Infertility was God’s judgment on wicked women, or such was the ancient Israelite mindset. Barren women were openly mocked and scorned. After all, if God were against them, why shouldn’t everyone be against them?
This was Hannah’s world, and it was wrecking her, especially as she endured the taunts of her rival.
But even in her brokenness, Hannah clung to her faith. She (more…)
Many proofs support the authenticity of scripture, including its mention of the roles women played in accomplishing God’s plan. Another support is its transparency—the way it unapologetically exposes the seamy underside of its key players.
The Bible presents the good, bad and ugly, all for our instruction.
Tamar’s story, told in Genesis 38, checks both boxes. Her story isn’t pretty. Don’t look for (more…)
Forrest Gump would likely summarize James 2:14-26 by saying, “Faith is as faith does.” And one Old Testament woman gives us a beautiful picture of that kind of living, doing faith.
She’s referred to as only “the Shunammite” in reference to her home in Shunem, whose people lived in the light of Israel’s God while simultaneously in the shadow of Baal worship. (more…)
You have been a pariah for more than a decade. Cries of “unclean!” and stares of condemnation follow you everywhere. The social isolation and loneliness add insult to injury. You’ve been bleeding for 12 years, and doctors have done nothing more than bleed your pocket dry.
You’re weak. You’re broken. You’re desperate. You have no money and have earned no sympathy.
But then (more…)
Imagine being a woman who has lived blamelessly before the Lord all your life, yet you are looked upon with scorn and suspicion. The reason: You are childless in a culture that views barrenness as God’s judgment. And now you are old, beyond childbearing years.
You are destined to die in your disgrace, a shame so great that even having your husband, (more…)