Until this past week, I had not thought much about International Women’s Day. There are many days that we are supposed to celebrate according to the Hallmark calendar, it’s hard to keep up. However, last Friday on International Women’s Day, I had the privilege to watch Cabrini, a movie about the life of Mother Cabrini, the first American Saint.
Her determination to care for the Italian Immigrant community in America that was faced with poverty, disease, and discrimination in the 1800’s was eye-opening. She worked to create orphanages and hospitals. She was a savvy businesswoman during a time when women had no respect. The conditions that she and the other sisters worked in were deplorable but their desire to serve God through caring for this community outweighed any personal conditions they would endure. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t last a week in their circumstances.
Since I watched the movie, I have intentionally tried to think of women who lift their communities through their service, education, and working for justice and inclusion. Think of the Bible without Esther, the Virgin Mary, or Mary Magdalene. Without Esther, the Jewish race would have been killed in a mass genocide. Without Mary, we would not have Jesus Christ, our Savior. Without Mary Magdalene, the disciples may have never known that Christ had risen. I lift them up.
Or what about women and what they have contributed to the modern church? Karen Olsen, founder of Family Promise, saw a need in her community to keep families experiencing homelessness together. She enlisted churches to help and Family Promise grew into a nationwide organization. Rachel Held Evans worked for the inclusion of the LGBTQ community in the church and made it OK to not have all the answers about God and our faith. I lift them up.
Then there are the women who work to serve, educate, and stand up for what is right at great risk to themselves. Malala Yousafzai, the young girl who was shot in the face by the Taliban because she fought for her right to an education. Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus. I lift them up.
These are inspiring examples of living, serving, and taking risks. We are blessed in our community with women who do the same. Maybe not at risk to their own safety but they have the courage to undertake something out of their comfort zone, challenge a discriminatory policy or viewpoint, serve when they're already weary from a full day or welcome all with open arms. I encounter women every day at Lord of Life who live with a passion for including all, sharing God’s love, and serving in Jesus’ name. I lift you up.
Who do you know that inspires you as they shine the light of Jesus? How can you shine that light? I lift them and you up.
I get teary-eyed thinking of the women who shaped my life through their example of kindness, empathy, service, courage, and love. As I doubt myself, and question my abilities or direction in life, their guidance, example, and faith have always centered me, given me peace, taught me, and provided much-needed grace. Please join me in lifting in prayer all these women and the women in your life who have given you this precious gift. God, we are so grateful.
Living and serving in Christ’s love with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation