Perhaps it started with the Dorothy Day quote I read the other day
Or maybe it was reading that tomorrow, March 8, is International Women’s Day.
Or could it have been the fun and crazy voting and cheering on different spiritual giants in the Lent Madness brackets?
Now fellow blogger Sarah Bessey is hosting a discussion about strong women. Check out her blog.
Now fellow blogger Sarah Bessey is hosting a discussion about strong women. Check out her blog.
But I am ready to walk with a strong woman from our Christian history.
When I entered the program to become a spiritual director we picked someone to study. I chose, no, I believe she chose me – Dorothy Day. For two years I read her writings and other books people wrote about her. I really felt like she accompanied me on that part of my journey.
Last June on retreat, Teresa of Avila sat with me.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1
I compiled a list of ten women that intrigue me. I want to get to know them better. Read a biography. If they wrote, study their words. Listen to them. How did they pray? How did they walk with God? What will they teach me?
I thought it would fun to get your input on which one to start with first. Here is the list of women but if you look on the left column you will see a poll. Please add your vote. I leave in a week for my silent retreat and will take the results with me and offer them to God for direction too. Better include Him in my discernment, right? Ha!
Elizabeth Seton
Catherine of Sienna
Hildegard of Bingen
Simone Weil
Margery Kempe
Katherine Luther
Kateri Tekakwitha
Caryll Houselander
Brigit of Ireland
Evelyn Underhill
I am open if you think someone else should be on the list.You could add that name in the comments.
I appreciate your input into my new adventure.
What women from history have influenced your spiritual walk?
well I learned a lot Sarah doing this poll. too many to choose from and too many others didn’t know. But I will take the ones who got votes with me to my retreat, pray and then proceed. Thank you for promoting strong women!
Almost all of those would be worth your time! Look forward to hearing where you end up deciding.
This is the first time I ever tried a poll before in my blog and have already learned things. Don’t have this many choices and pick choice people know about. I have too many little known strong women – perhaps that is why I want to get to know them better. Will keep you informed what I decide and learn. Thanks Nancy!
I knew that but forgot Michelle was writing that. That will be a great book. Amy Carmichael is a great suggestion too. Thanks Amy
I am familiar with only a couple of women on that list, and barely familiar at that. Not sure I can cast an informed vote, but I’ll be looking forward to reading about your choice and what you learned during your retreat.
Did you know that Michelle DeRusha is working on a book called “50 Women Every Christian Should Know?” She might add some great names to your list.
I would love to know more about Amy Carmichael.
Susanna Wesley would have been a great example. I am learning from my poll too – too many choices and some women no one has heard of. Oh well, everyday something new to learn.
What a great challenge you’ve set for yourself, Jean. I only have a smattering of knowledge about former saints. Susannah Wesley is one example. She’d put her apron over her head as a signal to her 17 (!) children that she was praying, and must not be disturbed. A good strategy for a busy mother!
May your silent retreat be a time of great refreshing, Jean!