By: Beverly LaHaye & Janice Crouse  

Five ordinary women that led extraordinary lives. Though some of them were mentioned only a few times in the Bible, they demonstrated virtues that made them exemplary models of beauty and strength. They were especially chosen to be part of Jesus’ geneology. 

Their love and life stories do not have a detailed account in the Bible but the authors used clues which helped in piecing together what may have happened. The stories were constructed based on the Bible’s factual events and the customs, traditions and ways of living at that time including human nature. I personally appreciated the logic of how it all came into being and how consistent it was in God’s values. 

First was Tamar. Courage and fortitude saved her when her life fell apart. A simple girl with protective parents, she grew up very sheltered. When she became a widow twice, suspected of having a death curse to whoever she marries and topped off with a reputation of being a barren, suddenly life seemed to be falling apart for her. Instead of wallowing in depression and self-pity, she had the courage and fortitude to rectify her situation and in the end, she was blessed. 

Second was Rahab, a harlot. Born from a tribe who were non-believers, she and her family were saved when the walls of Jericho crumbled into dust. Her faith through wisdom and boldness saved her in a life which seemed to have no other way. Yet, she chose the Lord’s way despite knowing the consequences her own people will mete out on her.

Third was Ruth. Another non-believer who embraced God through her devotion and obedience to her mother-in-law. Grieving for the loss of her husband and bearing no children, life seemed empty but she chose to be with the people of her new family. This earned her a place in Jesus’ geneology. 

Fourth was Bathsheba. She didn’t have a virtuous reputation in the Bible but her story started with innocence and full of dreams. Is it her fault that King David was enamored by her beauty? Who seduced who, really? But the point is, beauty has a power that can either serve good or evil. When her dreams of having a family with her first husband died, she had the endurance to continue her faith in the Lord and this earned her a second chance and she and King David were blessed with a son, Solomon, David’s heir to the throne. It was her foolishness that brought her down from grace. 

Last was Mary, whom we know as the Mother of Jesus. Pure of heart and full of humility, these virtues helped her deal with the overwhelming responsibility of becoming and being the Mother of God.  

All these women started as ordinary individuals but they found strength in their own adversities. Courage, fortitude, wisdom, boldness, devotion, obedience, beauty, endurance, purity and humility are all virtues we can draw our strength from. I highly recommend this book to everyone who needs to find strength in the midst of their problem and realize through the stories of these women how these virtues can save you and teach you how to approach and tackle your issues in life. 

• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
• ISBN 0-7369-1013-1
• First Printing: 2001