Today is Tuesday, October 4th, 2005; Karen's Korner #647
Late this spring following a meeting in her home, Kim Lee and her mother Judy Watne gave all of us who had participated, a copy of the "Women of Destiny" Bible. Besides the regular Bible text, Women of Destiny Bibles have inset quotes, letters written especially to its women readers, and heroes of the Christian faith over the centuries.
One featured woman was Susanna Wesley. Most people have a bit of background on her: mother of Charles (writer of nearly 2,000 hymns and poems) and John (founder of the Methodist Church). I know that I have read about her in the past, but sometimes I can't recall what I have read.
Here is a brief sketch of the boxed inset about Susanna in this Bible:
Susanna, one of 25 children, was raised in the Church of England, but became a devout Puritan. She married Samuel Wesley, who traveled extensively as a representative of the Church of England, leaving her at home alone much of the time to bear and raise their 19 children (nine who died before the age of 2). Along with their large family, the Wesleys dealt with their home burning to the ground twice.
But Susanna was an overcomer, she was determined to keep the worship of God in the forefront of her home. Since there were no Sunday evening services at church, she began reading and discussing sermons with her children. These discussions evolved into meetings where more than 200 people packed her house to hear her speak--in an era when women were to keep silent in the church, weren't allowed to vote, and were often no better than servants.
While dealing with a large family and tragedy, Susanna made sure her children received the best education and upbringing possible, instructing them in Hebrew and Greek, while teaching all the children to read and memorize Bible verses as soon as they could dress themselves.
I think Susanna can be a role model for all of us as women (and while we are at it, men): to do what we do, whatever it is with great love, and determination. We may believe that we are only impacting our familiy..........but in the case of Susana Wesley (and probably all of us to some degree!).......we are in turn, impacting the world.
The final line in this Bible inset said, "Susanna served to give the world a peek at the godly strength a woman can possess and the powerful, lasting influence she can effect for the kingdom of God."
May the same thing be said of each of us........just for today!!
Back