| This March has been a reflective one for many. The anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdowns took us back in time to that moment when we could feel everything changing. Spring break is beckoning to us with memories of carefree years past. And Women’s History Month invites us to behold the stories of our spiritual mothers and grandmothers.
Take Henrietta Mears, for example. In “Without Henrietta Mears, Evangelicalism as We Know It Probably Wouldn’t Exist,” author Arlin C. Migliazzo shares an excerpt from his book Mother of Modern Evangelicalism. He describes Mears made an indelible impact on 20th century Christian leaders—including Christianity Today founder Billy Graham.
Today, women continue to make Christian history. World-renowned Bible teacher Beth Moore shared last week that she no longer considers herself a Southern Baptist, prompting statements from female faith leaders like Trillia Newbell, Jen Wilkin, and Jacki C King. And IF:Gathering’s virtual women’s conference led by founder Jennie Allen just funded a $1 million Bible translation project in five hours.
Think too of the stories untold, of the women who exemplify the famous quotation of Nikolaus Ludwig, count von Zinzendorf—“Preach Christ, die, and be forgotten.”
While some will find their names in the headlines due to the work Jesus has set before them, many others will not. In each story of faithfulness, may we find ourselves more aligned with the Holy Spirit, bonding with our mothers of the past and sisters of today to preach Christ to the perishing. |
