Oh, we've known for some time about certain activities of women in war: "keeping the home fires burning" was, at least for many decades, the wartime activity most commonly ascribed to women. And, in some corners, one might learn of camp followers (i.e., prostitutes) who actually journeyed into the theatre of war with the warriors. And, one might ... might ... hear of the rare woman who dressed up as a man, put on a uniform, and served as a soldier; forced to hide her true self so she could fight alongside the men on the front lines.
The story of men in the U.S. Civil War is well known. Volume after volume has been written and read about them. But did you know over 400 women actually fought in that war? Abbot's book shines a bright spotlight into the lives of four real women who had huge impacts on both sides of that war. Abbot not only conducted extensive research, unearthing data from a great many sources to craft together each woman's story, she also worked to set each of them into the only existing context: the men's stories.
Absolutely fascinating. And something we would not have known if not for her work.
I wish we had a Karen Abbot to do that for the women at the heart of the Easter story. In this week's Lectionary scriptures, there is a reference to these "certain women" who were integral to the ministry of Jesus and the early years of the church (Acts 1:14).
We know from other scriptures that they used their own funds to provide the resources needed to keep a large group of men and women moving about the country for upwards of three years. They heard the Sermon on the Mount ... heard it with their own ears. They were in the upper room when Jesus appeared after His resurrection from the dead. They saw Thomas place his hands in the wounds. At every step -- literally, every step--- of the way, women were participating in that ministry. They, truly, walked the walk.
It was the men and the women of His ministry to which Jesus referred when, in prayer to the Father he said, "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me...." [John 17] Sadly, the women who partnered in these ministry efforts have slipped between the lines. On a few occasions, we find their names; more often, there are just references to "women" who were also present. It is on us to do the research, on us to find them scattered among the scriptures, on us to read between the lines. There are lessons to be learned about their service to the Lord, lessons we need, today.
After all, we're all in this battle ... together.
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Read more about Karen Abbot's book at:
https://www.amazon.com/Liar-Temptress-Soldier-Spy-Undercover/dp/0062092901
More about women in combat:
http://www.customizedgirl.com/blog/the-20-most-influential-female-veterans-of-all-time/
Women in combat memorial:
https://www.womensmemorial.org/
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/lections.php?year=A&season=Easter
Ascension of the Lord (May 25, 2017)
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 28, 2017)
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
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Friday mornings are just perfect for Lectionary Breakfast. At 8:00 we gather, visit, and order our food. By about 8:15, we're into the scriptures, reading and thinking about what's there. By 8:30, we're consuming our food and well into our discussions. Sadly, 9:00 seems to arrive really quickly; though, to be honest, we sometimes run a little over.
I hope you can join us for all this at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant; shopping plaza at Franklin and New Road.
Did I mention all the laughter?
Blessings,
Steve
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