I wrote this article months ago, before “Covid-19” was a word anyone would have known. Current events have heaped more stress on women in recent history as they seek to maintain their family’s health, juggle work from home OR deal with income loss all while figuring out their children’s schooling. But I think the timeless truths from the lives of Eve, Jochebed, and Hannah couldn’t be more on point. We’ve all struggled with feeling like failures, brave trust for the future, or praying through pain and joy. These ancient women have something to share with the women of today.
***
The July heat permeates our small house. The ceiling fan whirls above my head as I settle into the couch. I set an iced coffee on the side table and the cubes clink deliciously. Our 1950’s bungalow doesn’t have air conditioning so the moving air and the cold liquid bring welcome relief. At last, it’s naptime. My 3-year-old twins are quietly sleeping, their energy depleted, leaving me a few precious hours to myself. I’m heavily pregnant with our third child—a girl. This is the time I look forward to all day.
I pull my Bible toward me, along with my notepad and pen. I’ve been studying mothers of the Bible, wondering what I could learn from those who came before me. I read their stories with fresh eyes—a mother’s eye. I put my feet into their dusty sandals. What could Eve teach me about hope in the midst of failure? What could Jochebed impart to me about trusting God when the future is unknown? How could Hannah mentor me in prayer?
I’m eager to learn.
Leave a Reply