."

From aristocrat to radical nun. Maria Skobtsova's journey included:

• Early life as a Russian noble and intellectual
• Political activism and two failed marriages
• Becoming an unconventional Orthodox nun in Paris

Sanctuary in dark times. During Nazi occupation, Maria turned her Paris home into a refuge:

• Sheltered Jews and resistance fighters
• Provided forged baptismal certificates to save lives
• Arrested and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp

Her faith led her to see Christ in every person, especially the most marginalized. She died in the gas chamber, likely taking the place of another prisoner.

6. Corrie ten Boom: A Dutch watchmaker's daughter who risked everything to save Jews

"There is no pit so deep that he is not deeper still."

Family of rescuers. The ten Booms, devout Christians, felt called to protect their Jewish neighbors:

• Built a secret room in their home to hide refugees
• Part of a larger underground network saving hundreds of lives
• Entire family arrested for their efforts

Faith tested and triumphant. Corrie and her sister Betsie's experiences in concentration camps:

• Witnessed unspeakable horrors, yet found ways to encourage fellow prisoners
• Betsie died, but Corrie was released due to a clerical error
• Corrie went on to share message of God's love and forgiveness worldwide

Her story, told in "The Hiding Place," has inspired millions with its testament to faith, courage, and the power of forgiveness.

7. Rosa Parks: The "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" who sparked change through quiet defiance

"The only tired I was, was tired of giving in."

Prepared for the moment. Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat was not a spontaneous act:

• Active in NAACP and civil rights work for years
• Trained in nonviolent resistance
• Deeply rooted in faith that gave her courage

Catalyst for change. The Montgomery Bus Boycott sparked by Parks' arrest:

• Lasted 381 days, crippling the city's transit system
• Brought Martin Luther King Jr. to national prominence
• Led to Supreme Court ruling desegregating public transportation

Parks continued her activism throughout her life, becoming an icon of the civil rights movement and inspiring generations to stand up against injustice.

8. Mother Teresa: A humble nun who saw Jesus in the poorest of the poor and inspired millions

"Let them see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven."

Radical compassion. Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity served the "poorest of the poor":

• Established homes for the dying, orphaned, and leprous
• Expanded to serve in over 100 countries
• Challenged societal norms about the value of human life

Global impact. Beyond direct service, Mother Teresa:

• Became a powerful voice for the voiceless
• Used her Nobel Peace Prize platform to speak against abortion
• Inspired countless others to acts of service and charity

Her life demonstrated that one person, wholly devoted to God's call, can have an outsized impact on the world.

Last updated: November 10, 2024