I received an amazing book as a Christmas gift from a dear friend. Seven Women and the secret of their Greatness by Eric Metaxas. It’s a wonderful book. In it he gives us seven short biographies of women who made an impact in history.
The author covers Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Saint Marie of Paris, Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks and Mother Theresa. I have to admit I had never heard of 2 of these women before reading this book. It is a great book and definitely worth reading.
As I read about these women, I was encouraged and inspired. It also got me thinking about the idea of “Greatness” and the woman who I consider great and who have impacted me. Jesus said in Luke 9:48, Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” The women in this book did amazing things but all of them did it not striving for greatness or fame or a place in history. They chose to follow their God and their faith and be obedient in what God had called them to. They weren’t striving for greatness and I bet every single one would shy away from being called such. So too the great women whom I know and love.
One of my dear friends, the mother who loves and advocates for her medically fragile child every single day for her care and well being. She does it with love, compassion, grace and passion. She serves her family and her child every day with joy despite the hardships that she faces. This is greatness.
Oldest twin siblings in an immigrant family who took it upon themselves to teach their younger brothers and sister bible stories when their non believing parents would not allow them to go to church. They shared Jesus with them. In many ways, they parented them when they were children themselves. This is greatness.
A woman who has lost her son grieves with grace and dignity and inspires others by her faith and love. Another who cares for her dying parent with love and tenderness. A single mother who struggles with her children but gives her all to care and love them to the point of her own exhaustion. The teacher who ceaselessly gives above and beyond to her students and school without wanting anything in return. The fierce friend who speaks truth in love even if it means the other person may resent them for it. Mothers and wives who love their children and husbands with all of themselves – always thinking of everyone else’s needs before their own. They are content to be the supporter, the cheerleader, the rock and let others shine. There is such greatness in these women whose daily lives may go unnoticed by most. They won’t say this about themselves. That is part of what makes them so wonderful.
God sees. God notices.
I see you, too, dear loved friends. You amazing women who inspire me to be “the least” of these. Thank you and I will do my best to do the same.
