by Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson

“Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

My heels echo off the floor, creating a click-clack orchestra, paving the way to the pulpit. I step onto the staircase leading up to stand behind the sacred desk. I stare out at the assembly gathered, and for a moment, I am reminded of the little girl who sat in a similar place and gazed up at the pastor and felt a calling to the pulpit. Years later, I answered the call, and so I began. My velvet voice flows, filling the sanctuary and joining with the ones who have come before me. I do not stand here alone, but I stand on the shoulders of the women who have come before me. I stand with Ruth’s courage, Miriam’s prophetic fire, and Hagar’s fierce strength.

Stories of courage from biblical women
The Biblical women form a litany of praise. Creating voices that echo throughout the ages encourages generations to rise up, believe, and stand firm in their faith. Their stories are not ancient relics of the past but living, breathing testimonies of courage, strength, and resilience, paving the way for women to be anything they want. Their legacy equips us and reminds us that we come from many women who have led the way to our dreams.

Before they were given credit or even recognized, women were already paving sacred paths; paths of conviction and trust to rely on oneself. They laid down the groundwork so we could walk with ease. Before they were acknowledged, they were named Ruth. She lost her social standing because her husband died, traveled through a famine-torn country, and became a foreigner with no social standing. Despite her hardships, Ruth stood faithfully by her mother-in-law’s side, offering her unwavering support and extending her hand to people of all cultures. Despite all that lay ahead, she followed God earnestly and stood firm in her faith.

The unnamed woman at the well transcended gender and cultural boundaries by speaking to a Jewish man in broad daylight, knowing the implications of impurity. This encounter led her to recognize him as the Messiah, empowering her to return to her community and share the good news with all she saw. She guided others to Jesus and his ministry. We see Esther’s bravery, whose foresight and wisdom established her as a leader and protector of her people. Her actions demonstrate that we, too, can lead despite our limitations; we can stand up and make a difference. These women were empowering examples and paved the way. They made bold proclamations that echoed through generations, creating space for us to walk into our own legacy and empower us to speak truth to power. We now sit in positions like lawyers, policy makers, pastors, journalists, medical workers, and any dream we want. To lead with wisdom, resilience, and strength.

They have prayed over us like Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross, remaining faithful in the depths of sorrow and grief. They have endured invalidation and bondage like Hagar, crying out to God to be seen and recognized. They have negotiated peace and stopped violence, like Abigail, courageous in the face of a possible threat, ending conflict. These women of the Bible, some named, most unnamed, and still many barely appear in the scripture text, do not denounce their power. Their legacy is anything but limited. Their deeds and actions are anything but small. Their voice joins in with ours, creating an orchestra of change. Their strength weaves throughout generations, encouraging us. And their stories, though sometimes muted, have made the footsteps for us to be guided and led to greatness. I do not stand here alone but with a choir of women who have endured, fought, created, and declared greatness.

Discussion questions:

1. Who has shaped and guided you to be the woman you are today?
2. How can you continue cultivating your voice and become the person you aspire to be?
3. What are the ways you can encourage others and be a leader?
4. What can you learn from the biblical women?

Closing prayer:

Loving God, you loved us so much that you blessed us with female figures who have encouraged and guided us. You gave us truth-tellers like Deborah, unwavering faith like Hannah, and Mothering Mary, who loved us by giving us Jesus. Continue to equip us, and show us that we are not alone but stand with a choir of women whom you have created, chosen, and seen. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson serves as Pastor at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas. She holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Homiletics and actively serves in leadership roles within the wider church and her community. Ralen believes her faith and a good pair of shoes can take you a long way.