A New Type of Woman Warrior

Maybe some of your remember the TV show Xena Warrior Princess.  Each episode centered on Xena's adventures and her ability to defeat any nemesis with her fit, muscular body which was always clad in a leather mini skirt.  I'm sure many young girls looked up to this heroine. I, on the other hand, was always mystified at how she could execute her martial arts moves in her leather attire. Fashion does not always equal practicality, but I digress...

At our Regional Women's Retreat a couple weeks ago, I discovered a different kind of woman warrior.  Women who live and work in our inner cities. Women who serve their families and their churches despite personal and economic difficulties.  During our retreat I had the privilege of getting to know some of these women and hearing their stories.

Sandy is battling an untreatable form of cancer.  She bears physical scars from her illness and struggles with extreme fatigue from her chemo pills.  But Sandy remains optimistic, even joyful.  She is a part of a Bible study one of our former church plants is doing in a low income trailer park. Sandy eagerly talks about the upcoming arrival of another grandchild. She is friendly and outgoing- always looking for ways to serve. After our craft time, Sandy worked to clean up supplies, scraps of paper and even swept the floor-all without being asked.  It's hard for me to imagine having such a positive attitude if I had to deal with her reality.  I feel almost ashamed when I think about the "burdens" I complain about.

Gloria is a grandmother trying to become a foster parent to her two grandsons.  Her husband left her years ago.  Her grown children are struggling. She is trying to create a loving and stable environment for her grandsons.  She proudly shows me their pictures.  I look at their grinning faces and thank God they have a grandmother like Gloria to take care of them.  During our testimony time, she shares that one of her grandsons has ADHD and the other suffers from re-attachment disorder.  She is trying her best to take classes and become more educated on how to best care for them.  She tearfully shares that this weekend has given her the strength she needs to get through this difficult time.  I am relatively young and, at times, child-rearing can leave me utterly exhausted. I have so much respect for the many grandmas in the inner city who have not only raised their own children, but are now raising their grandchildren.

Linda is a wife, mother, grandmother, and works almost full-time at a local grocery store.  She also serves on her church's leadership team.  I have had the honor of knowing and becoming friends with Linda. Her generous spirit never ceases to astound me.  Despite her difficult financial situation, she always helps those in need.  She constantly helps out her adult children, who continue to struggle to make ends meet.  She is always willing to give a word or encouragement to her customers at the store or her neighbors. She is known to take care of the elderly living in her community.  The other day, she asked the pastor if she could have a box of food from our pantry.  Times were hard and her last paycheck barely covered the rent.  That same afternoon she spoke to a nearby neighbor. This young woman had a house full of children and not enough food stamps to provide a meal for her family.  Linda went straight to her car and pulled out the box of food she had received.  Without a second thought, she gave the box to her neighbor.  This is what Christ meant when He said, "Love your neighbor as yourself."  I ask myself, "Would I have done that?"  I marvel at her generosity and realize I have much to learn from her.

These women may not be warriors in the traditional sense. They don't stand out in a crowd.  You won't see their heroic deeds in a newspaper or TV interview.  But like any good warrior, they stand strong in spite of overwhelming opposition.  The walk boldly in the grace and power of our Lord.  These are the women I admire. These are true warrior princesses.