Women have been significant throughout the centuries in shaping culture and lives, the V2V Insider looked into the lives of twelve Extraordinary Women and the legacies they left for us to follow .

Lois and Eunice – they passed down a Godly Heritage. They are an encouragement to all mothers who want to raise their children to know and love God. Lois and Eunice were a mother/daughter team that raised up a mighty man of God by the name of Timothy, who was the Apostle Paul’s most trusted companion and disciple. It is only in Acts 1:6 and 2 Timothy 1:5 that we find record of these women, but what a strong commendation the Apostle Paul gives to them.  In 2 Timothy 1:5, the Paul writes: “ I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”  These women were responsible for passing their faith on to the next generation.

Hannah – passed down a legacy of prayer and faith
Samuel 24-28 - Hannah’s prayer life demonstrated the depth of her love for God. She showed us what a godly woman can accomplish when she gets down on her knees in prayer to a loving God.  She also left us a strong example of the power of her words.  She promised God that she would give back to him the child she prayed for and because of her integrity she kept her word and God blessed her with many more children.

Lydia – passed down a legacy of hospitality
Acts16:13-15, and 40 - Lydia was a business woman. She was described as a dealer of purple cloth, who devoted her life to God. Lydia became known for her hospitality. She became a key worker in her church.  Lydia not only had a very successful business but she made time to show hospitality to God’s people and always found time to serve in the house of God.

Martha – passed down the legacy that we need to take time to refresh ourselves at the feet of Jesus
Luke 10:38-42 - Martha is identified as a devoted servant. The conflict between Martha and Mary was a reflection of the conflict between the love for others and the love for self.  Martha understood that sitting at the feet of the Saviour was paramount to anything else.  Unless we take time out of our busy lives to refresh on the Words of the Saviour we too will find ourselves frustrated and angry like Mary.

Mary mother of Jesus – Handpicked by God because of her pureness of heart
Luke 1:28-35, Luke 10:38-42 - Mary is identified as the true worshiper. Chosen by God to be the Mother of the Saviour, she was a young girl of no particular distinction, living in an obscure town in a barren and despised district of Galilee. God favoured her because of her purity of heart.  The scripture tells us that blessed are the pure in heart; let us strive to have pure hearts always.

Mary Magdalene – left us a legacy that regardless of your past there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus
John 20:16 - Although she had a dark past she never felt condemned around Jesus but rather she experienced love and acceptance. After Jesus had liberated her from demonic bondage she became a devoted follower of Christ and followed Jesus throughout His ministry. She was counted among the faithful group of women who served Jesus and His disciples.  Scripture mentions her fourteen times.

Queen Esther – left us a legacy of beauty, wisdom and courage The book of Esther - She was a displaced orphan Jewess raised by her elderly uncle Mordecai. Chosen by King Ahasuerus for her beauty. Regardless of how many negatives was against her Esther received a God given privilege to become queen.  God used her beauty, intelligence and respectful attitude to ask for mercy for herself and her people.  We too can find favour with God and with man when we adorn our inner man and reflect a beauty from within.

Abigail – Intelligent beauty 1 Samuel 25 - Abigail was the wife of Nabal who was a wealthy but brutish man.  This woman of faith acted humbly and wisely in giving food to David and his men after her husband Nabal had insulted them.  Because of her wisdom and intelligence she saved the lives of her household. Abigail left us a legacy of restraint, intelligence and a determination to make the best out of a difficult situation.

Dorcas (Tabitha) - left us a legacy of generosity
Acts 9:36-42 - Dorcas had a beautiful heart that was always looking to care for the needs of others.  She made beautiful garments and distributed them generously to the widows and children.  The bible tells us that she was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.  This amazing woman challenges us to live a life that is not selfish but a life that is full of good works and charitable deeds for others.

Ruth – A devoted and faithful daughter-inlaw She expressed her faith to Naomi and to God. In doing so she distanced herself from the gods of her past. Ruth returned to Bethlehem with her motherin-law Naomi. Her devotion to Naomi stands as one of the most beautiful statements of commitment. She leaves us a legacy of a willingness to leave our past behind and follow God.

Sarah – the submissive wife
Genesis 17, 18 - We first discover Sarah when she was 65 years old. The bible tells us that she was a beautiful woman but had no children.   The two characteristics that mark Sarah’s life are beauty and barrenness.  She is a wonderful example to us today of a woman who loved her husband unconditionally.  Sarah is mentioned more than any other woman in the bible, in fact an entire chapter mentions her death (Genesis 23).  She is also the only wife named in the hero’s of faith in Hebrews 11.  Sarah leaves us a legacy of godly womanhood, submission to our husbands and a commitment to nurture the next generation.  She also leaves a hope to those who are yet to become mothers that with God all things are possible