The Silent Woman

I weep over her story. I don’t know her name, but every time I read her story in Scripture, I weep. I weep and become angry at the abuse and injustice on the pages of Judges 19-21. These chapters of the Bible are rarely taught or discussed. 

 It is the disturbing and tragic story of the Levite’s concubine, the unnamed woman, the silent woman. She is the silent woman because she is the only character that does not speak in this horrific story. She doesn’t speak, yet life shattering decisions were made for her. She ran away from her husband and returned to her father’s house. After four months, her husband went after her to bring her back. On their way back home, they stopped in Gibeah because the darkness of night had already fallen. An older man of the city offered the Levite his home to stay the night and  much like Genesis 19, perverse men showed up demanding to have their way with the Levite. The older man offered them his virgin daughter and the Levite’s concubine instead. The perverse men were persistent and the Levite man threw his concubine out to these men and she was abused and raped all night. Weak and near death, she somehow made it back to the door of the house where her husband was sleeping. The door that should have been the door of help, the door of safety, the door of hope. She reached for this door, but death came instead of help, safety and hope. The Levite, her husband, the one who was supposed to protect her, opened the door the following morning and found her on the ground with her hands on the threshold. With no compassion, he told her to get up, but once again she was silent. He then took her home and did the unthinkable, he took a knife and divided her body into twelve pieces and sent each piece to the tribes of Israel along with the story of what happened to his wife. He left out the detail of him throwing out his wife to abusive men in order to protect himself. Israel then gathered to war against the Benjamites of Gibeah for this horrific crime. The other tribes declared they would not give their daughters to marry the men of Benjamin so these men that were left alive after the war were also left without wives. The unthinkable happened yet again. To provide wives for the men of Benjamin, the men of the other tribes kidnapped women for them. Their vengeance over the Levite’s concubine led to more women being abused. 

The last verse of Judges 19, referring to the treatment of the concubine says: “No such deed has been done or seen from the day that the children of Israel came up from the land of Egypt until this day. Consider it, confer, speak up!”

We must slowly read and take to heart that last line: Consider, Confer, SPEAK UP! 

Speak up for those that are silent. 

For those that feel trapped and are afraid to speak up for themselves, speak up! 

For the innocent children who cannot speak for themselves, speak up!

For the abused and oppressed, speak up!

We can no longer turn a blind eye, Christians.
There are many reaching for the threshold of hope, do we see them?

We must consider, confer, speak up!

I remember when someone gave me the movie “Priceless” and it didn’t take me long to realize that it was about human trafficking. I whispered to the Lord “oh, I can’t watch this.” And He whispered back “that’s what my people have been doing, turning a blind eye to this that breaks my heart.” So, I watched it and wept and prayed and wept more. Since then I’ve watched more videos educating myself on human trafficking committing to pray for these victims asking God to protect them and rescue them and heal them. I also pray for the captors to leave this wickedness and darkness and run to Jesus for mercy and forgiveness.

Satan has twisted God’s design for men as protectors. I find it amazing that the book of Judges ends with this tragic story and the very next book is Ruth. Boaz could have looked down on or taken advantage of Ruth because she was a foreigner and a poor widow. He could have kicked her out of his field where she was gleaning, but instead he desired to protect her and also to marry her redeeming her family’s land and honor. Boaz saw value in Ruth and wanted to protect her and provide for her. 

Human trafficking is a world wide tragedy. As believers, what do we do?
We pray.
We pray for these victims to be rescued and for human trafficking to end! Place a world map on your wall and lay hands on the nations covering them in prayer.
When we are out, we can be observant filled with discernment from God and report anything that looks suspicious.
We educate ourselves and our children. Social media is one of the tools that traffickers use to lure children and teens. Parents must be aware of their children’s online activity and our children must be aware of the dangers of the internet.
Human trafficking is enslavement, but another form of bondage is linked to human trafficking. The bride of Christ must wake up to the fact that the perversion of pornography is fueling human sex trafficking.
We must stop turning a blind eye to what is happening in the world. The evil we see on the news should not cause fear because we do not have a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind! The evil and darkness we hear about and see is a call and a cause to pray! 

In 1 Samuel 17, David became enraged at the giant, Goliath who was defying the army of the living God. Eliab, David’s oldest brother rebuked him trying to discourage and belittle him. David responded with “is there not a cause?” 

Because David was the only one who dared asked “is there not a cause?” the giant that threatened all of Israel was taken down. 

Like David, I ask: “ is there not a cause?”

Is there not a cause to go against this giant of human trafficking?

Is there not a cause to speak up for the silent children and women?

Is there not a cause to pray?

Is there not a cause?

The third verse of the Star Spangled Banner reads, “Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just.”

Yes, conquer we must for our cause is just! 

