According to Karen Swallow Prior, author of Fierce Convictions, “This might the best book you read this year.”

I agree.

A common thread that Eric Metaxas brilliantly unveils with his book, Seven Women and the Secret of their Greatness is that these women were individually and extraordinarily brave. After reading each chapter I found myself profoundly grateful for his dedicated research into these truly inspirational and brave women. Like me, you may have heard of these women and feel you know information, then you read his book and become educated in the sense that you want to not only tell others about these women, but emulate their strength in our world today. I had my daughter (13) pre-covid (hard to believe that I even type that word) choose any woman from the book and read through it then we would discuss together. She chose Rosa Parks, the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Just when I thought that I was not incorporating enough history into our daily routine, this book affirmed that it can be done; one person, one chapter, one (or multiple) discussion at a time. I wish I had written down her poignant observations. I will try to recount a few. First, the fact that she didn’t have the right to a seat on a normal bus was infuriating to her, second that she courageously stood her ground and what unfolded next into the history books. To her, it is unimaginable that anyone would experience such turmoil in a simple bus ride. It’s just not fair she would say. We have more chapters to read and discuss together and I can’t wait! In this book, there is a beautiful reminder that provided me with hope while reading through her pain and many injustices, it was two Psalms that Eric Metaxas shares were Rosa Park’s favourite: Psalm 23 and Psalm 27. 

Eric Metaxas reminds us of this , “…historic showdown that would change the entire country forever.” These are the kind of historical women that I want to introduce to my girls. I plan to read Hannah Moore out loud to them next, she is one of my favourites. Which chapter would you begin with? Be prepared to be inspired and educated in fresh and motivating ways.

Be sure to read, Seven Men and the Secret to their Greatness .  Both of these books are great gifts, especially to the university/college age that are looking for inspiration from our past that will hopefully ignite courage for their future.

Weekend blessings!

2 responses to “Greatness”

1. So many good examples for us! Definitely want to read the one about heroic men with my son. Thanks for the inspiration!

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   • He will enjoy it! So inspirational.

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