In Luke 17 Jesus is speaking to his disciples about how the world will look in the end times. He says it will be like the world was in the days of Noah -- people were wicked and living as if there was no tomorrow -- and then there wasn't. At the end of this sobering explanation Jesus says three little words, "Remember Lot's Wife." Why do we remember her? What does her life and death reveal? Did Sodom and Gomorrah really exist? Join us in this episode as we look at her life, the similarities in our present day culture in the West and how we must heed this warning.

From one woman's simple generosity to a weary man of God we find a story of intense faith and stunning reversals. The Shunammite woman’s heartfelt hospitality to Elisha led to an amazing series of events. Elisha was deeply blessed. And God abundantly blessed the woman’s life during a difficult period in Israel.

In 2 Kings chapter 8 the details of their friendship. Like all women, the Shunammite was challenged by losses and fears which just come from being alive in a broken world. Yet she faced each impossibility with faith in God's character. She humbly and boldly insisted on God's final word over her circumstances. Much like Jacob wrestling with the angel of God, this woman would not let go of God's power and promises.

Nan and Bonnie pray you will find renewed courage from hearing about this woman of fierce faith.

Ladies, hold onto your baby booties as we share the story of Rachel's desperation to have children. Here we see Jacob married to two sisters--Leah and Rachel -- caught in a tug of war to find love and purpose. In our last episode we found Leah popping out sons one after another. This time we watch infertile Rachel bargain, demand and negotiate her way into motherhood. Through love apples, concubines and a crazy baby race, God allowed the birth of the twelve tribes of Israel. Rachel has much to teach us about where we find ultimate purpose and identity. Hang on for a wild ride!

We often wonder why so little has been written about the complex relationship between Leah and her younger sibling Rachel; two sisters married to the same guy (Jacob). In the book of Genesis 29 we read about one of the wildest marriages recorded in Biblical history. We also find Leah's intense struggle for love and purpose. Join us for a deeper look at Leah's life, the bride swap and how it might have happened and most importantly, how God birthed the twelve tribes of Israel.

For any woman who has been sexually assaulted, the story of Tamar serves as God's way of saying; "I see you. I see what happened. I weep with you. You are not alone. This sin will be paid for." In chapter 13 of 2nd Samuel we find a brief story of Tamar, the daughter of King David. She suffered rape by her half brother Amnon -- and no one came to her defense. Not even her father, the king of Israel. In this episode we look at the centuries old shame of rape and the fallout that comes with this particularly violent sin against women. Our prayer is that this episode will speak healing to victims of rape and sexual assault. We believe this story was left in the Word of God to expose this sin and it's horror. We list the following resources for anyone who needs comfort, support and assistance in moving on after sexual assault.

National Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Books:

THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by BESSEL VAN DER KOLK, M.D.

ON THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE-OPENING THE DOOR TO HEALING FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE by DIANE LANGBERG

JOURNEY TO HEAL MINI IN WILMINGTON NC OFFERS ONLINE SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS

TRAUMA AND RECOVERY by JUDITH HERMAN

RID OF MY DISGRACE by JUSTIN S. HOLCOMB, PH.D.

THERE ARE SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTERS NATIONWIDE OFFERING PERSONAL COUNSELING, GROUPS, AND ONLINE COUNSELING.

A strange chapter is tucked into the middle of Joseph's story in the book of Genesis 38. Joseph's brother, Judah leaves home and travels to Canaan where he marries a Gentile and inherits a daughter in law named Tamar. Their intersection is a match of will and savvy. Tamar stands strong against the fierce winds of injustice. She was mistreated by her father in law and refuses to go quietly without putting up a fight. If we listen closely we hear the voice of every God fearing woman who has been abused and tossed aside. Here is the story of a desperate widow who went to extreme measures in order to put herself in God's path.

When Miriam waded into the waters of the River Nile to follow a basket holding her three month old brother Moses, did she have any sense that the whole world rested on her young shoulders? Did she think her mother's plan made sense? Did she wonder how long she would watch the tiny ark from the bulrushes? Her story is one of faith. Faith that her mom just might have a holy clue. Faith in the power of God that lasted well into her adult ministry by her brother's side as he led the Israelite nation into a new day. Let's take a moment to walk in her sandals.

From the 2nd chapter of Joshua, Nan and Bonnie take a look at the amazing life of Rahab, a harlot who operated her business and lived between the walls of Jericho. Her bold faith in God and savvy as a business woman saved her life and the lives of the spies from Israel. After the fall of Jericho, Rahab began a new legacy with the children of Israel. Centuries later, she is listed as the great-grandmother of King David in the lineage of the Messiah.

Featured; Nan Gurley singing "Tie A Scarlet Cord" from the musical.

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