International Women's Day: Girl Power Is No New Thing






Happy International Women's Day 2012! Now if you're like me, you didn't wake up excited to celebrate this annual event. You, like me, may not have even known that March 8th marks this holiday celebrated world-wide.

And if you're really like me, you just had to do some investigating.

According to www.internationalwomensday.com, "International Women's Day provides a common day for globally recognizing and applauding women's achievements as well as for observing and highlighting gender inequalities and issues."

Now that's something to celebrate, isn't it?

So today I'm blogging in honor of all you beautiful, intelligent and talented women out there. Let's celebrate our "Girl Power" together.

Well, I could talk about any number of women today. This morning I just read a magazine article in Essence about Maxine Waters, the 73-year-old California congresswoman, still causing a ruckus in our nation's capitol on behalf of the underserved and underprivileged. I could write about Zelmyra Fisher, the 101-year-old woman still living, still impacting her world, and still married to her sweetheart Herbert. The Fishers hold the Guinness World Record for the longest married couple. And of course I could write about the late diva-icon Whitney Houston, who recently left behind a legacy of beautiful, heart-stirring music.

But I think I'll blog "Deep Waters" style. I want to share about a group of women that few know about. These women were amazing philanthropists, way ahead of their time. Their loving generosity and activism changed our world forever.

Just ask Jesus.

That's right. These women impacted and influenced our savior's ministry tremendously. If you don't believe me, just check out the write-up on them found in Luke 8:1-3:
"After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdelene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means."
Whew! There's a lot in these verses. Let's break down what they tell us.
  • These women hung out with Jesus and His Twelve Disciples, while Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the gospel
  • They had been miraculously cured of evil spirits and diseases -- probably cured personally by Jesus
  • Mary Magdelene, Joanna and Susanna were amongst this group, but there were "many others"
  • Some of them probably risked their lives by associating intimately with Jesus; Joanna, for example, who was married to the manager of one of Jesus' enemies -- Herod. 
  • They supported Jesus' ministry financially from their own monies
These women were righteous, courageous and full of faith. And their faith changed the world.

May we be women of righteousness, courage and faith. And on International Women's Day 2012, may we likewise do our part to change the world.

Carla

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