In an era when women’s voices were silenced in Christian leadership and preaching, Margaret Fell Fox
(1614- 1702) revolutionized and championed women’s voices in and outside of the church. Margaret
was born in England in 1614. As a young woman, she married Thomas Fell, a prominent lawyer, judge,
and parliament member during England’s time of significant religious and political turmoil. Connected to influential circles in the 17th century, Margaret and Thomas’ estate home became a hub for intellectual and spiritual lively discussions with many visitors.

In 1652, George Fox, the founder of what would soon become the Religious Society of Friends
(commonly known as Quakers) visited Margaret and Thomas’ estate home. During his stay, George Fox preached a radical message, proclaiming God’s anointing of persons regardless of gender, class, or
education. This radical message resonated deeply with Margaret, transforming her worldview toward
spiritual equality for all, including leadership and preaching in the church. Subsequently, Margaret
opened their estate to host Quaker meetings and advocated for religious equality for women and other
under-privileged citizens. During this time, Margaret also became an active writer on behalf of the
Friends (Quaker) movement. Margaret continued to defend Quaker liberties for all even after her
husband’s death in 1658.

Writing the Words of Equality

Over the course of time, Margaret wrote biblical apologetics in defense of women as leaders and
preachers in the church, resulting in 16 books. Four of the 16 books were translated into Dutch, two
were translated into Hebrew, and one into Latin. While Margaret proved invaluable to the Quaker
movement, authorities viewed her actions as inappropriate for a widow of a former respected judge.
Advocating for religious equality, both George Fox and Margaret Fell were arrested and imprisoned
under the Conventicle Act of 1664. In 1666, during her imprisonment, Margaret wrote a treatise,
entitled, “Women’s Speaking Justified, Proved and Allowed by the Scriptures” (William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 1979), promoting women in ministry and the equality of the sexes in the power and authority of the Spirit. Margaret’s treaty was a powerful argument and the first of its kind to be published, advocating for women’s unrestricted right to preach based on Christ indwelling in both men and women (Wallace, 1992). As Fell and Fox worked closely together, advocating for women’s right to lead and preach in religious contexts, they married in 1669 to counter any scandalous accusations. Although they were often separated by missionary journeys and imprisonments, their marriage and lifelong friendship endured. Both Margaret and George lived to see England’s “Declaration of Indulgence for all Nonconformists” in 1687, which brought new religious and political freedom for all. Margaret survived George’s passing by ten years and became an indelible champion for the Quaker movement.

Margaret Fell Fox’s life provided a legacy of relevant implications for women in church leadership and
preaching roles. Her writing and preaching provides profound insights in today’s
contemporary discussion about women in pastoral roles. From Genesis to Revelation, Margaret
demonstrated a theological foundation based upon biblical apologetics supporting the validity of
women voices in religious leadership and preaching. Margaret also emulated the efficacy of women in
leadership and preaching roles through her effective administration, organization of meetings, and
writing for the Quaker movement. Ultimately, Margaret faced the established opposition of her day with a courageous, faithful, and persevering witness, even facing imprisonment for her biblical convictions.

Finally, Margaret’s writings provided numerous published works that effectively challenged systematic
barriers through theological defenses for women in religious leadership and preaching roles.

Women’s Equality in Religion

In addition to Margaret advancing women in church leadership and preaching roles, George Fox’s
Quaker movement became one of the first Christian denominations to officially recognize women’s
spiritual equality, leadership authority, and preaching gifts. Margaret’s contributions spurred on later
movements for women’s rights, with many early suffragists emerging from Quaker backgrounds.

Margaret’s life, inspiration, and persevering work continue to speak today. Today’s contemporary
context continues to wrestle with questions of women’s roles in leadership. Margaret’s theological
apologetics continue to provide a strong case, insisting that spiritual authority derives from divine calling rather than gender (Priscilla Papers, Margaret Fell; 1614-1702). Margaret’s legacy invites us to imagine faith communities where all voices—women and men—are valued as essential expressions of the image of God impressed upon humanity, both male and female. Her pioneering efforts to establish
women’s right to speak and lead in religious settings laid the groundwork for continued conversations
about inclusive ministry and the fullness of gifts that women bring to pastoral leadership.

