A blessing for International Women’s Day 2022
May we follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us.
Those
Like Eve – who was called a ‘Help’ using the same word we use to call God our help.
Like Sarah – who laughed but saw God’s blessing
Like Hagar – who called out to God and was heard
Like Tamar – who refused to accept mistreatment
Like Rahab – who recognised the work of God
Like Deborah – a wise judge and leader
Like Jael – who defeated the tyrant
Like Huldah – a prophet of God, who interpreted God’s word
Like Ruth – Who gave up her land and culture to do what she thought was right.
Like Esther – who risked her life for God’s people
Like Mary – who followed God’s call on her life and bore Jesus
Like the Canaanite woman – who refused to take No as an answer, even from Jesus
Like Joanna and Susanna – who provided for Jesus and followed him
Like the woman who bled – whose faith overcame her fear
Like Mary of Bethany – who studied at the feet of Jesus
Like Mary Magdalen – first to proclaim the resurrection
Like Dorcas – who was known for her acts of mercy
Like Pheobe – a deacon in the church and benefactor to many
Like Eudia and Syntyche – gospel workers alongside Paul
Like Priscilla – missionary and teacher
Like Junia – respected apostle
Like so many who followed them through the ages,
Women who heard God’s calling and followed
Women who spoke against injustice
Women who studied and who taught God’s word
Women who heard no but did so anyway
Women who started movements,
Women who founded churches,
Women who died rather than deny their faith
Women who raised children in faith
Women who preached
Women who led the way
Women who gave, who served, who provided, who showed mercy,
Women who prophesied
Women who campaigned
Women who lived out their lives in large ways, in small ways, on an international, a national, a local, a family level.
Women whose names we all know, and those known only to a few.
Women who carried the name of Jesus and who changed their world.
May we take up the torch they have passed to us,
May we be inspired by them, taught by them, encouraged by them,
May we receive the same Spirit they received,
May we too live adventurously
May we speak boldly, with confidence in the One who called us
May we do the large things, and do the little things, and in all things
Follow where Jesus leads us.