Woman of Valor

Marilynn Chadwick

Description

"In an increasingly broken world, Woman of Valor brings a much-needed call to action for women to be courageous. I encourage you to delve into this captivating book." Lauren Perdue Olympic gold medalist in swimmingDeep Down, Don't You Long to Be a World-Changer?Did you know that the famed Proverbs 31 woman was more than just a "virtuous woman"? In Hebrew, she is called a woman of valor. And if you think the Bible paints women as "less than," better look again!Inspirational speaker Marilynn Chadwick, a former agnostic, was fascinated by the powerful portrayals of women right in the pages of Scripturecourageous women who fought wars, foiled genocidal plots, and raised world-changing kids.Like these women, you were designed by God to bravely and faithfully give life to the world around you. More than just a virtuous woman, you were created to be a woman of valor.Marilynn invites you on a quest to discover your true calling. Step into real-life stories of incredible women in her own community, along with those she has met in her travels to India, Lebanon, Sudan, and more. Women who share beautiful and powerful traits you can uncover and incorporate into your own life to become a world-changing woman of valor.Includes a VALOR QUEST study guide to help you embark on a unique and life-changing journey

Informations

• Publié par: Harvest House Publishers
• Date de parution: 01 août 2017
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9780736970280
• Langue: English

Extrait

Endorsements
In an increasingly broken world, Woman of Valor brings a much-needed call to action for women to be courageous. To fight not only for their personal world, but for the world around them. With an open and engaging writing style that makes for an enjoyable read, Marilynn Chadwick explores what it takes to become a woman of valor. By providing personal anecdotes and stories that are both compelling and inspiring, Marilynn discovers a common thread in the way women of valor strive to be strong women of God, using their gifts to influence the world. I encourage you to delve into this captivating book as Marilynn navigates the true meaning of eshet chayil, Woman of Valor.
-Lauren Perdue
Olympic gold medalist in swimming. Lauren overcame a serious injury to win gold in the 2012 Summer Olympics ( Gold and Glory : sports writer Kevin Travis).
Woman of Valor gives us fresh insight into the Proverbs 31 woman. It s not about becoming the perfect P31 woman. Marilynn takes us much deeper. She takes us on a journey across generations and time zones to meet real life women who changed their corner of the world. Women who overcame rejection, poverty, disappointment and tragedy. Women who found life at its fullest when they began to give their lives away. And, through each story, she not only challenges us but also equips us to do the same. Marilynn didn t write this book as an outsider looking in. She lives this, day in and day out. She is living, breathing evidence that when we give our lives away, we get far more in return.
-Wendy Blight
Proverbs 31 First 5 writing team, Bible teacher, author of I Know His Name, Living So That, and Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner
In Woman of Valor , Marilynn Chadwick challenges women to stand firm in their biblical role as courageous and tender warriors on behalf of others. Marilynn speaks with authenticity, since she has used her gifts and influence to fight with love on behalf of her children, her husband, and the impoverished and oppressed for more than three decades. Marilynn introduced me to Africa; an introduction that literally changed my life and has impacted the lives of countless others through the work of Fashion Compassion. Whatever your stage of life, Woman of Valor will inspire you to discover the strength, courage, and hope God has given you to share with a world in need.
-Michele Dudley
Founder/director, Fashion Compassion
Marilynn s gift has been to paint a picture of two sides of womanhood-feminine strength. As long as I ve known Marilynn, her passion has been to empower and equip women to reflect Jesus. The pages of this book will give a refreshing view of womanhood through the eyes of unexpected, and often unsung, heroes. Whether you re in the boardroom, the classroom, the playroom or the living room, you will be stretched and strengthened to be the woman God is calling you to be and leave His mark on your world.
-Lisa Allen
Executive director of ministry training, Proverbs 31.
Board certified life coach.
Marilynn Chadwick s inspiring book weaves biblical stories about courageous women into everyday real life situations. Her personal stories are refreshing and revealing as she compares modern living with its many trials to those of women in the Bible. I have known Marilynn many years and can testify she is first of all, a woman who loves God with all her heart, an incredible wife and mother, and good friend.
-Dee Ray
Cofounder and former president of Raycom Sports Network, Inc.
Cofounder and president of Nuray Media.
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
EUGENE, OREGON
Cover by Bryce Williamson, Eugene, Oregon
Cover Image AZ / Shutterstock; OttoKrause / iStock
WOMAN OF VALOR
Copyright 2017 Marilynn Chadwick
Published by Harvest House Publishers
Eugene, Oregon 97402
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
ISBN: 978-0-7369-7027-3 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-0-7369-7028-0 (eBook)