References

Priscilla Papers. Margaret Fell (1614-1702): A brief biography of the mother of Quakerism.
https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/margaret-fell-1614-1702/

Wallace, T.H. (1992). A sincere and constant love: An introduction to the work of Margaret Fell.
Richmond Friends United.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=A+Sincere+and+Constant+Love
%3B+An+Introduction+to+the+Work+of+Margaret+Fell.+&btnG=

Williams Andrews Clark Memorial Library (1979). Women’s speaking justified (No.194). ,
University of California. https://newlights.thebornes.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/10/WomenSpeakingJustified.pdf

Let’s be real…life gets hard. And when it does, who do you have in your corner? In a world that often preaches self-sufficiency and independence, we sometimes forget the power of having strong, faith-filled women standing beside us. The story of Ruth and Naomi isn’t just some ancient Bible tale—it’s a raw and real example of what it looks like for two women to lean on each other, push through the pain, and walk into God’s blessings together.

Naomi & Ruth

Naomi had lost everything; her husband, her two sons, her home. She was heartbroken, bitter, and convinced that life had nothing left to offer her. Ruth, her daughter-in-law, had every reason to go back home to Moab, to start fresh, to choose the easy route. But she didn’t. Instead, she chose Naomi. She chose faith. She chose to walk into the unknown, trusting that God had something greater ahead.

“Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

Ruth didn’t just stay out of obligation, she stayed out of love. She saw Naomi’s pain, saw the weight of grief she was carrying, and instead of walking away, she stepped in. She became her support system, her provider, her family. And Naomi, despite her own sorrow, became Ruth’s guide in a new land. They didn’t let hardship separate them. They became each other’s strength.

Who is Your Naomi or Ruth?

Maybe you’ve been in a season where you’ve felt abandoned, like Naomi. Maybe you’ve looked around and wondered, Who’s really here for me? Who’s willing to walk through this storm with me? Or maybe you’re in a season like Ruth, where you’ve had to be the strong one, the one who keeps showing up, the one who keeps giving, even when you feel like no one sees you.

This story is such a powerful reminder of what true loyalty and faithfulness look like. Today, so many relationships feel disposable. People walk away at the first sign of hardship. Friendships fade when life gets messy. Commitments waver when things stop being convenient. But Ruth and Naomi’s bond shows us something different, it shows us what happens when we choose to stand by each other even when everything feels uncertain.

The Blessing of Being Faithful

Ruth had no idea what her faithfulness would lead to. She had no idea that staying with Naomi would position her for one of the greatest blessings of her life. When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth worked tirelessly to provide for them both, gleaning in the fields of a man named Boaz. She didn’t know at the time that Boaz would become her husband, that he would redeem her and Naomi’s family name, or that, through their union, she would become the great-grandmother of King David, putting her directly in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Had Ruth chosen to leave Naomi, she would have missed out on God’s greater plan. She would have settled for an ordinary life, not knowing the extraordinary purpose God had for her. But because she stayed, because she remained loyal and faithful, God honored her beyond her wildest dreams.
And Naomi? She went from being a woman who called herself “Mara” (which means bitter) to a woman who held her grandson in her arms, restored and filled with joy. Ruth’s faithfulness brought redemption not just for herself, but for Naomi as well. Their story is proof that when we love, serve, and remain faithful—even when it’s hard—God works in ways we never could have imagined.

We Need Community

So what does this mean for us today? It means we need each other. It means we shouldn’t walk through life alone, believing the lie that strength means isolation. It means we should be intentional about the women we surround ourselves with—women who lift us up, encourage us, and remind us of God’s promises when we feel like giving up. And most importantly, it means we should strive to be that kind of woman for others.

If you’re feeling alone right now, if you’re wondering where your “Naomi” or your “Ruth” is, know this: God has not forgotten you. The right people, the right relationships, and the right community will come—but you have to be willing to step into them. Be open. Be intentional. And when you find those people, hold onto them.

Ruth and Naomi didn’t just survive their hardships, they overcame them together. Their story teaches us that true love, true loyalty, and true faithfulness will always lead to blessings in the end. So let’s be women who choose each other, who walk through the difficult seasons together, and who trust that no matter what life throws our way, God is always working things out for good.

Because when women stand by each other, nothing can stop what God is about to do next.

Woman, made in the image of God, alongside the man, is a necessary element of the
design God established in the beginning account. Purposed for communion with Him, both
woman and man were created equal, displaying the glory of God in ways that compliment one
another. While quite the messy topic in the world of religion, I am tempted to think that it is as
simple as it is written in Genesis 1:27—

So God created humans in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

In Scripture, there are many examples of women acting in exemplary ways in their faith, thus putting forth a role model for believers throughout the ages. It is a discussion that can and must continue for the ages to come and is gaining more traction as time goes on. Mary of Bethany is one of these women, faithful and fixed on Jesus, grasping the weight of his presence in a capacity often times greater than that of the disciples (this is said not to compare, but rather recognize what has been disregarded for far too long). Walking through several scenes that include Mary of Bethany, the fruit of her character is explored and detailed for the benefit of the reader.

