Heroines of the Faith...

As a young, Christian wife and mother, I long to be inspired and encouraged by those Godly women around me.  Some in real life...some via book or blog.

I recently purchased Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot.  I've long been inspired by her life story.  If I were ever put in even a remotely similar situation, I hope I would behave as she did...to the glory of God.  I guess, I'd consider her a heroine of the faith.  Someone who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, displayed courage and the will for self sacrifice....for the greater good.  God's good and glory.

I notice that E.E. quotes Amy Carmichael quite often.  She is another of my heroines of the faith.  She wrote, "Missionary life is simply a chance to die."

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  Galatians 2:20

Now, I started this post with the intention to share some good literature around the blogosphere.  But, as is often the case, I've had an epiphany along the way.  I've realized that what makes these WELL KNOWN women so inspiring is that they were ordinary in themselves...but due to their willingness and obedience God was able to use them for great things.  He was glorified through their lives. 

And it hit me...when I first heard of Amy Carmichael...it was through another of my heroines of the faith.  Someone most of you have never heard of...another ordinary (extraordinary) woman.  A simple, godly lady that took each day as a "chance to die."

When I was a little girl, Geraldine Iversen did the most special VBS Bible story time ever.  She had beautiful sketched story boards...and would tell the story of Amy Carmichael, who as a little girl was very disappointed that God hadn't answered her prayer request for blue eyes.  She was stuck with brown eyes.

As she told the story of Amy's call to India, Mrs. Iversen would mix a coffee/brown solution...and proceed to paint her face and arms....just like Amy Carmichael had done.  It was fascinating.  She never broke the story as she painted...and I don't recall anyone interrupting to ask what she was doing.

She CLEARLY taught me about trusting God's BIG plans for our lives.  Sometimes we might not understand the whys (even greater than why we have brown eyes) but God knows what He wants for our lives.  Amy couldn't have been used to rescue orphan temple slaves if her eyes had been turned blue...God gave her brown eyes on purpose.  He knew from the very beginning what lay in store for her life.

Someday, I hope that I can be counted by God as one of His heroines of the faith.  All three of these women...whether well known or unknown...would tell you that it wasn't through their own goodness that they were ever used.  They were simply willing and obedient.  They knew the power was in GOD and not them.

Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,

Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,

What matter beating wind and tossing billow

If only we are in the boat with Thee?

Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute

While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill:

Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?

Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?

Amy Carmichael  Toward Jerusalem