We aren’t born courageous. It’s something that happens over time. You must first be tested.

I often find myself saying , “Oh no! I’m not a strong woman. ”  Until I actually look back on where I have been and where I am today.

Have you had struggles that built your character too? Then you know what I’m talking about. If not, you soon will so you must prepare yourself to stand tall and be strong. How do you do that? KNOW your Bible.

Some of the most beautiful women that I draw strenth from are the women of the Bible.  Ruth, Esther, Mary Magdalene. All of them chose to trust God in the toughest days of their lives.

Ruth was a bereaved widow who followed her mother in law to a foreign land. She knew no one. She worked long hours in the fields harvesting barley to feed herself and her mother in law. One day she was noticed by Boaz, the land owner, and he told her to remain in his fields. He warned his men to let her follow the harevesters and not to harm her. When her mother in law instructed her to go down to the field and lay at the feet of Boaz, Ruth obeyed.  This had to be terrifying. She could have been raped and killed by the other men. Instead this set the stage to a second marriage and motherhood.

The story of Ruth is not only beautiful but it shows how courageous she was because of her trust in God.

It would have been easier for Ruth to return home to her own family where she could have been looked after. Instead she chose to follow her mother in law to a foreign land and cared for her doing hard labor. Following God’s plan for you is bravery.

May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Isreal, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.  Ruth 2:12

And now my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All of the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.  Ruth 3:11

You can read more about Ruth in the Holy Bible. There is also a wonderful movie called The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith.

I hope this post brings you peace and a renewed strength.

Do you like this new series of brave women? Let me know in the comments below.

All photos were found at Pinterest.