Today's interview comes from Callie Daruk, an amazing lady who describes herself as a "recovering pharisee". This is because although she would profess Christianity "with her mouth," she really wasn't walking the walk before the premature birth of her twin sons. You can read a brief overview of her story here.
Callie's story informs her unique perspective on her favourite woman of the Bible, who is only known by the title of "The Sinful Woman". Read on as she explains why she draws inspiration from her and how we, as modern women, can too.
Who is your favourite woman of the Bible and why? What would you say that modern women can learn from her?
The Sinful Woman spoken of in Luke 7:36-50. I identify with her on several points. I believe her heart was broken and contrite before the saviour, as seen in her actions. She wept as she stood before her Saviour fully exposed and yet fully accepted. Though her sins were many and despite being judged, she was clearly more concerned with pleasing God above pleasing man. She was aware of the great debt she had been released from because of the great love she could now show. I also like and find it interesting that she had no name but that of "The Sinful Woman".
As women, though we all struggle in different ways, we all stand before God just as she did- a sinful woman in desperate need of a Saviour. Modern women could also learn from each of the points I mentioned above, particularly concerning:
- Her courage to please her King rather than her peers, despite her broken heart
- Having courage, in spite of her past
- Having the courage to not hide from those who would judge us but, instead, come to Jesus
Once a woman has truly tasted of the power of Christ to redeem and restore, I believe the same boldness arises. Your life becomes no longer about you but about serving and pleasing Christ.
Please finish the sentence: I am a Christian woman who is…
I am a Christian woman who is:
- Determined to draw near to God with my whole heart and never again with my lips only
- Grieved over the great number of professing Christians, particularly women, who may also be drawing near to God with their mouths while their hearts are far from him
- On a quest for truth through an in-depth study of scripture
- Becoming more aware of my own insufficiency and the absolute sufficiency of Christ
- Willing to be transparent and vulnerable in an effort to reach out to hurting men and women
Please finish the sentence: I am a Christian woman who is not…
I am a Christian woman who is not:
- Interested in playing church, but in being the church
- Going to bury the talents God gave me any longer, but use them, multiply them and pray they bear much fruit
Any final words of encouragement?
I earnestly pray for women all across our globe. May God give us all hearts to know Him and the power of His resurrection. May He draw women from every continent to Himself and, as He does, may we respond, falling in love with love Himself. Isn’t that every woman’s real desire? To be loved beyond measure? May we feel that love and then share it with another who so desperately needs it.