WHEN GOD AUDIBLY SPEAKS THROUGH THE VOICE OF WOMEN PREACHERS
Discovering God's Voice Through Women Preachers and the Divine Purpose of Womanhood
WHEN GOD AUDIBLY SPEAKS THROUGH THE VOICES OF WOMEN PREACHERS
BY: REV. DR. DEBORAH G. MCBRIDE-LEWIS, Creative Author
With numerous influential voices in our society—from propaganda promising prosperity to overwhelming advances in technology—our world faces immense challenges. Amid this noise, this reflection explores how clearly and powerfully God speaks life to distressed and oppressed women through women preachers, rather than only through the male preachers who often dominate church spaces.
From antiquity to the present, the Word of the living God has always spoken and will never cease to speak through the voices of Spirit-filled preachers—especially women preachers. When women embrace one another with love, God is speaking through them. When we bear the image of God and proclaim the path of divine life by speaking the magnificent Word that brings salvation and eternal life through faith in the redemptive work of Christ Jesus, God speaks audibly. When we are women ordained to uplift other women, sisters bearing one another's burdens and offering encouragement and unity, God speaks audibly through us. When mothers nurture, encourage, and speak dignity into the lives of their children, God is speaking audibly through them.
I believe the problem is not that people fail to listen or respond accordingly, but that they misunderstand the intersecting roles of women as individuals, sisters to other women, and mothers within the family. Let us begin with the God-ordained purpose of every woman.
The God-Ordained Purpose for Every Woman
Close your eyes and picture a radiant life filled with new, positive energy as a woman of God. Imagine hearing a message from a Spirit-filled woman preacher. What words would empower, edify, encourage, and educate you about God's purpose for women?
This reflection seeks to reveal God's voice through Scripture and illuminate every woman's purpose, reflected in the archetype of Eve—the first woman created by God and the symbolic mother of humanity (Gen. 1:27; 2:22–23).
Eve's creation reveals her essential purpose. She is not merely a companion. She is the fundamental life-giver and wellspring of human community. Her name means "life" or "life-giver," underscoring her role. This meaning is rooted in the Hebrew words chayah and hayah, both of which convey the giving and sustaining of life. God's creation of Eve highlights her distinct and intentional role alongside Adam. She participates in God's creative work by bringing forth new life and expressing creativity. Eve's origin in God's divine imagination reminds us that we, too, are daughters of infinite imagination.
Eve was created as Adam's equal, meant to share in the stewardship of creation. Her presence blesses and enriches all of God's creation. She embodies beauty, kindness, and a nurturing spirit. As a companion and life-giver, she brings vitality to those around her, requiring strength, energy, compassion, and perseverance. Eve needed these qualities in her relationship with both God and Adam. At her creation, she appeared before Adam fully mature and radiant—not primitive, but whole and complete. She reflected the perfection of God's creative work.
Embrace and Celebrate Your Individuality
Embrace and celebrate your individuality. Our differences reflect the brilliance of our Creator.
To understand our value, remember that Adam was alone and needed companionship. Although the animals surrounded him, none could provide the partnership he required. Eve fulfilled that need. Just as Adam and Eve were created to support one another, we are called to support one another today. Women bring compassion, wisdom, resilience, and nurturing strength to every relationship. By caring for God's creation together, we share the responsibility of strengthening, encouraging, and uplifting one another through our unique gifts. Each person contributes something essential. Together, we help one another flourish.
Adam and Eve's relationship is like two rivers joining into a single stream, drawing life from God. From that stream flow partnership, creativity, and purpose, all sustained by God's presence. Adam represents humanity, while Eve, as the mother of all living, represents the nurturing of life and community. Their unity reflects God's design: distinct individuals working together toward a shared purpose. This union prepares us to understand Eve's deeper significance in the biblical story.
Eve's Powerful Symbolism
Building on this foundation of unity and creative partnership, Scripture reveals Eve's profound symbolism and central role in humanity's story. Her choice to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6) ushered humanity into a new reality, making her a figure associated with change, consequence, and ultimately hope. Though creation was first declared "very good" by God, the Fall became the beginning of God's redemptive story. Eve's journey ultimately points toward hope, resilience, and restoration.
Even after the Fall, Eve remains a figure of hope and anticipation (Gen. 3:15–16). God's promise that her offspring would ultimately overcome evil establishes her place within His plan of redemption. Christians understand this promise to find its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, born through Mary of Nazareth. In this way, Eve's story points forward to redemption and underscores the significant role women play throughout God's redemptive plan. Womanhood is presented as a source of life, dignity, hope, and purpose, affirming the immeasurable worth of women in God's eyes. Ultimately, this story reminds us that humanity shares both a common hope and a common calling.
Journal Your Thoughts on Renewal and Restoration
Today, journal your thoughts on renewal and restoration. Write about what renewal means to you and how you have experienced restoration in your own life. As you write, reflect on the grace and wisdom found in renewal, the freedom found in God, and the transformation that comes through Christ.
Next, think of someone who struggles with identity, meaning, or self-worth, and send them a message of encouragement.
Then reflect on your identity as a woman created in God's image. Consider Eve, whose name means "life." Ask yourself whether anyone or anything has challenged your understanding of the life and purpose God has placed within you.
Finally, look in the mirror and say aloud:
"I am wholly a woman, God's leading lady of legacy. My God has made me beautiful."
Allow this truth to settle into your spirit, and return to this affirmation whenever you begin to question your worth.
You need only believe.
THIS IS THE TRUTH I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR PREACHED TO DISTRESSED AND OPPRESSED WOMEN THROUGH THE VOICES OF WOMEN PREACHERS.