Mary + Martha

A particularly popular yet confused scene in the Gospels, Luke 10:38–42 is one that
carries a common interpretation that I argue is far off course from the true intention of the
scripture. A short yet significant passage, these few sentences have been applied to women and
their roles for years.

Jesus is invited into a home at Bethany by Martha, sister of Lazarus and Mary. While
Jesus spoke, Mary sat at his feet as Martha made preparations for their guest (v. 39). Quite
understandably frustrated by what feels like her sister’s ignorance (as I believe all of us have
been in the shoes of Martha in one way or another), Martha asks Jesus why he doesn’t care about
all her work, and then proceeds to tell him to command Mary to work alongside her (v. 40).
There have been various reactions to this moment in the account, but it would be amiss to claim
that this is not a known frustration for many. While her outburst may have ultimately been a poor
choice, it is an understandable one, as we are beings that value teamwork and integrity.

In v. 41, Jesus responds to Martha, explaining that she is “worried and distracted by many
things,” an admittedly hard thing to hear while preparing comforts for a guest. Jesus continues on
in v. 42, confronting Martha’s worry with the reality that very little is needed to be focused on,
and “indeed only one.”

How tangible is this moment for many throughout time? I, myself, have fallen into the
perception that I cannot keep up with all that is to be completed, losing myself in details that I
have created for myself. While there are times that life is legitimately overrun with much to be
done, there are many times that moments become events because of how we’d like them to turn
out. Halfway through my final semester of college (I actually am struggling to comprehend this),
my to-do list is packed but doable, yet appears overwhelming because of the pressure I have
placed upon it to be just so. In reality, I just need to work with integrity and quality to graduate.

We as humans have been given the gift of creativity and handcraft, but in these we can
often lose sight of the goal. I’d argue that Martha may have found herself in this place. It is
important to note and understand that both Mary and Martha were being faithful in this scene—
Mary through listening and Martha through service. The account took a turn when Martha placed
her act of faith over Mary’s, insisting that it was of higher importance and must be participated
in. In this scene, Jesus does not fault Martha’s service but rather her distress and distraction over
the matter. Therefore, Mary has chosen the “better part,” which is her gaze upon the LORD (v.
42).

Mary Anoints Jesus

John 12:1–8 tells of the scene of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus during a meal, weeping as she
did so. While all Gospels retell this account, only in the book of John is it accredited to Mary.
Having poured expensive perfume upon Jesus, Mary is met with an outcry from Judas, a thief
(this outburst is accredited to different disciples in the other Gospels). He claims that this gift
could have been sold for money to give to the poor, unsuccessfully disguising his selfish motive
in the eyes of Jesus (vv. 3-5).

Amidst Judas’ verbal disapproval of Mary, Jesus reestablishes her in the scene as
honorable, as she has grasped the weight of the impending sacrifice of his body. He responds to
Judas, “‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You
will always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me’” (vv. 7–8). Moving with
confidence and reverence, Mary is fixed upon the LORD before her, whereas the many around
her are blinded by momentary distractions.

Mary’s Gaze

Particularly in a society of hurry, distractions, and self-dependence, focus is a concept that is
regularly challenged throughout the day of the individual. It is unfortunately easy to focus on the
swarming, fleeting matters that act as a distraction from what is key. As seen above, the
misplacement of gaze was a difficulty well known many generations ago. Mary of Bethany
illustrates for both the ancient and modern believer what it is to institute a mind that is
preoccupied on the eternal and unshaking presence and character of the LORD. She and
numerous women represented in the Scriptures commendably teach faithfulness for the many
generations of believers.

Scripture itself, like almost everything in life, is multi-layered with those layers ranging from tangible fact to deeply metaphoric. ¹ Author Michael Gorman explains that “a passage of Scripture is often like the center of a set of concentric circles, each circle representing each section of the biblical book”. 

The Importance of Symbolism

Unfortunately, in our quest to give an account of our faith through tangibility, we have strayed from the equally important cornerstone of our faith: symbolism. God clearly has created our souls, hearts, and minds to need the symbolic narrative in addition to the tangible. If not, then Christ would not have told parables, or used other metaphoric language such as referring to Himself as the Temple, His body and blood as the wine and bread, or being the Living Water.

