Often we perceive Women of scripture in an underwhelming perspective.
They are impressive, and capable, and possibly brave. But when they are studied, deep down, even if we try not to...we see nothing but domestics and quiet obedience--quilting bees, recipe sharing, women's "spa retreat" and tea parties. Heroines are not found here. The best we can hope for is to be the one who sticks up for the dork in our favorite rom coms, or the girl who's slightly better than Molly Ringwold, or the stoic subject of a Brian Adams song. Objects of beauty, instead of people.
Yet the ancients were not beings of small purpose. The Ruths and Rebekahs did not stand in shadows of passive heroics. The moved outside of society's careful placements and stepped forward as brilliant beacons of He who is greater. Tamar refused injustice. Gomer embodied the picture of grace. Rahab indulged rescue at nightfall.
They spoke life. They glowed. And to glow is the most lovely of light.
Small pupils are afraid of light switches, as they can only deliver squinting pain. But the offset of candles, or sunrises, coax a purer awakening. The glow delivers truth in a consumable way. It is kind to the eyes. The watchers are able to recognize momentum tangibly. Power and magnified heat are possessed in the combustible framework, but it's metaphoric purposes are used in every destruction of the valley of the shadow of death.
So when you look back at the Rachels and Hannahs, and Marys, I hope it's in strains to the likeness of Galadriel, and Lucy, and Katniss. When you look forward, I hope that you do not fear your ambitions. And in every beginning and end, I hope you fall in love with your purpose. I hope you illuminate the dark places. I hope you glow.
