Found Truths | Renewing the Spirit: Women of Faith

Article by Reverend RB Moore

Christian comedian, Patsy Clairmont, often speaks at events across the country. She tells us about the time she was just married and living in a tiny space with her military husband. Because her husband had to be away on one occasion, she found herself alone one evening. 

For supper, she went to the kitchen to make a baloney sandwich. As she turned on the light, roaches went scampering all over the walls. She said, “It was like looking at moving wallpaper!” Then she saw a rat on the kitchen floor! When they made eye contact, she jumped up on the kitchen table! 

Then she did something she had not done in years. She began to pray. She prayed, “Dear Lord, you probably don’t remember me, but I hear you really like my mother a lot.” She then poured out her distress to God. After she prayed, all her fears went away. A peace that surpasses all understanding flooded her heart and mind. With a kitchen infested with a rat and roaches, and on an empty stomach, she went to bed and slept through the night. 

The next morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. It was her aunt and uncle standing there. They had traveled about 100 miles to see Patsy. Immediately Patsy wrote a note to her husband. She told him she was going to stay with her uncle and aunt for a while. He was more than welcome to come to see her at their house. 

Her uncle and aunt began to explain the purpose of their visit. The day before, Patsy’s mom called them and asked them to check on Patsy sometime. As they were explaining, she was tossing her suitcases into the trunk of their car! 

Patsy Clairmont illustrates a beautiful truth for us. As women of faith practice the art of prayer, the peace of God will often touch their hearts. The Apostle Paul guides us as he writes … “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) 

Yet, there’s still more we can learn from ladies filled with transforming faith. For instance, Proverbs 31:25 says about a woman of faith … “she laughs at the time to come.” Women of faith believe God will provide a joy filled event for them in the future. This brings to mind when my lovely bride, Millie, and I were living in New Orleans while I was in Seminary. 

One day we learned that Millie was expecting a baby. Millie told one of her friend-girls, “Guess what! I’m expecting a baby in August!” Then they danced, hugged, screamed, or whatever young ladies do as they celebrate the sharing of good news.  Our friend then said, “Just think, Millie. Now you can watch your hubby and your baby grow up together!” Again, women of faith believe something wonderful will one day tickle their hearts with joy.

We could go on and recall stories from the lives of women in the Bible, such as Ruth, Deborah, or the Virgin Mary.  We could explore the lives of more recent believers, like Ruth Bell Graham, Dale Evans Rogers, or Joni Eareckson Tada. But here’s another grand truth. The women of faith who have impacted us the most, usually, are the ones we have known personally over several years. Which women of faith played a major role in leading you to walk by faith as you follow Jesus?

Perhaps your mother, or grandmother, or a sister, or a daughter, or maybe a teacher, or a minister, or a co-worker or a neighbor influenced you the most to grow in the Faith. Look around and you will see women of faith sharing their spiritual gifts with you consistently. These are the ladies, our family, and friends, who often touch our spirits the most. If possible, why not take a moment and offer them a word of gratitude? Don’t put it off. Do it today. You’ll be glad you did. Thanks be to God. Amen.