Today, when we discuss Theological and Biblical symbolism, we mostly limit symbolism to the cross, the Lion and the Lamb, the wine and the bread, evil serpents, as well as the color red. Symbolism in Scripture is vastly beyond these examples. Additionally, we now confuse symbolism to be the same as a perfected idea. We as women, made fully in the image of our Lord and Creator separate from our male counter-parts, have been estranged from one of the most beautiful symbols of our inherit worth in all of Scripture: Woman Wisdom. Due to the modernized combination of the words “symbol” and “ideal,” women have been confined to a distorted and warped view that separates them from the inherent symbolism within them.

Woman Wisdom Exhibits Beautiful Symbolism

Throughout the book of Proverbs, Woman Wisdom is seen contrasted with Woman Folly who lures both married and unmarried men to her bed, leading them to their ultimate destruction and separation from God. In Proverbs 9:4-6, Wisdom invites those who are simple to live and learn from her in her house, then in verses 16-17 Folly is seen mocking Wisdom by repeating her invitation but then twisting her words to lead the simple to live in self-destruction. Since Folly’s idle, tempting, and vile nature has been more attention-catching in modern conversation, Woman Wisdom has been diminished and transformed, resulting in Proverbs 31:10-31 being thought to describe an ideal wife rather than the beautiful symbol she is.

When examining the overall narrative of the book of Proverbs, one will see that the book begins and ends with Woman Wisdom in addition to subtle nods to her when the author writes of Folly. In Proverbs 8, ten entire verses are dedicated to describing the idea that Wisdom was with God when He created the world, portraying her as God’s oldest alliance (Proverbs 8:22-31). All of Proverbs 1:20-33, 8:1-20, and 8:32-36 are dedicated to the irreplaceable importance Wisdom has in a man’s life. This utilizes the imagery of a woman’s actions, capabilities, and insights to echo how essential Eve was in Adam’s life. In Biblical context, a man was to utilize his strength and empathy to protect his wife so that she may have a safe place to cultivate and thrive—notice how this says nothing about what he is entitled to. ^Ěý2 She is to be protected, not because she lacks ability to protect herself, but because he cherishes her as he was intended to.

With the larger-than-life narrative context that Woman Wisdom is placed in, this helps to better understand her actions and purpose in Proverbs 31:10-31. While the majority of the verses in Proverbs 31:10-31 sound highly literal, the passage itself is originally intended to be completely symbolic and metaphoric. The passage was written in an intentionally exaggerated and emphasized way which utilizes the Hebrew alphabet in acrostic poetic style. ³ One example of symbolic imagery of the woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31 that is not literal, but rather a representation of women as a whole, is in verses 15 and 18. These verses showcase beautiful imagery of a woman rising before the dawn and working late into the night with her lamp. This lack of sleep would be unsustainable for a real woman, thus these verses indicate that Proverbs 31:10-31 is a symbolic eulogy for a woman’s life, highlighting her strengths, capabilities, and wisdom. Here is where the full circle comes back around for Woman Wisdom’s overall narrative in the book of Proverbs: she was present when the world began and her role is irreplaceable when the sun sets.

Woman Wisdom and the Modern Woman

The way Woman Wisdom is described runs parallel to how the Holy Spirit’s influence is described throughout Scripture. She convicts the obedient and Godly, meanwhile she rebukes the men (and women) who reject her teachings and follow Folly. Yes, Woman Wisdom is fictitious. However, she is used as a symbolic narrative tool that draws the obedient and God-seeking men closer to their Creator; showing them how they ought to cherish their female counterparts of the Imago Dei. That is the application of Proverbs 31 in a man’s life. It is not a checklist for the ideal Godly woman that some Christian men believe they are entitled to. Men are the living symbol of Christ’s love and dedication to the bride Imago Dei; to remove this symbolic imagery and love is to separate men from Wisdom and their Creator.

For women, Woman Wisdom reminds them of their beautiful inherit worth which is not dependent on their actions. Wisdom does not set an unattainable standard that God requires a woman to meet in order to prove her worth and faith to her husband or community. As women, we are the living symbol of Wisdom simply by seeking our God with a genuine heart. In Proverbs 9:35-36, Woman Wisdom states “for whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

My sisters and brothers, that is how we as humans glorify our Creator; not by our limiting actions in a fallen world but by our hearts seeking to live in our God’s truth. We as humanity are individual living symbols of our God’s love for us, not perfected ideas maximizing our earthly image.

