Monday, February 18, 2008

"Joanna, a Generous Follower"

This woman strikes me as most courageous. Living in Herod's house and following Jesus! What courage! All of the women who helped support Jesus and his ministry were bold, loyal, and brave.

Joanna, a Generous Follower
Luke 8: 1-3; 24:10

Oh look, there's Joanna, Cuzar's wife! Cuzar, you know, the one who got that great job managing King Herod's household. Oh, I know they say the queen really runs the palace and the king can be a dreadful bear sometimes. But imagine living in a palace! I've heard some strange stories about Joanna lately, though. They say she doesn't even live at the palace, that she follows that strange rabbi around wherever he preaches. Not only that, but I guess she even gives money and food to support him and his followers. She sleeps out on the ground sometimes when she could be sleeping in a palace! Do you think she's lost her mind?

And then there's Sydney. Someone said she just life a $100,000 a year job as a trial attorney to join the deaconess program. Fran Taylor serves meals at the homeless shelter every Wednesday night after work. and Greta Guzmann agreed to raise her daughters' three kids. (They say her daughter's on drugs.) Have they all lost their minds?

Jesus, were you out of your mind when you agreed to suffer and die for the sins of the entire world? When we come face to face with you, we must be prepared to follow where you lead us--even to the cross. Give us that strength and dedication.
Lois Sheer
Face to Face, Daily Lenten Devotions for Women


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With all these wonderful examples of courage, how is it that I feel so inadequate and timid in my own life? I'm afraid to step outside my comfort zone...perhaps because I fear failure, or disappointment. If I use these women as examples perhaps there's hope for me...

Thanks be to God!!!

8 comments:

  1. I guess we can all learn from others, but those are some great examples to follow!

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  2. The Spirit's gift of fortitude personified. I still have a LOT to learn.

    Thank you, Maria!

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  3. What courage AMEN!

    I never really took note of this exceptional woman. I wonder why? Still I learn something everyday which makes life, beautiful.

    Wonderful reflection THANKYOU:)

    Peace to you:)

    Marie

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  4. Thanks, Cathy! What an amazing saint! Those first martyrs absolutely amaze and inspire! Their example makes me feel like I'm barely moving! It's that gift of the HolySpirit, fortitude, maybe? We can only pray that we can step up courageously when God wants us to! St. Joanna, pray for us!

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  5. I tell my sons all the time: courage is not about being fearless when performing a task; it's about having fear and doing the task anyway...that's where you will find the courageous.

    These women are inspirational!

    Will your husband pull out his telescope for tonight's lunar eclipse?

    God bless.

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  6. Ron is hoping to be able to use his telescope tonoc...we are under a winter storm warning for ice and snow so we will see. Thank you for asking, bia.

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  7. Lisa...I am really glad we have been blessed with such role models. They say..."you can do it!"

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  8. Marie, neither had I. Knew there was a Saint Joanna but never was interested enough to pursue it...It's apparent to me that he is STILL working on me...Thank you!

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Your insightful comments are appreciated and I want all to feel comfortable and welcome.