If only God created Eve first. Adam would be misinterpreted and objectified as Eve’s tempting, little helper. And perhaps Noah’s wife, after enduring the ark for 150 years, would have had some options after he drank himself into a naked stupor.
Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah and Hagar each held her own, but we know Carol Meyers was right when she wrote, “The Bible’s enduring political and religious impact on society is shaded by the many ways in which biblical figures are portrayed.” Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Mary and the other 600 nameless women were formidable biblical leaders.
Embodying tenacity, intelligence and faith, the narratives of biblical women teach us valuable lessons about leadership like how to navigate a patriarchal system without getting killed, how to speak courageously in the face of oppression, how to endure hardship faithfully, how to live authentically as true disciples and, most importantly, how to survive.
If you spend any significant time leading within a church, these skills come in handy. After all, the same good ole scribes who excluded the names of most women in biblical history also maintained the religious customs and practices of the day.
Yet, Jesus sat by the well with the Samaritan woman, defended the woman who was to be stoned, affirmed the hemorrhaging woman for securing her own blessing and first appeared to Mary at the empty tomb. Mere survival was not the message Jesus proclaimed as he spoke of the coming reign of God.
If only Rachel stole the blessing. Imagine the dreams! Would so many women feel obligated to wait for access, remain silent or settle for less? Bold expectations, audacious confidence and a relentless pursuit of God’s blessing would permeate female DNA from the inside out.
If only Leah wrestled in the dirt with God. Conflict is part of the deal. A woman unafraid to get messy can surely be trusted to reconcile her mistakes and lead armies of people in discipleship and service.
If only King David had been a queen. Little girls would know of God’s confidence in their ability to stand up to giants. Five smooth stones and a slingshot tied up in a big pink bow. If David had been a queen, women might assume respect and enjoy a margin of error, because naturally God ordains a woman’s ability to lead complex, powerful organizations with authority.
If only Jesus called Peter and Andrew’s sisters. The girls of thunder from Galilee, with their hot-tempered passion, would affirm women who express their holy dissatisfaction with our broken world. Disciples, who happened to be women, would know Christ also calls them beyond the comfortable boats of familial and cultural expectations to become change agents and advocates of the gospel.
I am Abraham looking at the stars. I am Isaac hauling my baby to a mountaintop. I am Elijah at the mouth of a cave. I am King David. I am like a lowly shepherd, curious magi and a blind man made to see. I am both prophetic Peter and doubting Thomas. I am Judas. I hope to be like Paul. These are my stories of biblical leadership. In the covenant of her baptism, I will share them with my daughter. They are her stories too.
Lori Archer Raible is co-pastor of Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
