I was reading recent reviews from beloved readers for my latest release, A Stolen Kiss, and I cannot tell you how much it warms me when readers connect with characters from one of my books. LeEtta is such a sweet character, but one who had to learn much by watching those around her. Community is so important to the Amish faith, but setting an example to others is also important. You never know who might be watching.
Last year, at our ladies Coffee with a Cause church group, I was tasked to speak. Anything with Coffee involved always makes me happier, and having fellowship with others fills my heart in so many ways. It took some thinking about what I would speak about. Then I spent a day with a dear Amish friend and realized how much she has impacted my life. Each of you are important and we’re not here by happenstance, but for a purpose. I’m sure hers is for more than inspiring me, but inspiring others is a calling too!
God designed us and made us not to reap what this world has to offer, but to sow seeds all the days we have. No matter our age, our position, or our health can hinder what we’re set here to do. As women, you know, our families, our workplaces, depend on us, and we have many great role models to learn from.There are amazing women around us, great examples to learn from, but more importantly there are the women who helped mold our very existence.
Women like Eve, the first woman and mother of all humanity. She taught us a forever lesson about the dangers of disobedience and the power of redemption. Mary was the mother of Jesus who said ‘yes’ to God at a very young age that impacted humanity eternally!
There was Esther, a queen who risked her life to save her people from destruction. She was dignified, brave, and selfless. Deborah was a woman of valor, and Sarah gave birth when she was very old. See, nothing is impossible for God if you simply trust Him and His word.
Ruth was loyal and Rahab, fearless, and in a male dominate world Lydia became a successful business woman selling purple cloth.
But there is only one woman we are asked to remember. We read about her in Genesis 19:12-29. She has no multitude of verses to highlight her. Only glimpses revealing her attitude and heart. It came when God was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and angels instructed Lot and his family to leave at once, lest they are consumed as well. “Escape for your life! DO NOT LOOK Back, lest you be destroyed” (Genesis 19:17). And as God was destroying the two cities, Lot’s wife made a fatal decision.
She looked back. And she became a pillar of salt.
When Jesus spoke to his apostles in Luke about his second coming, he said. Remember Lot’s wife. He never said to remember Mary, or Hannah, or Leah, or the beautiful Sarah. Jesus only asked us to remember one woman. “Lot’s Wife.”
Rather regret or longing caused her to disobey; I don’t know the reason behind her disobedience, but it cost her being among the saved. I’m sure we all have a reason, or an excuse for not following God’s instructions. Her heart and attitude certainly cost her. Please don’t look back. Keep your eyes to the Lord. Don’t get attached to a world you’re only passing through. We are all in a position to make an impact. Whether by having a platform or plenty of seats at our table, we can do His good work.
And never forget Lot’s wife.