Faithful Women

When I think of significant influences on my faith, two faces come to mind—my grandmother and my mother. Mama Brown was always glad to see me, swallowing me up in her warm embrace. If it wasn’t too close to a meal my grandmother would offer a snack she had baked from scratch. I felt loved. Later I would learn a phrase called “unconditional love,” often used to describe God. The phrase made me think of Mama Brown. Her nature was to love others. Mama Brown was a woman of faith and a faithful woman.

My mother, Mama Brown’s youngest daughter, confessed her faith in Jesus and was baptized when I was in the third grade. Church became a priority. Daddy didn’t go to church with us, but Mother was there with all four kids every time the doors opened. When I testify to my faith I must acknowledge the significance of these faithful women.

The church down through the ages owes a debt to faithful women. Women were among those who traveled with Jesus, providing support out of their own means. Women witnessed the crucifixion and noted where Jesus was buried so they could bring spices after the Sabbath. And we all know the first gospel preacher was a woman because Mary Magdalene ran from the empty tomb to tell the others that Jesus was alive!

Thank you, Lord, for faithful women. [Luke 8:1-3 and Luke 23—24]