7 Women and The Secret of Their Greatness
Eric Metaxas
Eric Metaxas chose these women because “their accomplishments are not gender-neutral but are rooted in their singularity as women.” What does that mean?
Joan of Arc
- On page 5, Joan is told she will save France and “she did not doubt.” Where do you think her faith came from at such a young age? Does God still use people this way?
- Joan of Arc represents a symbol of purity. She chose to be celibate, she was supernaturally protected from the men in her army, and deliberately sealed her fate by wearing men’s
clothing to prevent the guards from raping her. Is there a connection between her purity and how God used her? How do you want to be more like Joan?
Susanna Wesley
- Susanna was a woman of great faith and patience. When her husband, Samuel, abandoned her and their kids she was left with absolutely nothing. She lost nine children in their infancy and lost her home and everything in it due to a fire not once, but twice! Still she was committed to her devotional life? What was most remarkable about her faith and practice of it?
- Susanna was not a typical homemaker. She did way more than what a typical stay-at-home mom would or does do. Her influence on her children and community was huge. Her “methods” for teaching greatly influenced the work of her son, John, and the Methodist movement he founded. What is most amazing about Susanna?
Hannah More
- Hannah was an outspoken advocate for ideas considered unorthodox at the time. How did she manage to have such influence? What strengths or gifts equipped her to make such an impact? How do you want to be like Hannah?
- Although she never married, Hannah befriended many people that helped her unlock her gift, and influence the masses. Who’s in your corner? How have they impacted your life?
St. Maria of Paris
- The death of her daughter solidified her path to fight for the poor and oppressed. Has there been a defining moment in your life that helped clarify your “cause” or purpose?
- As a nun, Liza was radical and controversial due to her smoking and drinking and gave her life loving in the name of Christ. Is that hard for you to hold on to? Why or why not?
Corrie ten Boom
- It is evident that the prayers Corrie sowed at a young age was important for the life she was living as an adult. How did experiences early in Corrie’s life pave the way for her later courage?
- Corrie realized that her work with the underground resistance movement would involve, “lying, stealing, perhaps even killing” that first seemed contradictory to God’s teachings. How did she reconcile that? How do you want to be like Corrie?
Rosa Parks
- Rosa Parks made a tough decision that changed the course of American history. What role did her faith play on that fateful day in 1955? What impresses you about Rosa?
- Rosa Parks was brave, but hers was a quiet strength. It was because of her exemplary character that NAACP stood behind her and the community boycotted the Montgomery bus companies. How do you think you would have reacted if in her shoes?
Mother Theresa
- What was Mother Teresa’s perspective on money? On the poor? Many have criticized Mother Teresa for only helping the poor with poverty but not challenging the social structures that cause poverty. She replied that this was simply not her vocation. In your view, was her response satisfactory?
- In her personal letters following her death, it is revealed that Mother Teresa, although she exuded joy and love, also “experienced ‘spiritual dryness, the profound pain of God’s apparent absence despite her great thirst for him, and a lack of sensible consolation.'” What does this show us about God’s love?
- What common threads are woven through all of their lives?
- Which one was most encouraging or inspiring to you? Why?
- How does each account differ from or add detail to what you already knew?
- If it were 3 Women and the Secret…which 3 would you choose?
- What passages have stayed with you?
Many of the discussion questions are tweaks from those found at http://www.ekkochurch.com/7women