Devotion: Deborah & Fannie Lou
Deborah & Fannie Lou
Please read the scriptures from the weekend: Judges 4:4-10
The stories we have learned throughout this summer worship series have been enlightening and often heart wrenching. In reading Deborah’s story from Judges 4:4-10, she could be tough on the outside, standing up for the Lord and indeed she was even called a prophet. Fannie Lou Hamer was the same sort, although Fannie’s story is much more tragic in its beginnings. I would encourage you to look up Fannie Lou’s story on Wikipedia and there are also a number of books about her life as an activist in the early 60’s.
As Pastor Michelle began her message this weekend, she shared that both of these leaders show us how our God continues to walk with us and how God works through us. The world has experienced so many kinds of leaders both good and bad. Most of the bad ones we’ll never forget for obvious reasons but the good ones, (praise the Lord) have often stood out as well. I have been very grateful for this series, for the number of women, throughout our history, that have stood up in spite of the fact that many women have often been pushed aside as leaders. This worship series has taught us that women can make a difference.
Weren’t you shocked to see that Deborah was both a prophet and a legal counsel? Who would have thought God would call her to such a lofty position? But the important thing is that she was ready and willing to follow God’s instructions and advice. Her readiness to do God’s will led others to follow as well, making some stand up to their responsibilities and others plain, “run for the hills”.
Fannie Lou Hamer was very brave as well but her bravery came at the risk of much physical harm to herself and others around her. I remember the 60’s and the rumors of what was happening in the deep South. Fannie stood up for the rights of African-Americans. Time and time again she was physically abused and mistreated for helping others as well as herself to fight injustice, but she continued to stand up. Standing up for oneself can be costly. God is with us and gives us that strength and conviction. No matter what our struggles are in life, God can provide courage in that conviction in which we can seek His guidance and above all else to trust Him for the outcomes.
Heavenly Father, inspire and lead us in our faith journey that we may see your grace and set an example to others. Help us to use our voice to take a stand for what’s right. And let Christ be seen in me today. Amen.
Written by Fran Baatz
Fran has been a lifelong member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members.
She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle.
Fran has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.