Fierce Femmes of Faith: Inspiring Stories of Christian It Girls Who Defied Expectations and Shaped History
Welcome to the "Christian It Girls" series! I'm thrilled to share with you the incredible stories of saints, reformers, and other remarkable women who have profoundly impacted the world through their unwavering trust and faith in God. These inspiring women, often overlooked in history, have left an indelible mark on the Christian faith and have shaped our world in ways that still resonate today.
From the courageous saints who stood firm in their beliefs amidst persecution, to the bold reformers who challenged the status quo and brought about significant changes in church history, each of these women embodies the true essence of faith in action. Through their stories, we'll explore their trials, triumphs, and the profound faith that guided them.
Join me on this exciting journey as we delve into the lives of these Christian It Girls. Their stories will inspire, uplift, and encourage you to see the incredible impact faith can have on our lives and the world around us. Get ready to be inspired by their courage, wisdom, and unwavering trust in God. Let's celebrate their legacy and draw strength from their remarkable examples. Continue reading below to learn why I am starting this story!
Having Reformation studies as one of my specialties has profoundly impacted my life. Coupled with my time at Liberty University, I rooted myself deeply in the history of the church. I know some of you might not share my faith and might be skeptical, but here's my story.
Picture of the building surrounded by flowers I primarily studied in at Liberty University.
Before Liberty, my faith was dwindling. I had grown skeptical and distanced myself, often believing the secular narrative that Christianity was just another way to make sense of the world, no more true than fairytales. In my undergrad years, Christianity was discussed, but it often focused on the church's historical role as a governing body, sometimes painted in a negative light. Rarely did anyone dive into the genuine, daily faith of historical figures and the impact their beliefs had on their lives.
It wasn’t until I arrived at Liberty that I began to understand how deeply faith influenced every decision in history—from marriage to government affairs, and even the formation of our own US Constitution. My classes in Reformation studies and American Christian heritage were eye-opening. I bombarded my professors with skeptical questions, approaching each class with a secular mindset. But they encouraged me to dig deeper into primary texts, to feel the essence of what people were saying and to consider it within the context of their time.
Had to share a school pride pic of a football game night! Go Flames!
A breakthrough moment came when I was battling personal doubts while reading diary entries and letters from women who were persecuted during the Salem witch trials. It was then that I truly felt the impact of faith. I realized that trusting in the Lord is a daily choice, and studying the faith of women from the past brings me immense comfort and reassurance of God’s plans and grace.
While reading the Bible is crucial, there's a unique inspiration to be found in the lives of those who came after the scriptures were written. These people experienced and documented their struggles and triumphs in ways that resonate with us today. This is why I'm excited to bring you this series—to help you grow your faith by connecting with women who faced trials similar to those you encounter.
We'll start with a foundation of Saints (even though I'm not Catholic, their stories are inspiring), move to women who influenced church policies during Reformation month (October), and wrap up the year with colonial American women who helped shape the beginnings of faith in the United States.
If you have questions, thoughts, or stories, please reach out! I’d love to hear what you think or what you want to know!