Footnotes

1 Michael J. Gorman, Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2020), 81.
2 Satlow, Michael. Jewish Marriage in Antiquity. [Edition unavailable]. Princeton University Press, 2018. Accessed April 11, 2024. eBook.
3 Gordan D. Fee, and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth, 2 nd ed (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1993), 249.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Jesus’ concern for the lowly and weak, the humble and gentle, is so important that these are the first words in His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. Yet, I use these well-known verses to preface a story that came a thousand years before them—a story about how God used a lowly, humble, and faithful woman, Hannah, as an instrument in His divine plans.

Hannah’s Story

Hannah’s story and her beautiful song has become one of, if not my favorite passage in the Bible. Her story opens the book of 1 Samuel, and foreshadows the entire story of the monarchy of Israel. She was the wife of a man named Elkanah, however, she was barren; she couldn’t have children. Today, infertility is a difficult and painful issue for many women. It brings mourning and questioning, and my heart goes out to any woman who experiences it. And in Ancient Israel, it was no less difficult. Not only did it mean the end of a family line, but in their culture, barrenness was sometimes seen as a judgment or punishment from God (Jackson 291). For Hannah, she was one of two wives of Elkanah. Elkanah’s second wife, Peninnah, had children, and would mock and berate Hannah for having none. In fact, it was probably because of Hannah’s barrenness that Elkanah took Peninnah as a second wife (Walton 461). This shows how grieved Hannah would have been over her situation. She was hurting and desperate, but in her pain, she turned to God.

Hannah’s Prayer

When the family went up for their yearly sacrifice and worship to God, Hannah went to the house of the Lord and began to pray. She prayed silently as the tears fell down her face. She prayed fervently, begging God for a child. She asked Him so faithfully and beautifully in all her brokenness, “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death” (1 Sam 1:11 NRSV). She promised to give up her son to be a nazirite, a person that would take an oath to serve God all of their life. This humility and sacrifice before God, even in her pain, shows how Hannah was an incredible example of faith.

While she was praying silently, Eli, the priest, saw her and accused her of being drunk. However, Hannah explained that “I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord” (1 Sam 1:15 NRSV). Eli realized his mistake, and told her that God heard her and would grant her what she asked. Hannah conceived and had a son. As she promised, she dedicated her son to God and brought him to the temple so he could live and grow up with Eli.

Her son’s name was Samuel, and he became the priest that would anoint David as the future king of Israel. Hannah’s story is further brought to life through her prayer in 1 Samuel 2. It describes how God does not rely on human strength, but raises the shamed, mourning, and weak to a place of honor, joy, and strength.

“The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. “Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. “The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. “The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. “The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts” (‭‭1 Sam‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭7 NRSV‬).

Be Humble and Trust God’s Plan

The entire song of Hannah is incredibly beautiful and it’s a passage I return to again and again. It describes how God is the source of all true strength and glory. He brings down the proud and raises up the humble. He listens to the weak and comforts the broken-hearted. It is in Him that we should place our strength and hope.

This story plays an important role in the narrative of 1 Samuel. Saul is chosen by the Israelites to be king, and he has all the human qualifications of one: he is tall, strong, and powerful. However, he soon disregards God’s will for Israel and relies on his own wisdom and strength. And it is his downfall.

However, there is another king after him, David. He has none of Saul’s qualifications, being a lowly shepherd boy and the youngest of his brothers. Yet, God chooses David because his heart is faithful to Him. God does not look to human strength, but rather humility and devotion to Him.

These two stories are beautifully foreshadowed by Hannah’s story. She is a symbol that God uses the broken and weak among us to play an incredible part in His plan. God does not look to what we as human beings can do or our own strength. Rather, He asks us to trust in Him and in His power. Hannah’s song shows the danger of having confidence in human strength and weakness. God is so much bigger than any earthly power. And yet, He sees the humblest of us and comforts our broken hearts. Even in the desperate, lowly situations we find ourselves in, God hears us and is there to lift us up.

References

Jackson, Justin. “The Bows of the Mighty Are Broken: The ‘Fall’ of the Proud and the Exaltation of the Humble in 1 Samuel”. Themelios. Vol. 46, Issue 2, 2021. The Bible. New Revised Standard Version, Zondervan. Walton John H., et al. “NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible”. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2016.

The Bible has been called a “man’s book,” and Christianity a “masculine religion.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Women are significant in the biblical story because women are significant to God. Even when cultural norms can diminish their value, God consistently pushes against these norms to show the love and honor that women deserve.

