08/03/2026
Happy International Women’s Day!
They were there
before the crowds
before the arguments
before the shouting of hosanna
and the later shouting of crucify
women
watching
listening
learning the strange, fierce mercy of God
Mary who said yes
before she knew the cost
Elizabeth who recognised hope
before the world could see it
Mary who sat at his feet
unashamed to learn
when others said she should stay in the kitchen
women who followed
through dusty towns and long roads
who carried quiet faith
like water in clay jars
and the God who is faithful
saw them
not as background
not as afterthought
but as disciples
there were women he healed
women he restored
women he lifted from the weight of shame
others had placed on their shoulders
and they loved him
not with titles
not with power
but with courage
they stood close to the cross
when others ran
they watched
when the sky darkened
when hope seemed buried in stone
they waited
and the God who is life
honoured them
the first to hear
the first to see
the first to carry the news
that death had not won
and today
we see them still
women who pray quietly
women who hold families together
women who lead
teach
heal
serve
speak truth
women who carry faith
through ordinary days
through grief
through joy
through long unseen acts of love
and the God who is justice
still sees them
still calls them
still places resurrection hope
into faithful hands
and the Lenten road
is still walked
by women
who follow Christ
with courage
even now
© E Hamilton 2026
