Shine Their Light (Again)

Cleopatra and Mati Hari.

What comes to mind when you hear the names of these two infamous women?

In today's time, their names conjure images of beauty, sexiness, and strength. But contrasted with the biblical ideal, these women are synonymous with greed, seduction, ruthlessness, and an all consuming quest for power.

As a history afficionada, when I consider the "great women" of the past, there is sad truth in the statement:

"Well behaved women seldom make history."

However, as a Christian, I knew that true and powerful change is not always announced with fireworks and a tremendous boom. True change shines a light - and this light is inextinguishable.

My reasons for this Ministry are simple: To shine the light of these godly women (and men, too) who have gone before us. Our goal is to bring to the reader's attention the Christian women our modern history overlooks.

Oh, make no mistake! They were often rebellious, too. But that rebellion against the tyrannical forces of their day showed their obedience to God. They took a stand for Christ and were warriors for the Faith. Some of their names are Edith Cavell, Corrie ten Boom, and Edith Stein. This Ministry is dedicated to preserving their memory and sharing their message. For theirs was a message that only a life lived for Christ is worth living (and in many cases dying) for.

Their lives and legacy is what Innerweavings is all about. Come join us on this journey!

- Amber Gates

"Dear Madam: As a Red Cross Nurse, and as a Christian woman, I have been waiting to see an explosion of feeling for the abominable way the Huns have treated our fellow worker, poor Miss Cavell." These words were written by Constance Garibaldi in a Letter to the Editor of The British Journal of Nursing on October 20, 1915.

As a Christian woman myself, reading these words over a century later, I wondered who was this "poor Miss Cavell" and why would another Christian woman be upset over her "abominable" treatment at the hands of the enemy during World War I?

Thus began an investigative quest that would lead not only to uncovering this remarkable woman's story, but also lead to the creation of this unique Christian women's ministry: Innerweavings.

At Innerweavings, Amber Gates and I want to use our shared love of history and our Christian faiths to bring you the little known and long lost stories of the great Christian women, such as Edith Cavell, who have gone before us. As Matthew 5:16 commands, these women "let their light shine," and their light inspired their families, their communities, their countries, and even their world. But sadly, we later generations have let their lights go out and allowed their amazing testimonies to be forgotten. This is our loss and our shame. At Innerweavings we are on a mission to Shine Their Light once again!!

Come and join us on this inspiring journey!

- Elisha Todd