The opening pages of Scripture scream of the goodness of women. The first woman, Eve, is equally bestowed with the status of being God’s image and representation in creation: “God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27, NRSV).” And though both woman and man sinned, both are equally redeemed in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and equally conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

We meet many such redeemed image-bearers throughout the pages of Scripture, and in the upcoming blog posts, some of my students will be sharing essays highlighting their favorites and what we can all learn from them. Here are some things that I have learned about the way God values women:

God values the leadership of women. Of course, history has not always concurred, so we see far fewer examples of women leaders in Scripture than men. But when we do see them, they are outstanding! Just think of Deborah, who led Israel during one of the darkest periods of Israel’s history when people were too frightened to even go out in public (Judges 5:6). She was a judge, a prophetess and helped to lead a successful military campaign against the armies of Jabin, securing peace in Israel for forty years. Or consider the leadership in the early church of deacons like Phoebe or apostles like Junia, who helped to lead the early church amidst persecution.

Speaking of persecution, let’s think about the many other women in Scripture who chose to be faithful in the hardest of circumstances. The Egyptian slave Hagar, for example, who was forced to sleep with her master and bear his child. When she fled to the wilderness to escape her abuse, God met her there and revealed his plan and his love for her. She believed him, and she was the first person in Scripture to name him: El-roi, “the God who sees” (Genesis 16:13). Likewise, there are the Hebrew midwives who risked their lives to protect the baby boys that Pharaoh ordered them to kill (Exodus 1:17). Or the Moabite widow, Ruth, who gave up everything she knew to live a life of poverty with her mother-in-law in a foreign land. Or Esther who, after having been essentially sex-trafficked and chosen as the new Persian queen, stood up against the powers of oppression to save her people from destruction. Or, finally, consider the women who stayed at the cross of Jesus when everyone else had fled.

We could also think of the many women in Scripture who were honored for their wisdom. Women like Jael, who was celebrated as “most blessed” for her cunning defeat of Israel’s enemy (using a tent peg and hammer no less!). Or the prophet Huldah, whom Josiah trusted to advise him during one of the most pivotal moments in Judah’s history (2 Kings 22). Or Priscilla, who (along with her husband) taught Apollos, who was already a “learned man,” “the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26).

We also learn from Scripture that God values the faithfulness of women. Women like Hannah who patiently prayed for a child and whose prayer of thanksgiving proclaims the counter-cultural and upside-down nature of God’s kingdom (1 Samuel 2). And women like Mary, who was faithful and “most blessed” to receive the honor of carrying God Himself in her body and nurturing, teaching , raising and eventually mourning Him.

None of these women were perfect, and of course the Bible has its share of Jezebels as it has its share of Judases. But God perfectly valued them with love so persistent and forgiveness so transformative that they became exemplary instruments of his kingdom. At Jessup, we try to be Christ-like in the way that we value women and prepare them to serve in all areas of God’s kingdom. Please pray that we would remain faithful to that calling!

As we celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025, we are reminded of the remarkable ways women have shaped history through faith, courage and service. At Jessup, we believe one of the most powerful ways to celebrate this day is by highlighting the work of women in international missions. These are the women who have answered God’s call to bring hope, justice and the love of Christ to people all over the globe. 

Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of global missions, following in the footsteps of women like Amy Carmichael and Elisabeth Elliot, to care for the marginalized, poor and vulnerable, and to make Christ’s name known among unreached people groups. Jessup’s Global Outreach program provides students with the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural ministry, share the good news of Jesus and serve those in need. Over the last 10 years, Jessup has sent out over 500 students to serve around the world, 69% of which have been women. 

Jessup’s Global Outreach – Testimonies of Mission Work

Jessup partners with some incredible ministries that serve and empower women throughout the world. One of Jessup’s ongoing Global Outreach partners, Courage Worldwide, focuses on ministering to women and young girls that have been rescued from human trafficking in East Africa. Last summer, the Jessup team led the girls in Bible studies,crafts, dances, sports and worship. They even hosted activities that provided opportunities for the girls to bond with each other such as team building exercises, a waterfall hike and coffee tour and a day where the team pampered the girls with manicures and makeup. 

One of the young women that the team met in East Africa had a gift in leading worship and expressed that she wanted to learn more worship songs but, given their limited resources, she only had access to a few worship CDs. The team played more songs for her and wrote down the lyrics to several of her favorites so that she could practice them. By the end of their time in East Africa, she was singing the new songs beautifully, and leading the whole group in worship in the presence of God. Her gift has continued to be used to glorify God and bring people closer to him in East Africa, even long after the team departed.

