In a world where a king is celebrated and honored, and his wishes and desires are immediately met, we are introduced to a woman who stands up for her own dignity and refuses a request made by the king. Request is a dubious word choice. A request by the king is more than just a … Continue reading Vashti: Deposing a Woman of Dignity
After her death, Jephthah’s daughter is remembered by the daughters of Israel, but does the biblical narrative of her death attempt to praise her for simply being an obedient daughter? If so, should one be satisfied with celebrating adherence to patriarchal values, especially when it had disastrous results? Is justice served to this daughter of … Continue reading Jephthah’s Daughter: The Dangers of Patriarchy
Achsah is one of the women in the Bible whose name is given, which is significant. However, her name, like the circumstances surrounding her introduction, pictures her as a powerless bargaining chip in the conquest of the Promised land. “Then from there he went against the inhabitants of Debir (now the name of Debir formerly … Continue reading Achsah, More than a Trinket
“As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart” (2 Sam. 6:15 NRSV). Michal was a wife of David. When I have heard teaching on the … Continue reading Michal, A Political Pawn
I think Naomi’s influence and faith are often overlooked. While reading the book of Ruth we focus on Ruth’s commitment, but rarely talk about the circumstances that preceded and made Ruth’s declaration possible. Ruth states, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; … Continue reading Naomi’s Faithful Witness
Tamar carefully removes her widowed clothing and puts on clothing and a veil that will signify to others that she is available for prostitution. She then walks to the entrance to Enaim to wait for her father-in-law, Judah. She is nervous as she waits, but this seems like the only option available for her. She … Continue reading The Courage of Tamar (Gen. 38)
God is a God who sees. Why is this important to remember? What comfort can we draw from it? To fully understand the importance, we must examine the passage where God is revealed as a God who sees. In Genesis chapters 16 and 21 we have an amazing account of an angel of the Lord … Continue reading The God Who Sees Me
I sit in my car in the parking lot of our local Walmart going over the grocery game plan with my sons. We are going into the store, getting our five items, go through the self check out, and then leave. I further stress to my sons that they are to follow me and not … Continue reading Learning to Accept I’m not Superwoman: Part 2 Grocery Shopping and Adequacy
I am a perfectionist. I know this about myself, and while it aids me greatly in many things, I also know that it is a hindrance that I must overcome. There is nothing wrong with wanting to do well, but one cannot realize one’s full worth when always expecting excellent results in all one does. … Continue reading Learning to Accept that I’m Not Superwoman: One Woman’s Continuing Journey to Find Fulfillment with Faults and All. (Part 1: Taking Stock)
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42 NRSV) I find it amazing that Elizabeth was able to see that Mary had been blessed. Now, scripture tells us that before she spoke, she was filled with the Holy Spirit, but one has to be open to Spirit. … Continue reading Seeing the Blessing
Michelle Mosier 