Ruth proved to be the favorite woman in the Bible for those attending the Southern Women’s Show Oct. 7–10 in Birmingham. Nearly 300 women and a handful of men cast their votes as they visited the booth of The Alabama Baptist newspaper during the annual women’s event at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
Ruth’s dedication to her family, her determination, loyalty, obedience, humility and willingness to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, garnered her 99 of the 285 total votes.
“Her dedication and devotion to God and her family is admirable,” said Jennifer Carr of Calvary Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa. “[It] makes me want to be a better wife, sister and daughter.”
Debbie Alley of New Temple Baptist Church, Dora, said, “She is the woman I would like to think I could be like.”
Coming from a variety of denominations, backgrounds, races and ages, those who answered were as varied as the 27 Bible women they named. Those chosen ranged from the well-known — Esther and Mary, the mother of Jesus — to the less obvious — Dorcas, Tamar and the Shunamite widow.
Despite the variety, many of the reasons were the same — the woman’s character, her faith, her strength and her struggles.
Coming in second with 64 votes was Mary, the mother of Jesus. For many, the fact that she gave birth to Jesus was reason enough to choose her. Many others cited Mary’s obedience, courage, purity, strength and willingness to face social stigma.
“I think [Mary] is exactly what a mother should be and a great role model for the Christian mother,” said Cayce Holmes of Seddon Baptist Church, Pell City.
Others agreed, citing Mary’s understanding of Jesus’ mission and her willingness to let Him fulfill God’s plan.
Thirty-two respondents named Esther as their favorite, listing her bravery, leadership, wisdom, obedience and faith in God as their reasons for choosing her.
Esther noted for beauty
Esther’s beauty also prompted responses such as Sherri Nicholson’s of Valleydale Baptist Church, Birmingham: “She used her beauty and influence not for her own glory, but for the glory of her Creator.”
Jamie Golden of Westwood Baptist Church, Forestdale, picked up on this theme, noting that God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther. “I want to live life the same way,” Golden said. “Where God’s fingerprints are on every element of my life, but there is no need for me to wear a label.”
For many who answered, a sense of identifying with the characters pervaded.
Libby Oglesby of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills, said Martha was her favorite woman in the Bible. “I am reminded so many times from her story that I should be more like Mary; to ‘Be still and know that I am God.’”
Others identified with the struggle to have children experienced by Sarah, Rachel and Hannah, and admired their continued faith that God would provide. “I had an experience similar to [Hannah’s],” said Peggy Hayden of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Birmingham. “I prayed for a child, and the next year I had triplets.”
For many women, the grace and forgiveness extended to women such as the Samaritan woman at the well, Rahab and Mary Magdalene encouraged them in their walk with God and in His power to heal their lives and their pasts.
Sid Nichols, director of missions for Calhoun Baptist Association and one of the few male respondents, listed the widow who gave her two mites as his favorite female character. “She demonstrated her faith in a larger way than most,” he explained. “She was a great example of trusting God for her provision.”
While attendees were asked for favorites, Shaun Winn of Leatherwood Baptist Church, Anniston, chose to name the opposite. “Definitely not Eve,” she said. “She caused me as well as a lot of women a lot of pain [in childbirth].” (TAB)
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