In this inspiring book, Christian author Cammie Simpson explores the nine Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 by telling the stories of women of the Bible. From Ruth to Elizabeth, Hannah to Mary Magdalene, Fruitful Women of the Bible describes how biblical women faced many of the same trials as today’s modern Christian women. Like us, biblical women struggled with faith, family, expectations, and patience. Each chapter also includes the story of an historical Christian woman who embodies the Fruit of the Spirit.
This book will inspire you to live a more spiritually fulfilling life and show you how women from the past—both biblical and historical—have successfully adopted the Fruits of the Spirit to serve Christ. Whether you are a new believer or a lifelong Christian, your determination to live more like Christ can be overwhelming. Let Fruitful Women of the Bible show you how to live a fruitful life according to the Bible.
Inside Fruitful Women of the Bible, you’ll discover:
● More than 25 stories of biblical and historical women who embodied the fruits of the Spirit and how embracing the fruits helped them break barriers, protected them, and empowered them to live celebrated lives.
● How you can use challenging phases in your life to serve others, embrace forgiveness and vulnerability, and welcome new beginnings.
● Ways you can recognize righteousness, obey wholeheartedly, and improve as a spiritual leader, no matter how difficult this has been for you before.
● That the best way to live with faith and hope, even when you must enter unknown territories, is to remain steadfast in your love for Christ.
● The power of self-control and how these influential women held on to it during the most testing times of their lives.
Every chapter in this book will draw you a step closer to the woman you’ve always dreamed of becoming. The stories are inspiring, will compel you to make practical changes in your life, and will give you a deeper understanding of what each fruit means.
This book uniquely uses the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to profile the inspirational women of the Bible and historical Christian women. It combines historical biographies with biblical text and inspiration. The tone is friendly and light-hearted and will inspire new Christians and life-long believers alike!
Some highlights of the book, in my opinion, are the chapters on:
- peace - telling the stories of biblical women, Deborah and Mary of Bethany, and historical woman, Elisabeth Elliot
- kindness - telling the stories of biblical women, Rahab and Naomi, and historical woman, Corrie ten Boom
- self-control - telling the stories of biblical women, Hannah and Anna, and historical woman, Katherine Johnson
What does it mean to be a “strong woman” in the 21st century?
I know. We’re starting off with a big question, right off the bat. But if I may prompt you to do some deep thinking, let’s explore that question in more detail.
It’s no secret that the Western world’s view of womanhood and femininity have been under close scrutiny in recent years, to put it mildly. Some may uphold what they view as “traditional” values by dedicating their energy to their family and home, while others might prioritize building a career with or without a family. This is often deemed the classic struggle of a “modern” woman today, having to choose between family and work. On top of all that, we might feel like we’re striving for a beauty standard that feels out of reach. All of our efforts are done in order to be the perfect daughter, mother, sister, wife, friend, and colleague, yet the standard of what’s “perfect” seems to shift frequently.
Is it possible to juggle all of these labels? Can someone really “have it all”?
People espouse a vast array of opinions on the matter. I think that women are doing incredible things to honor their God-given gifts, whether or not they view it that way. But I still think it begs the question: What does it actually mean to be a strong woman?