Martha within ourselves. Mary was calm,
thoughtful, and giving undivided attention
to the most important person, Jesus. Martha
wanted everything to be perfect, anxiously
toiling to make everything right for Jesus. If
we are too busy to spend quality time with
Jesus, studying his word, praying, seeking
his face, and attending church—we will miss
opportunities for Jesus to empower us to
serve others.
What is important to you? The decision
to stay focused on Jesus must be a priority
and intentional each day.
Of course, this list of biblical women
could be expanded to include Delilah,
Ruth, Esther, and many others. The stories
of women in the bible are examples of
faith, obedience, persistence, leadership,
surrender, and love, violation, triumph,
invisibility, injustice, and more. So, while we
continue to celebrate contemporary Women
of Excellence each month in HimPower,
we cannot forget the incredible women of
the bible whose heartfelt stories encourage
us through difficult, challenging, disap-
pointing, and celebratory phases of our
earthly life journey.
During the annual March observance
of Women in History, it is never too late to
plan a personal bible study retreat with a few
friends. A close examination of women in the
bible is certain to rejuvenate you spiritually
and emotionally. There are so many exam-
ples of women of faith and excellence, both
in the bible and in contemporary society. It
is impossible for HimPower to give tribute to
all of the phenomenal women who inform,
educate, inspire, motivate, and encourage us
to be God’s Woman of Excellence.
God gives us courage to run the race
despite violations, rejections, and injustices.
Mrs. Recy Taylor (1919-2017), was a Woman
of God who experienced a wrongful sexual
violation in 1944 that was made to seem
right by societal standards. Mrs. Taylor was
gang raped by six white boys in Alabama.
She had the courage to speak out about
the sexual violation and allowed God to
move her through an incredibly difficult
life journey from age 24 until her death at
age 97. Despite the injustices that she expe-
rienced and the failure of a justice system
to render due punishment to the violators,
Recy Taylor survived decades of persecution
and psychological distress—refusing to be
silenced. She was encouraged and supported
by women like Rosa Parks. Both women are
sources of inspiration for all women regard-
less of age, race, color, religion, economic
status, and geographical location (The Rape
of Recy Taylor, 2017 Documentary)
MRS. RECY TAYLOR, PHENOMENAL
WOMAN
Mrs. Recy Taylor’s life was drastically
altered by the violent sexual attacks, yet she
found refuge in God, family, and so many
others who encouraged and supported her
to the end of life.
God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
Maya Angelou (1928-2014), a contem-
porary woman of excellence whose Godly
gifts and talents continues to inspire and
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