Inspirational women

CLOTHED WITH STRENGTH:
Women who built the church and
changed the world
By Sarah Allen
10Publishing. 192 pages. £8.99
ISBN 978 1 913 896 539

Clothed With Strength tells four bite-sized stories of four women whose lives overlap during the period of 1720 and 1906.

I’m neither a historian nor a devourer of biographies, yet I found these accounts an inspiration. They each provide an insight into the impact that God-fearing women of the word have on the ‘world’ in which they dwell. Not because they are great in themselves, but because their Great God is at work in and through them.

Earthy and real

Despite the slightly grandiose strapline, and unlike many a rose-tinted biography which leaves one feeling rather inadequate, these accounts are earthy, real and relatable. Allen has clearly done her research and adds her own smattering of insightful comments of explanation to aid the readers understanding of the historical context.

The four women are: Rebecca Protten (1720–1780) who was born into slavery and evangelised and discipled slaves; Hannah More (1745–1834) who established a network of schools for the underprivileged; Ellen Ranyard (1810–1879) who founded the London Bible and Domestic Female Mission; Josephine Butler (1828–1906) who founded the Ladies National Association and exposed child prostitution.

Each of these women, diverse in their ethnic and social backgrounds, all lived during harsh and unfavourable times for women. Each of their deeds are connected to and fuelled by deep Biblical faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – His death and resurrection. Decisions they each took were radical, risky and resulted in revolutions that lasted beyond their short lives.

I am guessing this book would appeal mainly to women, but not exclusively. It is a light read which prompts a deeper reflection on the significant impact living for Jesus will have on the ‘world’ in which we too dwell.