As I’ve been musing my way through the Book of Psalms this past month, I stumbled upon this uplifting verse: “The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim good news are a great army.” (‭‭Ps. 68:11) This positive attribution surprised me because I know the Talmud has a morning prayer for men that goes like this. “Blessed are you, Lord, our God, ruler of the universe who has not created me a woman.” Not exactly an equalizing sentiment! So David’s words were refreshing! “A great army!” Given this is “Women’s History Month” I am sniffing down this theme in the Bible. Old Testament? Let’s see. Eve kinda got us off to a bad start and Sarah’s jealousy was downright mean, but Moses’s mom and sister Miriam did some gutsy stuff by saving him against all odds. Ruth embodied the essence of determination and faithful commitment. Esther? Life-risking courage that literally saved her people!” Abigail? Wisdom and action even in the face of her husband’s arrogance and pride. Solomon’s Godly woman? Bright, capable, industrious, courageous, kind and nurturing. And how ‘bout New Testament gals? Obviously Mary the mother of Jesus! Not enough can be said of her surrendered heart to You God. And Elizabeth? First to recognize You, Jesus as the long awaited Messiah! The “woman at the well?” Could be called the first evangelistic missionary! Mary, Lazarus’s sister? Commended by You, Jesus as a model for seeking deep connection with You over earthly irrelevancies. Priscilla? Quite the leader in birthing Your ongoing Church here on earth. But my favorite? Mary of Magdalene. Jesus, You chose her to be the very first to discover You in Your resurrection from the dead, and commissioned her to be the first to tell the rest of the world! (So much for “women being silent in the assembly!”) I love Your love of women Lord! Help us as a human race keep working on untangling the jumble we’ve made of gender issues, still celebrating all the crazy differences while honoring what each uniquely brings to the table of human history.