My Inspiration: Women's History

Good morning Church! Ch. Hopkins asked me to speak about womens history today and I asked him whom he would like me to speak on, and he said it didn’t matter to him, whoever I wanted. So, that night I thought to myself, I know a lot of famous people who have done amazing and inspirational things, how will I choose. My list is something like Corrie Ten Boom, Anne Franke, Beth Moore, and Mandisa. However, I struggled with who to choose and why I choose them. They all have done and/or said inspiring things that I am sure most people would be affected by. But late that night, God laid it on my heart that I should speak about my sweet momma.

My momma taught me about Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie Ten Boom, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II and wrote her most famous book The Hiding Place about the ordeal. My momma took me to the Hiding Place and explained to me the courage that Corrie Ten Boom had in Christ and how she lived her life serving others, offering her hiding place for those in need. Corrie says after surviving a prison camp, "There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still" and "God will give us the love to be able to forgive our enemies." 

Mom taught me Anne Frank was one of the most discussed Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Her diary has been the basis for several plays and films. She took me to the building where Anne Frank hid in the attic with her family and another family as the Nazi’s searched for them. My mom taught me the importance of history and the importance of appreciating my freedom. A portion of Anne Frank’s diary says, I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I've never met. I want to go on living even after my death! And that's why I'm so grateful to God for having given me this gift, which I can use to develop myself and to express all that's inside me!

Now Beth Moore is an American evangelist, author, and teacher. My mom has sent me a 10 week Bible Study written by Beth Moore to do while I am here, as she does it back home, and it has already begun to change my life. My mom daily encourages my Christian walk. We share our weaknesses and our strengths with one another and she references the Word to encourage me.

Mandisa is an American gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist. My mom has always raised me with Christian, inspiring music. Even when it was not easy for her, my mom found the strength to be the Christian example in our family. Christian music will strengthen us and even guide our attitudes throughout the day so she always taught me to listen to it.

I am sure most of us can relate to my message but I could not just honor one of those women for the inspiring things they have done in history when my mom has done what God has asked her to do. She has been leading me, showing me the example and always explaining the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ. A long list of people have made a huge impact in my life but the greatest impact is the eternal impact, and I have my sweet mom to thank for pointing me to the cross these last 20+ years. Thank you momma, luv ya luv ya, kissy kissy.