50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith
From the mission field to the kitchen table, these women changed lives. Some changed thousands, some changed just a few, yet every one is a heroine in her own right. What an absolute privilege it was to learn about their stories. And how humbling and inspiring it was to learn how they lived out their faith in the everyday, right where God placed them, right where he planned for them to be all along.
My friend Deidra left me a Voxer message last week. She knows I’ve been struggling with my career and calling as a writer recently (for reasons I’ll probably get into here some other day), and she said something I very much needed to hear in that moment:
“God knows the plans he has for you. And they are plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. I just want to remind you that God’s plan for you is to give you a hope and a future. God is perfecting the things that concern you.”
Turns out there’s a whole bunch of Scripture woven into that message — pieces of Jeremiah and the Psalms and probably some other stuff that I didn’t even catch. But those words, a mix of Deidra’s and God’s, were exactly what I needed to hear in that moment.
And so that is my prayer for you and for this book. I pray that the stories of these 50 women — their words and their lives — woven together with God’s words — will be the exact message of hope, comfort, courage, encouragement, strength and inspiration you need to hear, right here, right now. May these stories, may this book, help you see where and how God is working in your life.
Okay, so now some fun…because it’s release day, right? We ought to quit being all somber and serious and have some fun!
I have a couple of gifts I’d love to giveaway, along with three signed copies of 50 Women. [To enter the drawing scroll all the way down to the “Rafflecopter” entry form at the bottom of this post]
First, one randomly selected winner will receive an 8×10 frameable print of this lovely Julian of Norwich quote:
Note: print will not come framed.
I love Julian of Norwich. She was an anchoress (What? Don’t know what an anchoress is? Well you’ll just have to read the book!) and mystic in 14th-century England, and she was way, way ahead of her time. She had a beautiful understanding of God’s infinite, unshakable love for his people, which she articulated in a series of reflections entitled The Revelations. One of her most famous quotes is this one — “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well” — which I love, because honestly, who doesn’t need this kind of reassurance and encouragement from time to time? I know I do, approximately every 14.3 seconds.
Next, two randomly selected winners will receive a set of eight blank note cards with this quote —“Do small things with great love” — which is often attributed to Mother Teresa (and she did say it), but was first said by 19th-century Carmelite nun (and now a saint in the Roman Catholic Church) Therese of Lisieux, who was a role model for Mother Teresa (see I know these little factoids now that I wrote the book). And both women are featured in 50 Women, so that works out perfectly!
Aren’t they so pretty and fun? (Why yes I do have an teensy Etsy problem…) [To enter the drawing scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post and complete the “Rafflecopter” entry form]
Last, all three randomly selected winners will also receive a personalized, signed copy of 50 Women Every Christian Should Know along with one of the above-mentioned gifts.
Finally, I just want to offer a heartfelt thanks to all who have helped with the launch of this book and all of you who read this blog. I know two books in one year is a bit of overkill, so thank you for faithfully reading, cheering and sticking with me, even though it seems all I do at times is yammer about misfits and women around here. I appreciate you and am grateful for you Every Single Day.[notice the caps: that means I’m not fooling around]
Enter the drawing to win [email subscribers: click here and scroll to the bottom of the post to enter the drawing]:
And be sure to visit some of the bloggers on the 50 Women launch team to hear what they have to say about their experience of reading the book [email subscribers: click here and scroll to the bottom to see links to other blog posts about 50 Women].
Michelle, Thank you for the privilege of joining you on this journey! I have been inspired in reading of these women, who endured much to accomplish much. Your readers are going to find many heroines of the faith to admire between these covers. The giveaway are beautiful, each one precious and sure to bless the winners. Congratulations on this release day. Thank you for writing this book. May God continue to raise up women in this generation as we read & learn of past generations. Many blessings today!
And thank you, Joanne, for your faithful encouragement- you are one of the best book cheerleaders out there!
Michelle, thank you for inviting me to join you on this journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about these women. You have done an excellent job of writing about them in a way that makes me want to keep reading. The book is inspirational and encouraging. Thank you friend!
Thank you for all your help, Mary – I am so grateful for your friendship!
Congratulations on your book launch, Michelle! I’m so eager to read! Sounds like such a treasure, filled with nuggets to cherish for a long time to come. Thank you for all of your hard work in making this book a reality!
When you say, “faith heroine,” the first woman that comes to mind for me is Elisabeth Elliot. I so admire her steadfast faith and commitment to the Lord in the midst of tremendous hardship.
Blessings to you during this exciting launch time, and thank you for hosting this giveaway!
I love Elisabeth Elliot, too – and the only reason she was not included in this book is because she is still living. What an amazing woman!
My faith heroine is my mom. I used to think that sounded cliche, until I ministered to enough women to realize the blessing that is in my life. My mom was baptized when pregnant with me, so I watched her grow in the Lord from the time she was a new Christian. Today, her faith stands as a pillar in the foundation of mine. Thankful.