The story of this silent woman in Judges should grab our attention and break our hearts for those that are silent all around us today. May we speak up for those that cannot speak up for themselves. Lord, rescue, save, heal and strengthen those that are in bondage bringing them into freedom that is only found in You.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
Psalm 82:3

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
Proverbs 31:8 

Our sons shall be...

This is a prayer for our sons.

In Jesus name our sons shall be......


Men of power
Men of prayer
Set apart, unique, and rare

Men of truth
Men of conviction 
Faithful in affliction

Men with passion
Men with fire
You, their one desire

Men with holy abandon
pure in heart
Willing to do their part

Men of courage
Fearless and brave
Knowing You are Mighty to save

Men of obedience
Discipline and self control
Surrendering to You their soul

Men of mercy
Men of peace
Seeking You, they do not cease

Men of compassion
Men of love
Their minds set on things above

Humble and kind
Men of meekness
Not afraid of weakness

These men of truth
For Your Word they thirst
seeking You first

Men of faith
Righteous and just
In You they fully trust

They cherish their children
They love their wives
For them they lay down their lives

We cover our sons in prayer
Fill them with holy zeal
Accomplish Your perfect will

Weaving Baskets

Oh, how I admire Jochebed, the mother of Moses. She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy which should have been a joyous occasion, but instead she was forced to hide him away. Pharaoh had ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile River. By faith, Jochebed and her husband hid their son for three months and were not afraid of the king’s command. God shared His plan with Jochebed and she trusted Him. This plan seemed somewhat ridiculous, she was to place her precious baby in the same river where many were being thrown to their deaths.

As I was praying for my children one morning, God showed me that I was weaving baskets. Scripture says that Jochebed “took” an ark (or basket) of bulrushes, but I like to believe that she wove that basket with her own hands. She also covered that basket in asphalt and pitch before placing her son inside. After it was covered and sealed, she laid her baby boy in the reeds of the crocodile and snake infested river. God used this river that was meant to be a death sentence to save Moses which led to the salvation and freedom of God’s people. 

I can imagine Jochebed crying and praying and trusting her God as she carefully wove and covered this basket. This world is wicked and perverse and it’s very tempting to hover over our children. As mothers, I truly believe we are not to hover, but to cover. Hovering involves fear, worry, and anxiety. Covering involves prayer, fasting, and trusting. Our God hears our cries for our children and He loves them more than we ever could. Covering is choosing to pray and trust when we are tempted to fear and worry. With each prayer we are weaving and covering more and more of their baskets. 

Instead of bulrushes, we are weaving prayer and the Word of God all around our children. Our prayers are incense kept in golden bowls ever before God’s throne. We pray for our children and we pray over our children. Let them hear their mothers calling their names out to God and declaring His good and perfect plans over them. We pour the Word of God into our children. We speak the Word of God over our children. His truth shall lead them, keep them, and speak with them. His truth makes them free and reveals their true identity. Instead of asphalt and pitch, we are covering them in the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus heals, protects, saves, and delivers. They are surrounded!

Daniel, who was taken captive to Babylon was immersed in pagan culture. The king even changed Daniel’s name in an attempt to destroy his identity, but Daniel remained faithful to his God. Daniel had purposed in his heart not to defile himself. Daniel must have had some praying parents who covered him in God’s truth and promises. 

I imagine our children as Daniels. Even though they may be immersed in this crocodile and snake infested world with all the schemes and temptations of the enemy, we don’t have to be afraid because they are covered in the baskets of our prayers, the Word of God, and the blood of Jesus.  

We recently found a bird’s nest with 3 precious babies inside. This nest was unlike any nest I have ever seen. The mama bird had woven a snake skin into the nest! 

Her babies were surround by the remnants of something known to inflict harm, even death upon them. I have come to realize that I cannot spare my children from all the temptations of this world, I cannot keep them in a bubble their whole lives. But... I can cover them in prayer, I can pour the Word of God into them, I can plead the blood of Jesus over them, and I can declare who they are in Christ over them daily. Whatever the enemy tries to throw their way to inflict harm, we will simply take it up and keep weaving like this mama bird. We keep weaving and believing that whatever the enemy means for harm, God will turn it around and use it for good. Just as young David took the sword of Goliath, the giant and used it against him, we too take up the weapon the enemy meant for harm and use it to slay giants. We keep praying, we keep declaring, we keep trusting, we keep covering and we keep on weaving. 

Drop the Boxes

I have never been great at juggling, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying.  I’m not talking about juggling like circus clowns, I’m talking about trying to juggle life, although I think clowns do a much better job.

I always thought juggling life is just what Christians do while at the same time wearing a mask that falsely proclaims “I’m doing great!” I finally realized that act of “I have it all together” is just that, it’s an act. I learned the beauty of letting go, the beauty of trust and surrender.  

