A few years ago, when we were pregnant with out first baby, I knew our biggest argument would be over name choices. We were both raised in homes where each child had a name from the Bible. So we considered that, along with a myriad of other options, for our own kiddos.
When I was discussing this with my sister she reminded me of something very important : The people in the Bible are no less sinners than any of us (except for Jesus himself of course) just because they are in the Bible. We can learn a lot from them and their faith legacy, just like we can from anyone else and their faith legacy.
This definitely took the pressure off of finding biblical girls names because those are tough. You don’t hear a lot of “Rahab” for a reason I think.
But it also reminded me of something important : how much we can learn about them and their faith legacy? Maybe this was just a “duh” moment on my part, but having read and heard the stories, how often did I overlook the uniqueness that they possessed and God used for his glory?
Some study Bibles include character insets that give you vital information of different featured people in the stories, who they are related to, key verses on them, and where else to find them in scripture.
There are also all kinds of books on characters in the Bible. There are probably way more than I am even aware of. However here are two that I love:
John MacArthur writes amazing character profiles of the people whom God chooses in scripture and backs up the information with God’s word. By highlighting the people he chooses to write about, we are able to get a more complete picture of these people and their story from start to finish.
Francine Rivers is a fiction writer, using her words to glorify God. Her most well-known book, Redeeming Love, is the book of Hosea set during the California gold rush. She takes everything that is known in the biblical account of each person, does research, and then writes a fiction story around that person that is likely based on their culture and the biblical accounts surrounding their story.
Whichever style you prefer, I have no doubt that learning more about the people in the Bible will have you looking at their stories, woven into the tapestry of THE greatest story. You will see things in a new light when you open your Bible to these stories. You will be excited to learn more.
———
As I learned more about these women, I was impacted by their willingness and their faithfulness. And yet I know they were sinful just like me. I thought to myself “Look how God was able to redeem that person, that situation, and use it for His glory. What can I learn from her character, her personality, as marks of a redeemed woman?”
So I grabbed some index cards, and re-read their stories. In the Bible. In the two books I talked about before. I created Personal Profile Cards for each woman. I then took those cards and taped them in my Bible over the study Bible notes for that person (not on all four sides to replace the info already there, but on one side, so it could flip up and enhance the notes already there).
I have learned a lot about characteristics of women willing to be used by God, and writing down what I have learned has helped me a ton. So I invite you to try it too.
How to : Personal Profile Cards for Biblical Women
Materials:
note cards
pens
Directions:
1. Write the person’s name at the top of the card. Behind her name, write where you can find her story in the Bible.
2. Write “What can I learn from her?” under her name.
3. As you read about her in the Bible or another book, make a list of things that stand out to you, that God is growing in you, that you didn’t realize about her before – whatever.
4. If a particular quote or verse stands out to you about her, write it on the back of the card.
5. Find the page of their profile in your study Bible and tape one side down (so you can still access the study Bible info).
Why should I do this?
Believe it or not, I’m not much of a journaler. However, as I get older and mature in my faith, I realize the importance of seeing how God has been faithful in bringing something about – a slow and steady, gentle growth or an all-of-the-sudden growth. When I make these cards, what is impressed upon me from the story may be a constant, or it may be a reminder of what God is growing in me right now. When I look back on these cards I can see how God has been faithful in my journey.
Next week, we will be discussing A Lineage of Grace as our December book for Read, Pray, Love Book Club. I invite you to join us for the discussion. Even if you can’t join us next week, be sure to sign up for the newsletter for insider info on upcoming books, deals, and other fun opportunities.
What about you? What books do you love on this topic? Would you include anything else on your cards? Or do you do them a totally different way already? Would you share in the comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
**links in this post may contain affiliates. thanks for your support of leahheffner.com**
J says
I love “Bad Girls of the Bible.” The author says she was always intimidated by all of the good girls in the Bible but she felt like she could really relate to the bad ones.
Leah Heffner says
J-
Thanks. I will look this one up for sure!
Leah
mariajj2555 says
I found “LOST WOMEN OF THE BIBLE” – The Women We Thought We Knew by Carolyn Custis James to be a really good book. Here is a photo of the book cover and an explanation: You know the women of the Bible, but you don’t know them like this… It’s easy for Christian women—young and old—to get lost between the opportunities and demands of the present and the biblical teachings of the past. They live in a confusing world, caught in the crossfire between church and culture. Although home and family still remain central, more women than ever, by choice or by necessity, are blending home, career, and ministry. They need strong biblical role models to help them meet these challenges. Building on solid scholarship and a determination to wrestle honestly with perplexing questions, author Carolyn Custis James sheds new light on ancient stories that brings the women of the Bible into the twenty-first century. This fresh look at the women in the Bible unearths surprising new insights and a powerful message that will leave readers feeling challenged, encouraged, and deeply valued. Rediscover and be inspired by: • Eve • Sarah • Hagar • Tamar • Hannah • Esther • Mary • and others (Can’t seem to locate a photo at the moment, and I am sure you can find it online. It made me see Eve, Hagar, and Tamar and what their purpose in scripture is.}
Leah Heffner says
Maria-
Thanks!! I will be sure to look into this one too!
Leah