Not cliche at all, Traci – I dedicated this book to my mom; she is my faith heroine, too!
Congrats on a wonderful book, Michelle! What wonderful insight we can get from these remarkable women, and what an awesome thing to think that WE could impact generations as well.
Yeah, that thought kind of leaves me shaking in my boots! 🙂
Very much looking forward to reading this book! We so often overlook the importance of women in the Christian faith, so I love that you’ve highlighted not just a few, but 50! That is absolutely fantastic. Congratulations and best wishes on your book launch!
50 felt like a whole lot about halfway through the research and writing, but now that it’s done, I am so glad we went with the full 50 and not 30 (which was the original plan). Thanks for your encouragement and support, Alise!
it’s an absolute honor to watch this project unfold and take flight out into the world. My girls are too young for this book still, but I can’t wait to read it with them, and grow in our courage together. I love you friend. You’re a rock star. You are doing what God has called you to do–and it is beautiful.
And you have been one of my biggest and most faithful cheerleaders and encouragers along the way, Kris – I cannot thank you enough for that!
So happy for you! Congrats- this is definitely a book I want to read with my daughter. My faith heroine is Corrie ten Boom.
Corrie ten Boom is A. Mazing. The one small chapter in this book does not nearly do her justice.
Thank you for bringing these wonderful women of faith to the world’s attention!
My faith heroines are Lottie Moon and Corrie Ten Boom!
I hadn’t heard of Lottie Moon till I started researching and writing this book, but man, you are right, she is incredible indeed. What an amazing lady! Corrie ten Boom too for sure!
Would love to read another of your books Michelle! I so enjoyed Spiritual Misfit!
Thank you, Paula!
SOOO excited about this book! My faith heroine is Elisabeth Elliot. Her books have literally changed my life in the best way. Her legacy is one of complete trust in a good Father.
As I mentioned earlier, Elisabeth Elliot is indeed a GREAT Christian heroine – the only reason she’s not included in this book is that she’s still living, and this is a compilation of women in Christian history. But yes oh yes, Elisabeth Elliot will go down as one of the greats. I relied heavily on her biography of Corrie ten Boom for this book!
Ann Voskamp. Her words got me out of a sixteen year funk and gave me new eyes for old things.
I agree. Reading 1000 Gifts changed my life. I am on #1864 of my ongoing gift list that I began after reading Ann’s book!
Happy Launch Day Michelle! Deidra’s words are the perfect balm to settle any doubt you might be facing. He is perfecting everything that concerns you. HE REALLY IS. Thank you so much for inviting me to join the launch team. My offering/review is presented with this truth “little is much when God is in it.” Bless you as you walk out your journey as a woman of faith. Happy to share the journey.
Your review is AWESOME, Lisha, and I am grateful for it. Thank you for sharing about this book and for your participation on the team. You are such an encouragement and so full of grace. Love you and admire you!
Looking forward to reading your book! My faith heroine is Elisabeth Elliott.
Absolutely, she is a great one for sure, Christine!
So happy and excited for you, Michelle! My blog was out this morning, but now sure how to link it up here. Hoping to figure it out!
Again, congratulations, my friend!
Thanks, Martha – I’ll link it up for you if you haven’t done so already..no worries!
I bought this book from Amazon a couple weeks ago and have been reading a chapter a day as part of my devotions. It is marvelous. My faith heroines are Katharina von Bora Luther, and Hildegard von Bingen.
Thank you so much for buying the book, Donna – I love that you are reading a chapter at a time as part of your devotions – what a great practice!
Oh Michelle,
Got a chuckle out of your confession that you have a tine Etsy problem:)
But, you do NOT yammer – you hit the nail on the head with the proverbial hammer, girl!
My faith heroine is YOU – the realest woman writer I’ve read and will continue to grow from your words.
Grateful for the chance to win your book and the Etsy art.
Katie
Oh jeepers, Katie, you are TOO kind. Thank you – I am so humbled and grateful for your generous comment, girl!
I love this book. The end.
I will give it for gifts. The end.
You, are an extremely skilled writer. The end.
How is it that you always make me laugh? You are awesome, Amy.
I was asking a friend a few month back if she knew of a resource that contained Christian women who we should know more about. I was so excited when I saw you were releasing this book! I hope to win so I can share with my daughters and sons.
I so enjoyed & identified with your book (given to me as a gift from my daughter Kelly Greer) re: Misfits. I ARE ONE! I will look forward to reading more publications. Thanks You!
My faith heroine would have to be my maternal grandmother who I never had the privilege of meeting but who has inspired me in my own faith journey. She became an M.D. in the 1940s, raised 6 children, and lived out her belief in the equality and value of every person. She valued social justice before it became a “cool thing”. She believed everyone had a right to their beliefs even if they didn’t agree with her.