Several years ago, I attended a women’s weekend retreat and heard some amazing speakers plus Jeremy Camp in concert. He sings a song called “You never let go.” I had heard it play on the radio several times, but that night as I lingered in worship, the Lord spoke powerfully and taught me an eternal lesson. 

There were many different concerns and fears at that time in my life. During that song, the Lord gave me a vision that truly changed me. I saw myself standing with Jesus, but my back was turned to Him. Then there were the boxes, so many boxes. I felt overwhelming pressure to keep all of these boxes from falling, so I was juggling them trying my best to keep them from crashing to the ground. I was completely exhausted and completely oblivious to Jesus standing right behind me. These boxes held precious material and I could not fail. I felt as if it all depended on me and I had to keep them from falling. One box held my marriage, another held our son who was facing his third open heart surgery, another box held major decisions I had to make soon, and there were still many, many more boxes. In the midst of all the chaotic juggling and fear of failing, I heard His gentle and sweet voice:  “You can let go because I will never let go.”

At that moment in my vision, I winced and let go of the boxes afraid of what was going to happen to them. I turned into Jesus like a little girl turns into her Daddy’s embrace. Once I opened my eyes, I was amazed to see Jesus holding onto me and at the same time holding all of those boxes in perfect balance. He was not struggling as I had been, He held me and every part of my life together perfectly. I had to make the choice to surrender. I had to make the choice to trust Him. 

In Christ all things hold together. We can choose to trust Him. We can choose to surrender everything to Him. We can choose to let go because He will never let go. We can choose to drop the boxes. 

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.“

Colossians 1:15-17

Aimless

Jesus was often surrounded by crowds everywhere He went except when He withdrew to lonely places to pray.

I was reading in the book of Matthew and a few words in the Message version caught my eye.

"Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”

In Matthew 9, Jesus looked out over the crowds of people and His heart broke. He saw that they were helpless, fearful, weary, worn out, confused, and aimless.

Aimless is defined as: without purpose or direction. How many years did I spend wandering without purpose or direction like a sheep without a shepherd. My wandering ended when my Shepherd sought me and saved me. Now, because of Jesus, I am no longer aimless. He gives me purpose and direction. He gives me life. He is the way, the truth, and the life!

The desperation of the crowd didn't turn Jesus away or overwhelm Him. Jesus looked out over this needy and helpless multitude with compassion and zeal because He possessed what they needed. He knew their greatest need was Himself.

Jesus' heart continues to go out to the crowds today. I love that He doesn't respond in despair and say to His disciples "this is hopeless, how in the world can we help this crowd of needy people?" No, instead He smiles excitedly and says "what a huge harvest!" We may see hopelessness, but He sees a harvest!

Jesus saw greatness and purpose in those who were wandering without purpose or direction. He didn’t see a lost cause or hopeless case. He saw an amazing open door for healing, deliverance, and salvation!

Now, we too can look around with compassion and zeal knowing we possess what the crowds need: Jesus Christ. Let's get on our knees and pray for harvest hands. Indeed, the crowds of lost and weary sheep are seeking something real, something genuine. They are seeking purpose and direction. Jesus is the answer. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Jesus is the remedy for aimless living.

These Walls

Look at these walls

How they tower and surround

I built them up from the ground

I laid brick by brick

Stone by stone

Until I was all alone

Of these walls

I am so proud 

Finally away from the crowd 

I am protected 

Safe and secure

I have found the cure

No pain will come

If I close others out

I have no doubt 

But... pain did come

From the inside

And I could not hide

Loneliness and pain pierced like a sword

That familiar emptiness remained

Would I forever be stained? 

In my despair 

A sweet voice I heard 

I clung to every word

I listened through my wall

The voice spoke of a remedy 

For my pain and misery

“I know your suffering well

For I too had a wall built

To hide from pain and guilt”

“Dear friend, you cannot save yourself

These walls of self preservation

Will only lead to devastation”

Convinced by their pleading

I ran to my wall to break through 

I failed and the more hopeless I grew 

The voice came again

“It’s impossible in your own power

You must run to the real Strong Tower”

Puzzled, I asked “what does that mean?”

“Jesus, of course” was the reply

I wondered, would he really hear my cry?

I cried out to Jesus for help

In that very moment He came

Calling me by name

He said, “I am with you, daughter,

Don’t be afraid of the loud rumble

These walls of self reliance I will crumble”

With one finger, He touched these walls

In an instant they were gone 

In pieces now lay each brick and stone

I was free from my own prison

From the rubble, I opened my eyes 

Truth brought freedom crushing all lies

Never again will I build up these walls

He alone is my Shield and Rampart

Jesus, my Savior, the Lord of my heart

No need to hide in fear

Now my hiding place is in Him

My future no longer bleak and dim

I’m consumed by His love

What deliverance! I am free!

His victory song now surrounds me

I surrender to His loving embrace

Full of grace and power

My Jesus, forever my Strong Tower