On a trip to Central America last summer with another Jessup Global Outreach team, two young women from the Jessup team ministered in a powerful way to a woman facing significant hardship. The team entered into this woman’s home, offering a water filter and the gospel, and soon learned that she was a woman of faith, a mother of four children and was married to a man with severe alcoholism who had gotten their family into financial ruin. She had been praying for a miracle and was in desperate need of encouragement. The two young Jessup women were able to resonate with her story and offer testimonies of God’s faithfulness as they shared similar familial experiences. They encouraged her by reminding her of her own worth and identity in Christ as they hugged her, wept with her and prayed for her. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt by everyone in the room. The woman said goodbye to the team, feeling seen and encouraged, connected to a local church and, with a new water filter, had newfound access to free clean drinking water for her family. 

At Jessup, we have the privilege of raising up the next generation of young women who are eager to serve wholeheartedly, both locally and globally. If your heart is stirred by the stories of women in missions, I encourage you to take the next step in getting involved in global or local outreach. 

Your Call To Action

The first thing you can do is pray. Pray that Jesus would be known and glorified all around the world. Pray for those that have followed God’s call to serve cross-culturally, whether long term or for a shorter amount of time. Prayer is a powerful way to support those ministering to the world’s most vulnerable. 

The second thing you can do is give. Consider supporting a long-term missionary, an organization that holistically serves the poor and marginalized, or a Jessup Global Outreach trip that equips young women and men to live out the gospel through tangible acts of love and service.

Thirdly, you can go or commit to regularly serving locally. Whether through Jessup’s outreach program as a student, or through a local church, we encourage you to step out in faith and follow God wherever he is leading you. 

Finally, you can be an advocate. Use your voice to raise awareness about global injustices and marginalized communities in the contexts in which you already live. 

Today, we honor the women who have courageously answered the call to serve and we celebrate the work that God continues to do through them. Let’s be inspired to join them, whether in our own communities or across the globe. 

However, the wait was too long for Alex. After learning how to work the engine room and training others in boat operations, she transitioned out of the military to become a caretaker, providing in-home care for the elderly before attending EMT school and later working on an ambulance for another four years.   

“I try to go above and beyond for my patients and treat them as if they’re my own family member,” said Alex. “At the end of the day, I feel like I made a difference in someone’s life. Not everyone gets that opportunity.”

Still, she had unfinished business. As a young veteran with a background in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), her sense of calling began to crystalize. Eventually, Alex turned her focus toward earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after being in and out of college for a long time. 

“I really love nursing,” she said. “It just took a while for me to realize it’s what I wanted to do. In EMS, I was thinking about going paramedic, but I loved the hospital environment. I got to talk with a lot of nurses, connect with a lot of nurses, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. It’s my calling for sure.” 

Choosing Jessup’s pre-nursing track, her first year on campus has already impacted her faith and career for good. She especially loves how staff and faculty are making a difference, including Bobby Bryant, Jessup’s Veteran Services Specialist. As a student veteran, Alex is using the  post-911 GI bill to cover tuition. She also attends the Spiritual Formation Group led by Sergeant Des Nelson on Monday mornings.  

Though she grew up familiar with church, Alex still didn’t have a strong personal faith prior to attending Jessup. So far, the faculty teaching her prerequisite classes have helped Scripture and the gospel come alive for the first time in her life. This has deepened and enriched her understanding of God. 

“The professors here are so amazing,” said Alex. “I feel like I’m in church three days a week! I’m becoming stronger in my faith, and it’s going to make me a better nurse. Professor Oswald opened my eyes to different ways of seeing the Bible. He’s so passionate—the way he describes the stories and the love of Jesus.”

Jessup’s community couldn’t be more excited about the launch of our Bachelor of Science in Nursing! The goal of this program is to equip what we’re calling the next generation of “healing ambassadors.” Most importantly, every student gains a built-in community of peers, professors, and staff who knows them by name and cheers them on. As with all our degrees, we hope our students become the hands and feet of Jesus, both in the local community and abroad. 

Read more about our new faith-based nursing degree in the Jessup Magazine. 

Explore benefits and resources available to student veterans by visiting our Veteran Services page.

During a lonely few months, Jesus kept me company on these walks. I’ve always felt closest to God in nature, and there’s something about the art of walking that draws me in even closer. Maybe it’s the sights along the way or the forward movement itself that feels like taking action. Whatever the reasons, I feel invited into something—into new ways of seeing and being that are unlike what I experience sitting home under a cozy blanket or at a cherry-red stoplight.