I remember reading The Hiding Place as a teenager. Corrie Ten Boom is not a name to be forgotten!
So excited to get my book on Thursday! My favorite heroine of the faith was a missionary to China. She was brave and bold and completely out of the regular expectation of a woman of her time. Gladys Aylward.
Can’t wait to read the book, Michelle. I love your writing and I love that you’re bringing some obscure women (to me anyway) to life to bless today’s journey for so many of their fellow pilgrims!
What a big day for you, Michelle!
Congratulations! I pray all goes well with the launch, marketing, sales, etc.
You go girl! 🙂
Dear Michelle,
You are certainly becoming one of the women others will write about someday!
I am so happy for you and so impressed two books out in six months that is Awesome!
Thank You for a chance to win one!
It is a Blessing to know we women are still being so productive.
I was priviledge to see Corrie Ten Boom speak once when I was a child and she has been one of my heroes ever since!
Just finished reading Spiritual Misfit a few weeks ago and am praying about getting a copy for my daughter. And now, I am looking forward to reading 50 Women Every Christian Should Know. We need to learn about godly women who have made a difference in the world! Thanks for taking up the challenge!
Hi Michelle,
Congrats on the release of your book! I am so excited to read it! I first learned about Hildegard of Bingen in a music history class in college. She is an amazing lady- totally fearless!
Best wishes!
Claire
Michelle-Happy launch day! I wanted to tell you that my daughter and my best friend are now faithful readers of your blog. I forwarded your Southwood speaks to each of them when I read something that I thought would speak to them. They have both been so thankful to join in the reading-you made me a hero and all I did was hit forward!
Can’t wait to read this story. My faith heroine, is from the present. A young girl in my youth group that lost her life all too soon. She had a beautiful heart of faith, one I would be blessed to emulate.
Michelle, just like the end of a day of labor and delivery, I imagine you are so pleased and bone weary. It has been such fun to walk along with you on this journey. Praying that today is just the first crest of the wave!
Rest well, sweet sister in Christ!
Congratulations, friend. I can’t wait to learn some new things about some familiar names, and to be introduced to some new names with through your familiar style.
Okay, so now I HAVE to read your new book! You expertly sprinkled in some good factoids there, Michelle. I am hooked. Congrats on your book launch day!
History is one of my favorite things to talk about, and now this, all about mighty women – be still my heart. Would love this! Thanks for the opportunity!
Hi Michelle…It’s been a while since I’ve left any comments–had a weird summer–but I read your posts as often as I could. I hope this comment will enter me in your fun give-away’s being offered. I have had a copy of ’50 Women’ for a couple of weeks now, having pre-ordered. I love that I can just pick a woman and read ‘her chapter’, and that is how I’ve been reading your book, bouncing from here to there. So interesting to read of these women of great faith! Such an inspiration to us all. You’ve done an excellent job, as always.
My heroine of the faith? I have more than one, but I guess I would have to say Ruth Bell Graham. She led an exemplary life, was full-to-overflowing with Godly wisdom and the sweet, sweet Spirit of Jesus Himself. Yet, she was real and admitted her faults and shortcomings as well. And my other great mentor? My Gramma Jessie, whom I will never forget, whom I look forward to seeing again One Fine Day! She, sitting in her creaky rocking chair in the corner, reading her Bible every morning, spoke volumes to my young heart. I miss her so.
I just love Abigail from the Bible. She was a beautiful soul in the midst of less-than-ideal circumstances. She made decisions to form her character and one day, God placed before her an opportunity to partner in saving her household and encouraging the future king in his character development.
Your new book sounds amazing, congratulations! I would live to win a copy…checking this out from a link on Mary Bonner’s blog. My faith heroine is St. Gianna Beretta Molla//I love her courageous story of faith, wife, family!
Hi Michelle, I found your blog through Kelly Greer on FB. I must say I am looking forward to reading this book. I have always admired Corrie ten Boom. She is one of my heroines in the Christian Faith.
My favorite faith heroine (so far) is Abigail. I’m looking forward to reading this book, though, so I reserve the right to change my answer. 😉
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Bonnie Gray at http://www.faithbarista.com
I stopped by after reading Joanne Viola’s review and “teaser”. 🙂 Your book sounds wonderful! It’s so important for Christian women to be encouraged to live fully for Christ. It’s easy to believe that because we’re so busy with the mundane of daily life, our role in the “ministry” of the daily glorification of God and the sharing of His love can’t be fully realized. I’m so glad you included women who ministered from “the kitchen table” as well as those on the mission field! Looking forward to reading your work!
Can’t wait to read your book and share it with my daughters. My faith heroines are the women in my church. Each one with their own special story.
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I want to leave a coment for the 50 Women giveaway, but I couldn’t find a place to do that!