Hans Solo, Mary and Martha

I am and always will be a man.  Nothing will ever change that fact.  For most of my life, I have identified with male characters in novels and movies.  I typically read male authors of fiction, not that there are not terrific female authors, but I find myself more compelled by the types of books written by men.  Growing up, my heroes were always men: Batman, Superman, Hans Solo, Hannibal Smith, Michael Knight.

I have never had anything against women.  I am a teacher, so the vast majority of my co-workers are women.  I have a deep respect from them and have learned from them.  Before teaching, I held various jobs and a large number of my supervisors were women.  My mom is a woman, and I love her dearly.  I have a sister who's a woman, and I married my wife, also a woman.  I have two daughters, not women, but one day will be.

For the first time in my life, I find myself wanting to be like a woman.  Now before you start unfollowing me on Twitter or unfriending me on Facebook, please see the first two sentences.  Let me 'splain.

Last year, I started a slow and deliberate journey through the gospels.  Time and again I was struck by the incredible strength and courage of the women found in these four books.  Not that there are not great examples elsewhere, but it seems that not enough is said about these women.  I had always focused on the 12 male disciples, but these female disciples get their fair share of ink, too.  I am ashamed to admit that I had overlooked them and their role in advancing the gospel message.

The one Mary broke with culture and sat at the feet of Jesus in a room that was supposed to be for men.  One woman anointed Jesus' head with very expensive perfume.  Mary poured a year's wages onto Jesus' feet and wiped it with her hair.

How about the faith of the woman who knew all she needed was to touch his garment?

Jesus' mom stood by him at the cross when the vast majority of his disciples had fled and went into hiding.

Mary and Mary went to the tomb to take care of Jesus' body. Jesus appeared to them first.  Why not a man when, at the time, a man's testimony was all that counted?  They were the first to be given instruction to spread the gospel.


Nothing could hold back the love these women felt for their Savior.  They were neither ashamed nor afraid to do want needed to be done to honor their Lord.  We can learn a lot from their boldness and humility.  I know I did!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom!  Thank you for showing me the love, patience and grace of Christ.  
Happy Mother's Day to my wife!  Thank you for sticking with me, and holding my feet to the fire to become a better father, husband and friend.