Misunderstood No More.
This statement reminds me of the long-standing admonition, “Begin with the end in mind.” The last chapter of Mary DeMuth’s new book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is aptly titled, “Misunderstood No More.” Through the Bible stories of ten women, DeMuth illustrates the value of enduring the tension and hostility of being blatantly maligned, dismissed, and misunderstood. She writes, “I believe we can grow in our understanding of misunderstanding and, through that learning process, begin to act as Jesus did—with perseverance.” To learn more, continue reading this new book review on The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible.
10 Bible Women
This book is organized around the stories of ten women in the Bible: Eve, the Blamed One; Hagar, the Forgotten One; Leah, the Unlovely One; Rahab, the Prostituted One; Naomi, the Grieved One; Bathsheba, the Harmed One; Tamar, the Violated One; The Proverbs 31 Woman, the Perfect One; Mary of Magdala, the Demonized One; Phoebe, the Unknown One. These chapters begin with a fictionalized retelling of each woman’s story bringing her specific circumstances and challenges to life. A commentary with vital biblical and theological insights follows. Applicational truths, along with five discussion questions, conclude each chapter.
Leah, the Unloved One
My favorite chapter in The Most Understood Women of the Bible, “Leah, the Unlovely One,” surprised me. Though I knew her story, I’d not paid much attention to Leah before. I’d discounted her, too. Living in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister, Leah knew well what it meant to be overlooked and underestimated. Unloved by her husband, she deeply grieved this unmet need. However, Leah knew the overwhelming love of the eternal One. And as she persevered in life, she experienced fruitfulness in faith and family. Leah gave birth to six sons and a daughter. And it was through her son Judah\’s line that Jesus Christ, “The Misunderstood One,” came to earth.
Mary DeMuth, the Author
Mary DeMuth describes herself as “a storyteller at heart.” She is a wife, mom of three, a triathlon runner, prolific author (over 40 published books), international speaker, literary agent, and creator of the podcast Pray Every Day. I had the privilege of meeting Mary in person when she spoke to aspiring writers at the seminary where I study. While sharing bits of her life journey, she exuded a down-to-earth kindness and heart-felt desire to encourage.
Conclusion
Do you need a bit of encouragement, or do you know someone who does? I highly recommend The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible (available on April 12th). Take a journey to a worthy destination: “Misunderstood No More.”
Can women be pastors? Can women teach men? Is \”headship\” in the Bible? Do you have questions like this but are unsure which resources to trust? Download my complimentary resource guide.
If you are interested in studying more about what the Bible says and what church history reveals about women and the church, join the waitlist for my Theology of Women Academy online course, relaunching in 2022. It\’s an 8–Week deep dive into understanding the spectrum of biblical views and developing your beliefs about women and church leadership. This online course will move you from confusion to confidently equipped to form your views on women and the church. Thirty-two students, men and women from across 10 states and 4 international countries enrolled in the Fall 2021 pilot course and they have great things to say about what they learned–see testimonials here.
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