Walking with God isn’t limited to walking, though. After all, what about those with physical limitations who don’t have that ability? Walking with God is about accepting the invitation to keep company with Him. As we keep company with our Savior, we become more aware of His presence in everyday life and learn to move to the rhythms of His love.

When Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He called out for Peter and Andrew to follow, and the disciples “immediately… left their nets and followed him” (). This was an invitation into companionship with Jesus. It was an invitation into new ways of seeing and being. It required action—and not just from their feet but also from their hearts.

Jesus also called out to John and his brother James, the son of Zebedee (). He then drew those from the regions of Galilee, Jerusalem, the Decapolis, Judea, and the Jordan (v.25). You might call Him a collector of people because of how His presence compelled others to follow. Of course, this wasn’t a lust for attention; it was because there was something about Jesus’s company that transformed people.

It’s easy to grow distant and inattentive to God’s presence. But because the Holy Spirit inhabits us, we know that God never leaves us. We can’t escape Him, but we can walk toward things that draw us away. This is why Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I in you” (). Walking with an awareness of God’s presence brings us intimacy and abundant life that isn’t possible apart from a relationship with Him.

There will always be activities and anxieties that feel urgent. May we learn the slow, steady practice of walking in God’s presence every hour of the day because it’s here that we grow in our relationship with Him and learn the rhythms of His love. Whatever our hands find to do, I pray that in 2023 we carry a willingness to drop our nets when He calls.

a4yyÎçŇš¸ŁŔű aims to educate transformational leaders for God’s glory through Christ-centered higher education. We do this by living in Christ, learning in community, and leading in culture. Read more about our mission here. 

Reproduced with permission from , copyright 2020. Photos taken from .

The short answer is yes. 

“I remember being in a class during my undergrad program at Jessup and sharing with my professor that a piece I had written got a lot of traction,” said Kristen. “I expressed my enthusiasm over what could have been the start of something really exciting—like maybe I’d become a famous faith writer or something. He smiled and said, ‘Don’t forget us small people.’ I remember being moved by his comment. How could I ever forget him or anyone who contributed so much to my education and spiritual formation? He and others like him weren’t small people. They were huge to me. What I realized later is that he modeled a life of obscurity and passion in the work he did every day, and it deeply shaped my life.” 

This moment sent Kristen down a path of contemplating the value that people, specifically Jesus followers, bring to the world of work. She began writing about the value of Christian presence in the workplace and how our ordinary (or extraordinary!) nine-to-five day jobs are just as sacred and important as formal church ministry. 

“We take the kingdom of God with us wherever we go,” said Kristen. “We are little churches on legs, and we’re going into our offices, schools, communities, and grocery stores. I think churches often carry the burden of winning people over to Christ, and that’s not their burden to bear. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. We are tasked with loving the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Our neighbors are the people in our path.” 

Ultimately, Kristen believes our lives are our ministry. Whether we’re students or professors, baristas or senior pastors, we are salt and light. When disciples of Jesus go about their lives with intention, knowing they bring the kingdom of God with them wherever they go, they possess the framework to reorient the way they think about ministry. “In order to help people expand their vision, the leadership of any church or para-church organization must first believe that the work done outside the Church holds the same inherent value as the work inside the Church,” said Kristen. 

During Kristen’s time in Jessup’s School of Theology and Leadership, there were several professors who positively impacted her life and faith. Dr. Brad Swope was a favorite. 

“I sat in his Life and Teachings of Jesus class as a student, then worked alongside him as a T.A.,” said Kristen. “Later, he served as my spiritual/educational mentor, and now—now, I think we’re friends. To date, he’s the only professor to give me a D on a paper (I’m still annoyed about it). But since that paper, my writing is stronger and more clear. My time under his guidance made me a better listener, more compassionate, and more confident. Dr. Swope is clearly a teacher, but he is also a pastor. I witnessed him exercise truth and kindness in the classroom, in private conversations, and in professional settings with grace and humility. His desire was always to bring people onto the path of human flourishing offered by Jesus.”

This year, while continuing seminary, Kristen is excited to complete her real estate license. She’s also finishing up a book proposal and plans to start pitching it to a short list of literary agents. When she isn’t working, reading, and paper-writing, the Santa Barbara local loves spending time at the beach and basking in the beauty of nature. 

Learn more about Jessup’s School of Theology and Leadership. You can also find Kristen’s writings on work and ministry here at her .