The Family
WOMEN OF FAITH
When considering the great value, worth and need of a woman in the family – her importance in God’s eternal plan – one wonders, where would we be without women of faith who have played a vital role in the heritage of our nation? Many times their contributions have gone unnoticed, without recognition, but certainly not without merit. Throughout history, women of faith have woven the very fabric of our nation. They have often been stationed at the heart and foundation of our country’s freedom, success and progress.
Abraham Lincoln: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). The mothers of some of our greatest presidents passed on to them a heritage of faith that influenced their destiny and the nation’s. Abraham Lincoln’s stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln, and his mother, Nancy, both encouraged him to read the Bible and learn all he could. His mother once said, “I would rather my son would be able to read the Bible than to own a farm, if he cannot have but one.”
All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life (Lincoln).
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world (Lincoln).
Although Abraham Lincoln professed a belief in Christ relatively late in life, he did indeed read the Bible a great deal and often used it as the foundation of his speeches. He once called it “the best gift God has given to man.” Lincoln always turned to his faith during the most difficult times of his life. After seeking the Lord concerning the North’s lack of success during the Civil War, the revelation he received caused him to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves in all territories still at war with the Union. He also called for national repentance, fasting and prayer. This president had a monumental impact on our country, but he once said, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”
Harriet Beecher Stowe: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). From America’s early days, women like Harriet Beecher Stowe had a hand in shaping what it would become. Born into a prominent family, her father was a well- known minister who was involved in the antislavery movement. Her mother, Roxana Foote Beecher, prayed that the Lord would “put the call of service” in the hearts of her children – a prayer apparently answered.
After her marriage, Harriet lived near a slaveholding community and had contact with fugitive slaves. She learned the truth about their appalling existence and was inspired to write a story about the evils of slavery. It was first published as a serial and later as the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Selling 300,000 copies the first year, it had a profound impact on public sentiment.
Although criticized for its stereotyped characters, which would be unacceptable by today's standards, her book is credited with being instrumental in starting the Civil War and helping end slavery. When she met Abraham Lincoln, he was said to have greeted her as “the little woman who made the book that made this Great War.”
Robert A. Corrigan in his introduction to a modern version of the book said, “What makes Uncle Tom’s Cabin decidedly different from much of the other important American fiction . . . is that goodness here is defined so absolutely in Christian terms.”
Susan B. Anthony: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). When women were viewed as second-class citizens, crusaders like Susan B. Anthony determined to change the world in which they lived. Although it is not widely known, Susan’s God fearing upbringing was at the heart of her mission to champion the cause of women's rights. Growing up she was taught and believed that God is no respecter of persons and that He created all people equal, with no distinction between male, female or race.
However, Susan soon discovered that the world didn’t share that view when she encountered the prejudice against women that existed at the time. It became apparent to her that if conditions were to improve for women, they needed the right to vote, and she took her place as a leader in the women’s suffrage movement. She was a world changer.
Mother James: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Women of faith have made a difference throughout the years and continue to do so. You may have read about Mother James. Her real name was Lillie Anna James. She lived in Florida and started a private school in her back yard in the early 1900s to give black children a better education than what was offered in the segregated Pensacola schools of that day. In addition to reading, writing and arithmetic, she also taught them such things as manners, patriotism, religion, literature and physical education, plus the importance of determination and hard work. Mother James also taught them about Jesus Christ. And she made certain they learned her 11th commandment – “Thou shalt not quit.”
Out of her school came lawyers, doctors, teachers and her grandson, Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., who became the first black four -star general. After he received his fourth star and another graduate of her school was receiving his third star, he reportedly said to Chappie, “You know who we owe these stars to, don’t you? We owe them to Jesus and Mama James. If it hadn't been for her, there’s no telling where we would be.”
Our Heritage of Faith: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt he saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Certainly the salute to women of faith would not be complete without thinking about our own mothers. Hopefully, each one of us can recall a mother’s walk in love – granting to her a heritage of faith and love that has been passed down to our own family.
No doubt many ministers of the Gospel, as well as others who have had a great impact on the world, have had similar beginnings. Mothers and grandmothers who know God and give much of their time and energy praying for their children and grandchildren are often the ones who are really behind their success.
An old servant of God wrote: “Mom was saved in a brush arbor meeting when she was young. As I was growing up, and throughout her life she always attended church, read the Bible and prayed. Mother was always a good influence, and walked in love. When it came time for me to begin preaching the Word, I could not have done it without her help. For many years she poured herself into working, loving dad, and caring for children – doing whatever she could to minister to her family. Mom’s life is a wonderful example of a mother’s heart and ministry in manifestation. And I can say along with many others, I don’t know where we would be without women of faith, godly mothers. They are the real world changers.”
