Holy Women, Holy Men

At our third Lenten soup supper, I led a lesson on the seasons and cycles of our church year. You may remember that our liturgical year follows the life of Christ, although the historical dates are not accurate or fixed. But simultaneously, our liturgical year follows a calendar of remembrance of Christian men and women who witnessed to the grace of God. We commemorate them on their death dates, which are historically accurate.

If you have ever attended our Thursday midday healing Eucharist, you know that we remember the person who is celebrated on that day. It’s fascinating to learn about Christians from all through the centuries! Some are well known; others, you could go your entire life without ever hearing about them, if not for our liturgical calendar.

Just to give you a taste, meet the person we remember today: Sarah Josepha Hale. Born in New Hampshire, she died in Philadelphia at the age of 92, on this day in 1879. Just nine years into her marriage, she was widowed with five children. Sarah wrote poetry to earn income and was the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” A self-taught woman, she became the editor of a women’s magazine, which gave her a social platform for 50 years. Sarah advocated for women’s education and ownership of property, abolition of slavery, and expanding women’s influence in the church. She became one of the most influential voices of the 19th century. She even persuaded President Lincoln to create Thanksgiving as a national holiday!

Gracious God, we bless your Name for the vision and witness of Sarah Hale, whose advocacy for the ministry of women helped to support the deaconess movement. Make us grateful for your many blessings, that we may come closer to Christ in our own families; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessings,

Mother Nina+