March - Women's History Month Biblical Leaders in the Old and the New Testament

In 2024, Women's History Month celebrates the theme Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. The theme recognizes women who speak up and lead change in their fields. President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th, 1980 National Women’s History Week. The weekly observance continued until 1987 when Congress designated March as Women's History Month. The month of March has been designated as Women's History Month, its colors are purple, green, and white in honor of the women who've paved the way and continue to do so today. “The use of the colors purple, green, and white to represent women’s history seems to have their roots in the suffrage movement in England. White represents purity and equality. The concept of purity was  “especially important to contradict the smear tactics of the anti-suffragists, who portrayed suffragists as loose or immoral women. Green symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and growth.” And, purple symbolizes royalty, loyalty to the cause, and women’s quest for freedom. Life’s journey is filled with twists, turns, and moments challenging our spirit. For Christian women, faith is not just a guiding light but a steadfast companion that shapes our worldview and actions. So, throughout this month we want to exhibit women who made remarkable contributions to their families, communities, and the world as they encounter moments when some need a little extra encouragement, a reminder of our purpose, or simply a boost of faith to keep moving forward. “No ordinary work done by a man is either as hard or as responsible as the work of a woman who is bringing up a family of small children; for upon her time and strength demands are made not only every hour of the day but often every hour of the night”~ Teddy Roosevelt.

The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on 28 February. March is Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate women's accomplishments. History bursts with important events that have made the world a better place. Although women have made progress, there are still areas where women face obstacles because of their gender. For example, women still earn less on average than men, carry the majority of household and childcare responsibilities, face workplace stigmas and double standards, and are under-represented in leadership, STEM careers, and politics. March does commemorate Women’s History Month, although it’s easy to get caught up in the grind of daily life, this month is an excellent opportunity to put a spotlight on all of the major things women accomplish each and every day. From domestic chores and carrying babies to fighting wars and governing countries, God designed women to be “fearfully and wonderfully made”. “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates” Proverbs 31:29-31 (NKJV). Every human is on an equal playing field according to God, distinguished only by their salvation and faith in Christ. Throughout the Bible, women have played a key role in fulfilling God's plan. They have also held positions of leadership and responsibility in spreading the Gospel. Deborah was the judge, a political leader over Israel in Judges 4. Countless women in American politics proclaim to be believers, and some have used their authority for biblical service to their constituents. Women have a biblical role in society from helping within the church to fulfilling the Great Commission. The Bible encourages all Christians both male and female to follow the commands of God in telling others about Him. Women can use avenues such as serving in church and political appointments to accomplish this charge. Females from cover to cover in the Bible have been used by God, and they will continue to be used by Him in the future, as they are obedient in following his leading in their lives. “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told her from the Lord” Luke 1:45 (NKJV).

To God, it’s not so much about gender or outward appearance but rather the heart. God can and will use anyone He chooses regardless of what man expects of their place or value.  Women have a biblical role in society from helping within the church to fulfilling the Great Commission. Christianity gave women rights and dignity beyond cultural norms. Likewise, women have played a key role in the formation of the Church over the last 2,000 years. Women have played a powerful role in God's story of redemption throughout Scripture. The Bible portrays women as strong, resilient, and faithful players in the narrative of the Bible. God promises that nothing done for Him is ever in vain. While our seasons of life fluctuate, the roles we step into and out of change, and we navigate happiness and hardship, what doesn’t change is that each of us is valuable in the Kingdom of God. From the very beginning, women like Eve and Sarah played essential roles in the family unit through nurturing and caring for their families. Why did the women of the bible have such adoration, respect, and reverence for the Lord? These women's courageous faith and actions, biblical women have motivated countless generations and have allowed them to inspire, empower, and encourage women in their faith walk. From The Old through The New Testament is filled with testimonies and witnessing by incredible women who served as ministry leaders in the early Church should be normalized and not made exceptions. A godly woman never fails to seek God in everything that she does. She is strong, brave, kind, and faithful; a woman after God's own heart. Also, women like Deborah to Ruth had a unique role and purpose in the biblical narrative by standing in the gap for their communities, they effectively and successfully embraced their unique callings and giftings by displaying that they were truly from a peculiar people and chosen generations. “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn” Psalm 46:4-5 (NKJV).

Women biblical leaders in the Old and New Testament understood the sanctity of life, and they knew what they did in God’s eyes mattered most. God empowered all women to be strong and follow his call. The Bible encourages all Christians both male and female to follow the commands of God in telling others about Him. Women can use avenues such as serving in church and political appointments to accomplish this charge. The pages of the Bible are richly adorned with the stories of remarkable individuals who shaped the course of history and have become pillars of the faith - their narratives echoing through millennia as testaments to the strength of character and unwavering devotion. There are many stories of strong female leaders in the early Church that are untold. Just like Adam, Eve was created in the image of God. Through Eve and all women who were to come after her, God shows us that His purpose cannot be fulfilled without equal participation of both men and women. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates” Proverbs 31:28-31 (NKJV). 

They were leading their families, communities, and churches. Many remain often underappreciated, just like today. Just like these women of faith, you need to know that you are seen, known, and loved by the Lord. And your impact is far greater than you can know or even imagine. Stories of women like Hannah, Esther, Rahab, and Mary Magdalene show profound moments of divine interaction by encountering transformative encounters with God on behalf of others. But other women in the Bible have only a small appearance in the Old or New Testament, some as few as one verse. While plenty of women in the Bible were strong, capable women, these ladies didn’t sit around waiting for someone else to get the job done. They feared God and lived faithfully. Their lifestyles and livelihoods provide many lessons on how to live faithfully, righteously, and virtuously. From Eve to John's Elect Lady, women played integral roles in God's overarching plan for humanity in which many contributed to the fulfillment of God's plan. Women from Genesis to 1 John in the Bible have been used by God, and they will continue to be used by Him in the future, as they are obedient in following His leading in their lives. “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality” Colossians 3:22-25 (NKJV).