All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means-electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other-without the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author s and publisher s rights is strictly prohibited.
Dedication
To my daughter, Bethany-
It s been fun to watch you grow into a brave and beautiful woman of valor. The way you love Ryan, mother your children, and share Jesus with the world makes me so proud.
Acknowledgments
To the amazing women of valor who left their imprint on my life. Mom, you poured life into your daughters so we could reach our dreams. You have the beautiful heart of a servant. To my sisters: Susan, you ve clung to your courage, compassion, and sense of humor-even while battling back from a brain injury. Janice, beneath your gentle, artistic temperament, you have incredible endurance.
To Bethany, my lovely firstborn and only daughter. You re a multitalented leader. Friend-magnet. A world-changer raising world-changers. To my daughter-in-law Jessie: Our son DB found a treasure when he found you. I love your adventurous spirit-you ve been to Africa twice and are the only one in the family to climb Mount Kilimanjaro! Soon-to-be daughter-in-law Cassi, you are adorable beyond words and so artistic. You re strong. Easy to love. Michael hasn t stopped smiling since he met you.
To my granddaughters: Anna Grace, thanks for telling me about princesses as only a six-year-old can. To me, you re a princess. Emily, your great love and your fierce, warrior heart will make you mighty for God. To our niece, Emily Ann: I can t wait to see where your strength and kindness will lead you. You re sure to be a difference maker.
To my dear friends serving the Lord on six continents: Krista, Kamala, Kirsten, Pamela, Bernadette, Ange, and Rosalia. Women of valor like you are one reason the gospel spreads in difficult and dangerous places. You ve deeply touched my life.
Harvest House, I m blessed to work with a team that feels like family. Betty, Jean, and LaRae, it s been an honor to join hands with you on this project!
This is a book about women. But I can t forget the men in my life: To my husband, David, the love of my life. Our wonderful sons, DB and Michael and son-in-law, Ryan. And to Dad. You are mighty men of valor, all of you!
Contents
Endorsements
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction: What Is a Woman of Valor?
1. She Is a Fierce Fighter
2. She Makes Herself Strong
3. She Laughs at the Future
4. She Builds Her House Wisely
5. She Prays Hard
6. She Dares to Dream Big
7. She Leads with Kindness
8. She Gives Her Life Away
9. She Is Destined to Reign
Valor Quest: Woman of Valor Study Guide
Notes
Bibles Referenced
More from Marilynn Chadwick
What Is a Woman of Valor?
I believe most women, deep down inside, long to be world-changers. To use their powerful influence for good. To give life to those around them. The Bible has a beautiful term to describe this kind of woman. She is called a woman of valor.
I ve been privileged throughout my life to be influenced by many strong and courageous women. From my own mother and grandmothers. Teachers and mentors and coaches. Church and community leaders. Extended family members. The list goes on.
Perhaps you re like me. Most of us can point to strong women who shaped our lives somewhere along the way. They left their imprint on our characters, our hopes, and our dreams. At times, they sacrificed some of their own hopes and dreams so we could realize ours.
Africans have a beautiful way of referring to all women as mothers -whether or not they have children, whether they are married or single. They believe all women give life to their families and communities. Africans know mothers can change the world. Thus they have this saying: To educate a girl is to educate a nation.
By their very nature, women are life-givers. Throughout history courageous and noble women have discovered a mysterious truth: They found life when they gave their lives away-pouring themselves out in service to their families, to their communities, and to the hurting and broken of this world. Nowhere is this more celebrated than in the pages of Scripture.
The Bible presents us with captivating examples of courageous women who changed their world. Some were wives and mothers. Others were prophets, judges, and leaders. Many were old and wise. Others were filled with the passion of youth. All were warriors. Life-givers. They were women of valor. And they discovered the secret that when they gave their lives away to others, they got far more in return.
The Hebrew term used in Proverbs 31:10 for the famed virtuous woman, eshet chayil , can be better translated woman of valor. The concept of a woman of valor is quite common among Jews, even today. Here s why: A long-standing custom among Jews the evening before Shabbat is for the husband to recite or even sing what is actually an acrostic poem in Proverbs 31, The Woman of Valor, to honor his wife.
Ruth is an outsider to the Jewish faith and a penniless young widow when we re introduced to her story in the Bible. Yet she is recognized by Boaz, her future husband-along with the entire Jewish community-as worthy of this most honorable term, eshet chayil (Ruth 3:11). So woman of valor can apply to women who are not wives. To women who are not insiders. And clearly, it s not wealth, education, or social standing that define the woman of valor. So what is it?
Simply put, valor is personal bravery in the face of danger, especially in battle. In its nearly 100 uses in the Old Testam