These five women did wonderful things

As the International Women’s Day is marked, we should celebrate these five special women who represent many women.

• Rahab, the world celebrates you today. Rahab did one significant thing and for that, she went down in history not only for her role but for the favour she obtained from God as a result. She was not an Israelite but chose to be on God’s side when she hid the spies sent by Joshua. This great act of faith is captured in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews where it is revealed that her action saved her and her family from death. Rahab was a prostitute and she became an ancestor to the most celebrated and famous character of Jesus! Stories about harlots who quit the streets to effect meaningful change in society are many. Women who, no matter their backgrounds, found courage to do the unthinkable and transformed communities.

• Hannah, the world equally celebrates you today. Hannah represents resilience, trust and honour.

Hannah was barren not only as regards childbearing but in every other sense of the word. The Hannahs of this world are anguished in spirit. Life has not been kind to them.

Hannah’s co-wife Peninah would continuously taunt and mock her. She would be depressed and lose her appetite but God never leaves you empty.

She could count on the unreserved support of Elkanah her husband, who loved her. We celebrate the Hannahs among us who, no matter the challenges, know what to do: go before God in sincere prayer and vow to give the child back to God should He bless her with one and follow through on her promise.

• The there is Abigail who was a wise woman indeed. Her husband Nabal was a foolish and arrogant man.

When David, who had been anointed King and was yet to take office, sent his men to Nabal for a favour, David instead received nothing but insults. A quick-thinking Abigail loaded her animals with a feast and went to meet David who agreed to spare her family.

When Nabal learnt of this, he was so shocked that he died as a result and Abigail became David’s wife.

Many men have messed up households but because they are married to Abigails, their families have survived.

• Priscilla, wife of Aquilla, is another woman the world must celebrate. With her husband, they supported Paul in his ministry.

If we were to count the Priscillas of this world, we would tire quickly.

You must have seen those handy mothers and grandmothers who take the front seat when the need arises.

• Last but not least of the women deserving our celebration is Rebecca. Beautiful, strong-willed, courageous, shrewd and smart, she was the wife of Isaac and mother to Jacob and Esau.

She did something the society would frown upon: she helped her son Jacob defraud Esau of his rightful birthmark by assisting Jacob deceive his father. While this may seem wrong, the truth is that Rebecca had foresight and God’s backing because years later, Israel would come from Jacob.

Millions of women today fit Rebecca’s description. Through their effort and activism, women are who they are today. You may not be represented in any category above but whatever your contribution to humanity, the world celebrates you today.